Affinity communities, which target seniors of a specific ethnicity or interest, are becoming increasingly popular across the nation.
In the Chicago area, Indian American, Hispanic and Greek American senior communities are among the most common, according to the Chicago Daily Herald. Chinese American hubs have popped up all over California, and in Seattle, a retirement community specifically caters to the Japanese American elderly.
These communities are defined by their niche demographic, religion or common interest. Culture-specific senior living has expanded because the elderly, many of whom were born outside of the U.S., find comfort in their native culture and seek familiar surroundings for retirement.
The Verandah Retirement Community in Hanover Park, IL, serves as a prime example. As the Midwest’s first retirement community to specifically cater to Indian and Asian ethnic groups, it will provide a cultural experience via cuisine, activities and entertainment, the Daily Herald reports.
On its website, the Verandah also boasts in-house medical services, and is the nation’s first ethnic community to provide a full spectrum of medical care. The center will also celebrate both Indian and American holidays, and will serve traditional Indian and vegetarian meals.
The Verandah is a pioneer in many respects, but many similar affinity communities are cropping up to provide seniors with a more familiar place to retire.
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