Active lifestyle communities have long been a popular choice for older adults seeking wellness, social engagement, and a strong sense of community. Historically, residents in these communities have shown increasing tenure, with many staying well over a decade, drawn to the amenities and vibrant atmosphere. However, new research [1] reveals a striking shift: the median homeownership tenure has dropped post-COVID, reflecting a broader nationwide trend in homeownership duration. 
COVID-19 has caused a devastating loss of life in the U.S. The surge in mortality had a noticeable impact on national longevity: life expectancy at birth dropped by about 2.7 years over 2020–2021, falling from 78.8 years in 2019 to 76.1 years in 2021. This marked the largest two-year decline in U.S. life expectancy in a century (since 1921–1923). Older adults experienced especially high COVID-19 death rates [2].
Beyond acute infections, many COVID-19 survivors have endured long-term health issues, known commonly as Long COVID or post-COVID conditions. The pandemic’s impact on mental health is another significant health consequence, sometimes termed a “mental health crisis". The prolonged stressors of the pandemic – including illness and grief, social isolation, job loss, and uncertainty – led to sharp increases in anxiety, depression, and substance abuse nationwide. By late 2020, public health experts were warning of a “second pandemic” of mental health issues.
The pandemic catalyzed major shifts in how and where people work in the United States. Perhaps the most visible change was the mass adoption of remote work. Given that remote work has allowed more people to move into scenic, retirement-friendly locations, one might expect tenure to increase rather than decrease. However, health consequences were likely outweighing this impact.
Utilizing longitudinal surveys (2018, 2021, 2023, 2024) and property transaction records, researchers examined why residents in retirement-style communities are moving out sooner. While national housing trends have been influenced by economic uncertainty, remote work, and shifting homeownership dynamics, these factors alone do not fully explain the accelerated turnover in active lifestyle communities.
One might assume that dissatisfaction is a leading factor in shorter tenure, but this study found that resident satisfaction remains consistently high at 93%, far exceeding the national average for similar communities (~73%).
Another emerging trend is that newer and younger residents—those who settled in active lifestyle communities post-pandemic—are significantly more sensitive to financial costs than their older, long-term counterparts. This financial sensitivity is expected to influence governance decisions, amenity funding strategies, and overall community stability.
This shift in tenure presents both a challenge and an opportunity. If residents are leaving due to health concerns rather than dissatisfaction, community leaders should focus on enhancing wellness support, improving access to preventive healthcare, and fostering even stronger social connections.
At the same time, addressing financial concerns—especially among newer residents—will be crucial in maintaining the long-term viability of these communities. Adjusting amenity funding strategies and providing cost-effective solutions may help mitigate financial pressures and sustain resident satisfaction.
More research is needed to fully understand the evolving needs of active lifestyle communities, particularly in light of demographic shifts and economic pressures. However, one thing is clear: these communities must continue to adapt—not just to attract new residents, but to support existing ones in staying healthier and happier for longer.
REFERENCES
Irene S. Gabashvili, Christopher K. Allsup. Resident Turnover and Community Satisfaction in Active Lifestyle Communities. February, 2025 arXiv:2502.15789 [stat.AP] https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2502.15789
Gabashvili IS The Incidence and Effect of Adverse Events Due to COVID-19 Vaccines on Breakthrough Infections: Decentralized Observational Study With Underrepresented Groups JMIR Form Res 2022;6(11):e41914 doi: 10.2196/41914, PMID: 36309347, PMCID: 9640199
