SUN BLOCK: TODAY’S RETIREES HAVE MORE THAN WEATHER IN MIND WHEN RELOCATING

Not long ago, many people nearing retirement age thought a lot about the weather when considering their retirement home. More specifically, they sought locations with the most sunshine. Today however, while warm temperatures are still a significant factor in making this decision, a number of other considerations are coming into play fueled in part by the cost of living and access to quality health care. Consequently, a new group of states has emerged to join traditional retiree hotspots Florida and Arizona among Boomer favorites.

RETIREES CLOCKING IN, NOT OUT. MORE INDEED PLAN TO WORK IN RETIREMENT

As the Baby Boomer generation approaches retirement age, many are not ready to hang up their gloves for good just yet. While many want to fight boredom, some simply enjoy working. Others want to better position themselves financially. According to the 2010 Del Webb Baby Boomer Survey, young Boomers in particular are resigned to the fact that they will be working longer than those who turned 50 some 15 years ago. So that’s the plan, but what did they do? Among current retirees, fewer than 40% report actually working since retiring.

RETIREMENT OUT OF REACH? MANY BOOMERS THINK SO

While many people say they like to work, many feel it is a necessity. Partly due to the country's struggling economy, its impact on investment accounts, and the fact many have not begun saving, 41% of today's 50-year-old Baby Boomers think they will never be financially prepared to quit working, according to the 2010 Del Webb Baby Boomer Survey. Conversely, Del Webb residents surveyed feel much better about the future and their retirements.

BODY AND MIND: BABY BOOMERS TODAY TUNING BOTH IN RETIREMENT

There is little time to relax in retirement, as today's Baby Boomers used to living in the fast lane have no plans to slow down. Not only do many of them want to continue working when they retire, they also want to live in communities that foster active lifestyles that stimulate their bodies and brains everyday. From parasailing to rappelling to gourmet cooking classes and botanical gardening – not to mention yoga, biking and kayaking – today's retirees want to stay busy. These active Boomers are the ideal residents at Del Webb.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE RATHER THAN TEE TIME: BABY BOOMERS EMBRACE VOLUNTEERISM

To achieve a sense of self-fulfillment, and to keep their professional skills sharp, today’s Baby Boomers are embracing volunteerism and giving back to the communities in which they live. What are they doing? Food banks, hospital volunteers, mentoring, and veteran causes all make the list. Del Webb conservatively estimates that its residents give back more than 3 million volunteer hours per year.

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