Retirement
Indianapolis doesn’t have an ocean or the year-round warm weather of places that once were the dream destinations for retirees. But Indy does have a rapidly expanding senior population choosing to spend their “golden years” in the Hoosier capital city. An easy-to-navigate city with a friendly, inviting atmosphere, the nation’s 12th largest city has gone through a dramatic revitalization and remarkable renaissance, making it a far different place than it was even a decade ago. Today, Indy is an appealing mix of big-city amenities and small-town charm that makes it a great place to live.
Retirement today has evolved into an interesting balance of leisure, work, volunteerism, family, and travel. People still prefer to stay in their own homes as long as they are able. The idea of remaining in familiar communities, near family and friends, has even gotten a name—“Aging in Place.” As the baby-boomer generation eases into retirement, Aging in Place is expected to become even more important.
The same benefits that make Indianapolis such an attractive place for all ages—in a nutshell, a high quality of life combined with a relatively low cost of living—make it an especially desirable place for retired people. Those who have left the constraints of the work world now have even more time to enjoy Indy’s thousands of acres of parks, golf courses, historic attractions, music, world-class art, smorgasbord of restaurants, fun shopping, top-notch professional sports, and much more.
A number of retirement communities offer a range of lifestyle options, from independent to assisted living. An excellent senior citizens center with convenient branches throughout the area provides opportunities for recreation, travel, education, relaxation, and even volunteerism with friends old and new. For many retired people, the issue of health care becomes increasingly important. With many respected health institutions in town, health care access is excellent in Indianapolis.
The central location near major interstates, along with an international airport, makes getting in and out of town a breeze. Of course, turning that magic retirement age also means you get a reduced cost at many attractions detailed in this book, and you now can explore all the city offers. Indianapolis is a great place to grow old and to remain young at heart.
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Retirement
Address: 4755 Kingsway Dr.
2. Older Adult Service and Information System (OASIS)
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (317) 291-5033
Address: 6640 Parkdale Place
Description: Serving more than 26,000 members in the Indianapolis area, OASIS is the largest, most comprehensive national not-for-profit education and volunteer service for mature adults. OASIS is dedicated to enriching lives of adults age 50 and older through lifelong learning and service. Membership is free. Members receive a complimentary course catalog with programs in the arts and humanities, health and wellness, history and science, computers, and distance learning. Regular programs are offered at the four OASIS centers in Indianapolis and at other locations throughout the community.
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Retirement
Address: 324 Morris St.
4. The Abbey Apartments
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (317) 821-1903
Address: 4012 S. Mann Rd.
Description: Nestled in a meadow in a country setting, the Abbey Apartments are away from traffic and congestion but close to shopping, churches, and medical facilities. One-bedroom apartments include a full kitchen, with an on-site laundry room, individual indoor mailboxes, an entry access system, elevator, and community room. A social service coordinator is also available for assistance.
5. Christamore House
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (317) 635-7211
Address: 502 N. Tremont St.
Description: A United Way organization, Christamore House was founded in 1905 by two Butler University students. Its mission is to promote the general welfare of residents in the Haughville neighborhood, a west-side community near downtown Indy and the IUPUI campus. The Christamore House was built and moved to its location in 1924 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The senior program engages senior citizens in social activities, health and fitness, safety and senior benefits, field trips, and recreation. A hot meal is provided daily through Second Helpings. Gleaners Food Bank provides a monthly care package for every senior enrolled.
6. Citizen’s Multi-Service
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (317) 926-2351
Address: 601 E. 17th St.
7. Community Alliance of Far Eastside
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (317) 890-3288
Address: 8902 E. 38th St.
8. Concord Center
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (317) 637-4376
Address: 1310 S. Meridian St.
9. Crooked Creek Multi-Service Center 2990 W. 71st St.
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (317) 293-2600
10. Eagle Creek Worship/Community Center-Salvation Army
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (317) 299-4454
Address: 4400 N. High School Rd.
11. Edna Martin Christian Center
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (317) 637-3776
Address: 1970 Caroline Ave.
12. Flanner House of Indianapolis
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (317) 925-4231
Address: 2424 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
13. Fletcher Place Community Center
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (317) 636-3466
Address: 1637 Prospect St.
14. Forest Manor Multi-Service Center
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (317) 545-1204
Address: 5603 E. 38th St.
15. Fountain Square
City: Indianapolis, IN
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (317) 632-0156
Address: 1337 Shelby St.