This insightful book focuses on state-of-the-art retirement communities in the United States today. Experts from the fields of urban planning, architecture, and aging present in-depth profiles of a variety of retirement communities. The changing function and character of retirement communities--resulting from changes in supply and demand, alternate lifestyles, and other environmental needs of an ever-increasing aging population--are explored. The timely discussions in this useful resource offer insights into the relative strengths and weaknesses of various types of retirement communities with respect to the varying needs, abilities, and desires of older people.