Vegan Retirement

Continuing care retirement communities, assisted living and skilled nursing homes in the United States are not dietary friendly for vegans and vegetarians. One solution is to build overseas. The warm tropical climate in Asia, Central and South America assures a continuous supply of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains. Long stay and resident retirees can select from a wide variety of plant based products grown through the organic, natural or conventional farming method.

Affordability is another issue. Medicare does not reimburse for custodial care. Private pay is prohibitively expensive. Those who are counting on Medicaid better think twice. The federal and state governments are running out money. The current sentiment is to reduce funding for both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. This is happening at a time when American baby boomers are retiring at the rate of 10,000 per day.

An entrance fee assures seniors lifetime care in the event all their assets are depleted. During the first year, the refund is 90%. Starting the second year, it is 80%. If the entrance fee is never used, the 80% is returned to the estate. Another guarantee are prices that are one half compared to similar facilities in the United States.

The first retirement community will be built within a secured lakeside resort in Talisay, Batangas, Philippines. It will be available for occupancy by late 2013. Housing design is bamboo bungalow in a green eco-village setting. Bamboo is environmentally friendly, growing at a very rapid rate. Bamboo groves release 35 percent more oxygen than forest trees. Bamboo can grow to heights above 100 feet, maturing within seven years. Forest trees of a similar height require 30 to 50 years of growth. Other indigenous building materials include palm leaves, rattan and coconut wood.

The design is similar to other senior communities including recreational activities like yoga, tai-chi, meditation, etc. In addition, Vegan Retirement offers volunteer opportunities. It could be something simple like engaging in conversation high school students who are learning English. Other possibilities include participation in earth friendly projects.