Homes for active adults add up to a growing niche, according to Roy Wendt, president of Wendt Builders. Baby boomers want to "continue to live independently in nice homes with aging-friendly features," he said.

Wendt specializes in homes for people 55 and older. As chairman of the Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association 50+ Housing Council and a founder of the Easy Living home coalition, he helps inform people about features that help them stay in their homes longer.

"We build a young-looking ranch product, with subtle differences that make them safer and more convenient for an aging owner," Wendt said. He pointed out that active-adult communities need four basic components: They should be secure, so many are gated; they should have lawn maintenance provided by a homeowners association; they should be close to shopping areas; and they should offer a social life.

"Our communities have a clubhouse where people can form hobby clubs or meet for activities," he said.

Easy Living homes include entrances without steps at the front of the home and from the garage, wider doorways and halls for wheelchairs or walkers and a large bath on the first floor.

Instead of knobs, cabinets have lever handles, which are easier to grasp. Under-cabinet lighting and drawers rather than doors in lower kitchen cabinets make it easier to see and reach items. A pull-out trash container requires less bending. Energy-efficient windows and recirculating pumps keep energy costs down, important for people on fixed incomes.

Wendt raises the level of vanities in bathrooms. In showers, he installs seats and an extra shower head with a hand-held sprayer. He also raises the platform for front-loading washer and dryer units. And a 911 emergency switch is installed and will cause the garage lights to blink in case of emergency.

"None of these changes cost much, but they can make life a lot easier for an older adult," Wendt said.

Active-adult communities target older folks, but younger couples are finding them a good investment. "We've had younger couples buy them because the features are helpful when their parents or older relatives come to visit," Wendt said.