Economizing is important to retirees living on fixed incomes — even those in more affluent areas — but so is preserving the planet for their grandkids.

Senior communities are going green to appeal to the graying set. "There is an ever-increasing awareness among seniors," says Charles Brewer, president and CEO of Senior Quality Lifestyles Corp., a non-profit that built and operates Iburg's development and other upper-end retirement communities throughout Texas.