Hello Glenn,
Well the answer to your question varies. Normally you don't have to be 55 to buy in a senior community as long as your not living there. Also it will depend on the HOA and if they have restrictions on the age of the person buying and if you are "leasing" it to your in laws they may consider that a rental in which they may have restrictions on that as well. Where are you looking to purchase? I just listed a beautiful Senior home in Sun City right near the Cherry Hills Golf Course. We are asking $110,000 for the home. If you are interested send me an email or give me a call. Have an awesome day.
Grace