Retirement can be a golden age, where free time and wealth translate to real estate dreams. As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, more and more already homeowners are looking to buy second homes.

But careful consideration should be made when looking where to retire.

With rising home prices, not every retired person can afford to live close enough to a beach to permit visits that do not require extensive planning or costs. But if money isn't the object, then you may want to consider how you'll be able to get around if mobility becomes an issue.

Begin by asking these questions:

• Are the attractions (docks, piers, beaches) located close to home?

• Must one travel (by roadway or even walkway) to access them?

• How far will you need to travel to the area? Long trips in the vehicle can become painful for those with achy joints and muscles. And if one is unable to drive, finding a ride may become a nuisance.

• Are there access fees?

• Is physical access freely available/are their handicap accesses? Are walkways steep or lengthy?

While many second homes are used as vacation destinations for the whole family, young and old alike, buyers should consider what their own needs will be 5, 10, and 20 years from now, especially if this new home will be their permanent residence.

• Will you likely use and enjoy the resource? Hint: Many love to ski -- but will you be able to at 65, 70, or 80 years of age? (I hope we can!)

• Can you physically use the natural resource? And if you can, will you likely do so? Be honest here.

• Does the price of buying a home near the resource translate into your budget even if you don't use the resource, or would buying in a less costly location, leaving more money free to travel or explore other interests serve you better?

• Is the area a vacation destination? How do you feel about sharing your space with renters and vacationers? Many people love being in the center of new people and ideas, while others prefer privacy.

• Are you really a (insert your natural resource here) person? Sometimes we have grand dreams of spending days on the beach or on the slopes, but will you tire of this activity after a few months?

Many California and European beaches seem to have it right when it comes to retired persons, and really everyone for that matter. They are often very easy to access, with few physical limitations.

For example, California has free beaches, which means that you do not have to walk 4 blocks to a booth to pay a beach fee -- a great help for everyone from young families lugging cooler and toddlers to golden timers who may just want some sun -- not to run a marathon to empty their pockets.

Certain places devote more private and government effort to make sure that natural resources are available and usable now and in the future -- an important issue to consider if this property serves as an investment. If the city or area treats the area with respect, property values are probably set to rise. Do the residents respect and use the area as well? A good example of this is in Colorado ski towns, which have seen real estate values rise as their area is used and marketed as vacation destinations.

Natural resources should play a significant part of retirement. But making it all fit together takes planning and realistic self-assessments. Good Luck!