The Advantages of Moving to a Retirement Village

Congratulations! You’ve reached the stage of life where you can kiss the nine to five goodbye, and enjoy the luxury of leisure after decades in the workforce. Perhaps you are thinking of downsizing, making a sea or tree change – or even moving to a retirement village. As part of your preparations for this new and exciting stage of your life, it’s a good idea to visit a financial adviser specialising in retirement planning, as well as doing some research into various villages to see what’s on offer. There are many benefits to retirement village living, take a look to see if these sound like they would suit you. Safety and Security The accommodation offered in a retirement village is designed to help seniors feel safe. The dwelling is usually security screened, and often they are gated communities with a reception desk and strong, lockable doors. Many come equipped with alarm systems so you can easily access help if you have a fall or need emergency assistance. There is also usually a strong sense of community which helps, and allays feelings of loneliness and isolation which may arise. Friends and Community Retirement villages are usually big places with a lot of individual accommodation on offer. That means there are a lot of people in exactly the same situation you, at the same point in their lives. There are friendships to be made, usually a community centre which holds regular activities and events and, depending on the retirement village, there might be a swimming pool, tennis court, bowling green or indoor cinema. There will always be something to do with like-minded people and new friendships to be made with people who have similar interests. Accessible One of the best things to know about retirement villages is that they are accessible. This means that all of the features that make life that bit easier as you grow older, are already available – things like non-slip floors, walk in showers, wider doorways, ramps and clear pathways to allow for walking frames or wheelchairs. The hard work has already been done so you don’t have to worry about adapting your home to your needs as you age. Most retirement villages are also located close to health care such as doctors surgeries, pharmacies, and hospitals. Public transport is also usually right at the front door so you don’t have to go far to hop on a bus. In fact, there may even be a village bus! Less Home and Garden Maintenance While some retirees thrive on pottering around the house cleaning or caring for a garden, many are tired of the continual maintenance and upkeep required by a house and yard. In a retirement village the garden is a lot smaller and more onerous tasks like mowing are usually handled by staff; while domestic support can be easily arranged. Organised Activities A move to a retirement village can feel like living in a resort full time, with great facilities and a wide range of activities on offer. These may include a fully serviced swimming pool, tennis court, bowling green or alley, putt putt, manicured gardens and picnic spots within the grounds, gymnasium or exercise equipment, library, cinema, hairdresser/beauty parlour, activity room for games and shows, table tennis, darts etc – you name it! There will also be plenty to fill the calendar, with regular bus trips and excursions – think concerts, theatre, golf, sporting events, restaurants, shopping etc. Positive Ageing When choosing a retirement village, it’s a good idea to look for a complex which is able to offer additional support should the need arise. There are a variety of options available to the elderly when they can no longer care for themselves. Some of these include occasional support and care in their current home, an aged care facility where 24-hour support and care is available or a retirement village where residents still have their own independence but support is available, if required. Now it’s just a matter of finding the right retirement village for you!