Why move from a family home into retirement living?
In recent times, many seniors have taken the time to reassess their priorities. Perhaps being kept away from loved ones has brought home the need for community and to have a support network close by. It may have been a time to focus on health and wellbeing, and having the time to really enjoy those little, everyday moments.
When the time comes to make the decision whether to move into a retirement village, it’s worth looking at some of the reasons why others have made the move. It might help you weigh up your options and make the decision that’s right for you.
Here are just seven of the many reasons more seniors are choosing the retirement village lifestyle.
1) The desire for greater social contact
Social isolation is sadly becoming a growing problem in Australia with older people opting to stay home for fears over safety, through lack of a strong social circle, or simply out of boredom.
You need never be bored in a retirement village! There are plenty of opportunities for residents to get to know one another and build close friendships. You can expect to find a wide range of recreational facilities, community rooms and organised social activities both onsite and off-site.
Of course, you can also have a little quiet time when you need to, but it’s a comfort knowing there’s a bunch of good friends close by if you want to get out for a little social fun.
2) Being more active
The benefits of keeping active as you age are well documented. Most retirement villages offer a wide range of activities to keep you moving at whatever pace suits you – whether that’s yoga, lawn bowls, or a few gentle laps of the pool, or something more strenuous like aerobics classes, a game of tennis or a workout in the gym. There will be something to suit your level (or lack) of fitness! You may also find a village with easy access to community facilities such as a golf course.
It’s also important to keep your mind active, so retirement villages often run their own clubs such as men’s shed, craft circles, book club or even a U3A. Most will welcome your ideas and input and you may find yourself on an organising committee, or even teaching. It all helps keep the grey matter working.
3) Living in a safe, secure environment
As you age you need to feel safe, secure, and comfortable – both inside your home and when you step out the front door. Residential retirement village living provides just that: a home that is built with safety and comfort in mind and a community where you can feel relaxed walking your dog, visiting your neighbours or returning home from a night at ‘the club.’
Design features of retirement village homes take into consideration the needs of their residents – now and into the future. They vary from village to village, and you can often request additions to suit your mobility requirements.
Externally, there are often security lights and cameras, ‘no-trip’ safety features and on-site management to give you added peace of mind. Often someone is on call around the clock should you require urgent attention.
There’s also the sense of security that comes with living in a community of like-minded people. You won’t have to worry about late night parties next door or broken bottles on the lawn, and you won’t need earplugs to block out screaming children or barking dogs. You can finally rest easy.
4) Ease of transportation
With just about everything you need on your doorstep, or close by, you may rarely need to venture out in your car. Most retirement villages have everything within walking distance or offer golf buggies or other forms of internal transport to residents.
If you need to travel further, there’s often a shuttle bus or other transport service available. Most residents find they use their car less and less as they settle into enjoying all the amenities their community has to offer.
5) The retirement lifestyle you’ve dreamed of
Nothing compares to retirement village living when it comes to facilities, except perhaps a resort! You’ll find villages with pools, spa, tennis court, bowling green, golf course or putting green and beautiful outdoor facilities such as BBQ areas, gazebos, and walking paths.
Inside you can expect to find a clubhouse, bistro or dining areas offering regular entertainment. There could be a theatre, indoor bowling alley, gym, pool table and games room, a library and massage or beauty room. It’s like being on holiday, every day!
6) The convenience of services close-by
Many retirement villages have regular visits from medical and allied health service providers. You may find you don’t need to leave the village to see a physiotherapist, podiatrist, or exercise physiologist.
Beauty service providers may also come to you so you can book in a time to have your hair, nails or feet pampered – all conveniently within a short stroll of your home.
You may also find a retirement village that is conveniently located close to a major shopping centre with health care services, restaurants, shops and entertainment.
7) Low-maintenance living
One of the main attractions of retirement villages is the low-maintenance lifestyle. You can enjoy the stunning gardens, the clean swimming pool, and the leaf-free streets without ever having to lift a finger.
Even when you go on holidays, you can just lock up your home and leave, knowing everything will be looked after for you, ready for your return.
Choose to come home to Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens retirement communities in Albury and Shepparton offer a wonderful lifestyle to come home to. We’d love to show you what makes our retirement villages so popular – and so very different.
Our residents truly love living at Kensington Gardens and together, we’ve created a secure, friendly, interesting, and carefree community. We invite you to come for a visit and see how retirement living really should be!
Arrange your safe, socially distanced tour by calling Kensington Gardens at Albury on 02 6049 3100 or Shepparton on 03 5820 5100 today or get in touch online to book a time to come in and visit us.
