How to know if the retirement village lifestyle is right for you
So, what’s the appeal of a retirement village? The first thing most residents will tell you is “It’s like living in a resort.” That’s certainly true of most modern retirement villages, but there are even more positive benefits to living in a retirement community.
Here is a look at why many retirees choose to pack up the family home and move into retirement village living. You will soon know if it’s a choice that would work for you.
1) Facilities that provide a range of retirement lifestyle choices
What activities can you expect from a well-appointed retirement village? How about unlimited free access to premium facilities such as swimming pools, indoor or outdoor bowling greens, tennis courts, gym, snooker tables, a theatre, library, and clubhouse.
Most retirement villages offer a wide range of activities to keep you occupied. It might be Tai Chi on Monday, bowls classes Tuesday, Craft Circle Wednesday, Book Club Thursday… you get the idea!
And of course, a well-appointed retirement village will also provide plenty of spaces for you to just put your feet up and relax!
2) The opportunity to make new friends
One of the big attractions to retirement village living is the community atmosphere. Your neighbours will be close to your age and stage in life. Many will have similar interests, and there are plenty of places to meet and get to know one another.
The social aspect of retirement villages is why many chose to make the move. Where you currently live, you may have noticed the neighbourhood changing over the years. That’s not always a bad thing, but you might find it comforting to know that in your retirement you can choose to have people close by who you share more in common with: like-minded neighbours whose friendship you can enjoy in your golden years.
3) More ways to stay healthy in retirement
You may be in great health now, but ageing can bring challenges. It’s easier in your own home to settle into a sedentary lifestyle, while in a village with friends close by, you’ll be more inspired to enjoy walks together, join a bowls team, or find other activities to keep you healthy.
In a retirement community you have access to a range of health care facilities. Some may offer on-site appointments, with most villages are located close to medical centres and health professionals.
The social aspect of living in a retirement community cannot be underestimated. With a range of facilities right on your doorstep and friends to enjoy them with, it’s easier to keep your mind and body active and healthy. Pet-friendly villages give you the added health benefit of being able to have your furry companion with you too.
4) A team to take care of your needs
One of the great advantages of retirement village living is having a management team available (in some villages 24 hours a day) to organise everything for you from tradespeople to your social calendar!
In your own home, if you want something done you have to either do it yourself, ask a family member or neighbour, or pay for a professional. A good retirement community team will arrange everything from transport to and from appointments, tradespeople to fix and maintain your property.
5) Added security and safety in retirement
Your safety is a priority in modern retirement villages. In fact, they are built with your safety in mind, with features such as additional street lighting, security cameras in public areas, card access to shared facilities, and paths that are clear and clean with no nasty curbs to trip over. The houses in a retirement community also reflect the needs of retirees with modern design and safety features.
One of the interesting things you’ll notice if visiting after dark, is the number of residents out in the streets – walking their dogs, taking a bike ride, or strolling together to the clubhouse for a meal. It’s because they feel safe, unlike in many suburbs where older people lock themselves at home once the sun goes down.
In a retirement community you’ll find the added security of well-meaning neighbours who keep an eye on each other and will raise the alarm if something is amiss.
Come home every day to a life you love
If you feel retirement village lifestyle may be right for you (or your parents), make a time to explore Kensington Gardens. More than just a beautiful place to retire, Kensington Gardens has created an exciting, interesting, secure, and carefree lifestyle community that our residents truly love.
Our team at Kensington Gardens in Albury and Shepparton would love to show you through our secure retirement community. You’ll 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.
