As you make the transition from full-time work to semi-retirement or full retirement, you may be wondering what your options are for your next move.
Retirement villages are a great option for you to live independently, but still downsize your home and day-to-day living costs. More than 187,000 senior Australians call a retirement village home, and this number is expected to rise over the next few years.
It’s important to consider what you really want out of your retirement before you make any big decision about your next move. If you’re looking for independent living with the support and help there when you need it, a retirement village could be the right choice for you.
What is a retirement village?
A retirement village is a managed community for over-55s who are recently retired or considering retirement in the very near future. While the name might be confusing, you don’t need to be completely retired to be eligible for a retirement community. You could be working part time as you transition to retirement, or working casually to keep busy and active while supplementing your retirement income.
Residents of a retirement village are active individuals who lead independent, social lives. They may enjoy a range of activities within the village community, but also lead active lives outside of the community with friends or family. A retirement village encourages a social lifestyle on a day-to-day basis. It’s a great place to meet new friends and find new hobbies, as well as a safe, secure home-base if you choose to travel in your retirement.
Retirement villages enable independent living in small units or flats, with shared ‘common’ facilities in the village, such as gardens, lawns, swimming pools, community centres or halls. Retirement villages are designed to be low maintenance, safe and secure. You can lock up and leave on your holiday knowing your home will be kept in top condition, as well as remain safe and secure while you’re away.
Why should I choose a retirement village?
Maintaining your independence is essential as you make the transition from your working life to retirement. Your home location should take into account not just your financial situation, but also lifestyle needs in your senior years.
You might choose a retirement village to meet new, like-minded friends, or to downsize your home without sacrificing your independence. A retirement village can offer the security and peace of mind that you might not find elsewhere when living independently in retirement.
Benefits of being part of a retirement village include:
- An active social community around you with like-minded peers.
- Reducing the cost and the time in maintenance to your home.
- The flexibility to live independently with help there if and when you need it.
- Freedom to come and go as you please and make the most of your retirement doing what you love.
- The convenience to live independently while sharing great recreational facilities in the community.
What should I consider when choosing a retirement village?
When it comes time to consider your next move, there are a few things to consider when reviewing independent living options and retirement villages.
Firstly, consider what you want out of your retirement.
Are you quite active and sporty? Do you enjoy the outdoors, or are you more of an indoors person? Do you enjoy playing board games and cards or do you prefer getting your hands dirty in the garden? Carefully evaluate what kinds of things you enjoy doing for fun. Look for a retirement village that enables you to enjoy your retirement the way you want to.
Next, consider what you need in the next stages of your life.
If you’re beginning to need a little more help with mobility or balance, you may want to consider a provider that can create a safe, supportive environment for you. Research how they assist their residents to live independent lives. Look for any mobility features their facilities have, such as handrails, ramps or wheelchair and walker-accessible entry ways.
You should also consider how close you would like to be to shopping centres, hospitals, public parks or restaurants and cafe precincts. If you have family nearby, you might want to stay close to keep in touch.
Finally, consider your financial situation.
When you’re narrowing down your options for independent living in a retirement village, make sure you’re completely clear on all financial obligations. Contact your lawyer or personal accountant and have them go over the fine print or contract with you. Be completely aware of the costs you’re signing up for and where your money is going. Find out if you will be buying or renting your property and ask how will maintenance fees be organised or divided up between residents.
Independent living in retirement is something a lot of people look for when they’re making their next move.
Living in a retirement village can offer great independence with the added benefit of security and a social, active community around you.
Greenfields Living in Darwin offers independent seniors living communities for active retirees, with the freedom to enjoy your retirement on your own terms. We provide private, gated communities for individuals and couples, with resort-style facilities and regular activities and social events. All maintenance is done by us on your behalf, so you don’t need to stress about having to carry out upkeep on your home or building.
Ready to join the vibrant Greenfields Living community and enjoy the best possible retirement lifestyle?
Contact us now for more information.
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