The Retirement Living Council, an arm of the Property Council of Australia, predict 18,000 retirement dwellings will be built from 2023-2030.

With the high demand for retirement living, be it an independent living unit in a retirement village or a manufactured home in a land lease community, it’s clear many know the benefits.

Its November 2023 report ‘Better Housing for Better Health’ claimed that residents in retirement communities are:

  • 15% more physically active;
  • 41% happier, and both physically and mentally healthier;
  • Five times more socially active;
  • Twice as likely to catch up with family or friends, and
  • Have reduced levels of depression and loneliness.

The Gen Seen Report 2024, which forms part of the Australian Seniors Research Series, shows what it means to age in 2024, flipping the narrative on ageing and shedding light on the disparity between societal views and how we view ourselves. 

60% of Aussies aged 50 and above feel they are yet to hit their prime. For those aged 70 and above, they hit their prime aged 59 on average.

The report revealed for many of us discovering unexpected joys in simple pleasures (61%) and developing a greater appreciation for living in the moment (56%) play an important and satisfying role in our journey towards ageing. We also find meaning in travelling and exploring new places (51%), building stronger relationships with our friends and family (46%), taking care of our physical and mental health (44%), and reflecting on our personal growth and our past experiences (38%).

Almost half (45%) of the people surveyed actively embrace natural ageing and foster a sense of pride in the wisdom and life experience that comes with being over 50.

The majority (58%) are committed to maintaining a positive mindset in the face of ageism. Almost half (48%) engage in activities that bring joy and fulfilment and focus on an active lifestyle.

“We’re largely on the same page that the top secret to ageing well is happiness (80%),” said the report.

Generational divide

55% of people surveyed believe Generation Z, the Zoomers, are the worst ‘ageist’ offenders, with many (85%) citing intergenerational differences in beliefs (60%), behaviours (46%) and attitudes (42%) as the cause for the divide. Personal experiences reinforce these perceptions, with nearly a quarter (23%) falling victim to slurs like ‘OK Boomer’, and 1 in 6 (14%) women facing being called a ‘Karen’.

Consequently, it’s unsurprising that almost a third surveyed (31%) feel annoyed or frustrated, while others report feeling patronised (30%) or undervalued and disrespected (30%) by these remarks.