Leaving your family home and moving into a retirement village is a big step, but there are many benefits. People kick themselves later, realising they should have done the move sooner.
Here are eight reasons to think about why a retirement village might be good for you. Forget the notion “downsize” – it is a nonsense.” Rightsize might be a better term.
No longer on your own
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimated one in five older people suffer from social isolation. Social isolation is the lack of social contacts and having few people to interact with regularly. In retirement living, residents can take part in as little or as much as they want, it’s their choice.
Retirement villages are specifically designed to counter social isolation, and foster a sense of belonging and community. There are a range of social activities and events, which has a positive effect on health and wellbeing.
Live longer and feel better
Retirement villages are specifically designed to counter social isolation and to create a community spirit, a sense of belonging. A study from Sweden found leisure activity in those aged 75 and more, prolonged a woman’s life by five years and a man’s by six years.
McCrindle Baynes research of over 5,000 retirement village residents for village.com.au found 46% of residents reported improved mental health.
Stringent infection control and cleanliness
Have you heard of a retirement village closed because of a case of COVID-19? They prevented any serious outbreak with stringent infection control. Walk into any retirement village and you will be amazed how clean it is.
Reduce the risk of disability
Research conducted by Rush University Medical Centre found that people who are more socially active are less likely to become disabled – less likely to need help with daily activities or mobility.
Fewer and shorter hospital stays
The Property Council of Australia reports that retirement villages provide services that enable residents to have shorter hospital stays – and fewer of them. In fact, retirement village residents leave hospital a full two days earlier than non-residents. That’s because retirement village residents can be discharged into a safe environment that’s equipped with hand railings, ramps, an emergency call system and on-site support staff.
Visit the GP less often
In the Property Council report, it’s estimated that over 65s visit their local GP about 6-7 times a year. In contrast, residents in retirement villages make 1-3 fewer visits each year. They attribute this to the fact that many retirement villages have staff on-site who can assist with minor health concerns.
In almost all villages, residents can choose from a range of care and support services to meet their individual needs, whether that means ongoing, daily support, in a care apartment or flexible services delivered right into their home.
Lower the risk of dementia
Research shows that engaging in meaningful activities can reduce the risk of stress-related illnesses and dementia. Specifically, activities with purpose – like music, drawing, meditation, reading, and arts and crafts – are particularly helpful in boosting health and well-being.
Delay the move to aged care
The latest Retirement Living Council PWC Census found if a person enters an Independent Living Unit they stay 8.7 years and in a retirement village five years. If you decide to enter a retirement village you will 9get to enjoy the village facilities and lifestyle benefits of retirement living for longer.