Retirement is a significant moment in anyone’s life. The decisions you make in the lead-up and early stages of your retirement have a major impact on your life.
For this reason, choosing the perfect retirement village is a hugely important choice. Let’s analyze some of the key factors you should consider when it comes to finding the right property for you to spend your golden years.
Understanding your needs and preferences
Perhaps the most important part of this process is understanding your personal needs and preferences as a retiree (or soon-to-be retiree). What is it that you personally want out of your dream retirement village?
Consider the following aspects:
Your ideal location for retirement
Preferred proximity to social activities and amenities
Lifestyle preferences
Take the time to really map out your ideal scenario. Discuss with your loved ones before you begin your search in earnest.
Research and compare
Once you have a clear idea of what you're looking for, it's time to begin the research and comparison process. Utilise online resources, attend information sessions, and seek recommendations. Look at each village's website to gather information about their services, facilities, and community activities.
For example, Living Choice homes for retirement have extensive information available online covering these areas and many more.
Visit
Of course, an on-paper rundown of the services and facilities offered by a retirement village doesn’t give you all the necessary information. The overall atmosphere and culture of a village are equally crucial.
A great way to get an impression of the atmosphere and culture of a village is by paying a visit. This is an option offered by many retirement villages, and gives you a chance to see the day-to-day workings of the village and interact with residents.
Financial considerations
Understanding the financial implications of a given retirement village is critical to choosing the right one for you. Various financial considerations you’ll need to take into account include:
Deferred management fees
Ongoing costs
Exit fees
You might even consider enlisting the help of a financial advisor to ensure you find the right retirement village for you, and get a solid deal in the process.
Community engagement and lifestyle
The community spirit of the retirement village you choose can make or break your experience. One way retirement communities foster this spirit is with clubs and other organized activities.
Here are some examples of clubs or organizations you might find in a retirement village. If these appeal to your ideal retirement lifestyle, look for communities which will enable you to explore these passions:
Arts and crafts clubs: Many retirement village clubs offer activities like painting, knitting, pottery, and other creative pursuits. They provide an excellent opportunity to learn new skills for some, or continue a lifelong passion for others.
Gardening clubs: For green thumbs, gardening groups can be a delightful way to spend your twilight years. Some retirement villages even boast communal gardens or allotments that residents can tend to.
Book clubs: A staple in many retirement communities, book clubs are a great way to stimulate the mind and engage in thoughtful discussion with fellow residents. It’s also a low-stress activity just about anyone can participate in.
Exercise and Fitness Classes: Many villages offer a range of fitness activities, such as yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, or tai chi. These classes can be tailored to a range of fitness and mobility levels.
Walking and Hiking Clubs: For the more adventurous, walking and hiking clubs take advantage of nearby parks and trails. This serves up exercise and social interaction to residents.
Music and Choir Groups: Music enthusiasts should consider joining a choir or band in a retirement village.
Dance Classes: From ballroom to line dancing, dance classes are an immensely enjoyable way of staying active.
Board Game and Card Game Nights: Regular game nights are the perfect retirement village social lubricant Games can range from bridge and mahjong to more modern board games like Monopoly.
Cooking Clubs: For those who love to cook and share recipes, cooking clubs are a great way to explore culinary skills and enjoy meals together. They might even enable you to unleash your inner Michelin-star chef!
Language and Culture Groups: Learning a new language or exploring different cultures is widely regarded as an excellent way to broaden the mind. It’s a great retirement village pastime.
Technology Workshops: To keep pace with the rapidly advancing digital world, some villages offer workshops on using computers, smartphones, and other technology. These can involve guest speakers coming in to offer all the latest tips and tricks.
Volunteering and Community Service: Many retirement villages encourage residents to engage in community service or volunteering. This can deliver a sense of purpose to seniors.
Special Interest Lectures and Workshops: Guest speakers and workshops offer intellectual stimulation and remarkable learning opportunities. They might cover history, anthropology and a wealth of other subjects.
Travel Clubs: You certainly aren’t restricted to only spend time within your retirement village. Organizing group trips, whether local day outings or longer excursions, can be a major highlight for intrepid residents.
Golf and Lawn Bowls Clubs: For those who enjoy these leisurely sports, some retirement villages have their own golf courses or lawn bowls facilities. This can be an incredible option for seniors who want to enjoy their favorite hobbies on their doorstep.
Photography Clubs: A photography club is the perfect way for residents to share their passion for photography, learn new techniques, and explore their local area through the lens of their favorite camera.
Future care needs
Don’t overlook potential future care needs you will face in your retirement. The reality of ageing is that your health will deteriorate over time. So while full-blown aged care facilities might not be necessary for your retirement village of choice right now, they might be in the future.
Consider how your health needs might change over time and factor that into the decision.
While there is plenty to consider when it comes to retirement villages, the good news is that with the right research and time investment, you can find the perfect property to settle down for you.
