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Still working? Here’s why over 55s are choosing retirement villages early
Thursday, 15 May 2025
Many people are making the move to retirement villages while still working and finding that it’s one of the best decisions they’ve made.
When you hear the term retirement village, it’s easy to assume it’s a place reserved solely for those who’ve already clocked out of the workforce for good. But here’s the truth and don't be surprised, because retirement villages aren’t just for retirees, they’re for anyone over 55 who’s ready to embrace a more relaxed, community-focused lifestyle, even while still working full-time or part-time.
There’s also a common myth that you have to be 'old enough' to live in a retirement village. But age is just a number. What really matters is the lifestyle you’re looking for. A retirement village can be the perfect setting to simplify life, downsize your home, connect with others and enjoy more time for the things you love, all while keeping your career or business going.
The following residents will give you many reasons to make that empowering decision to move while still working.
The working residents
Deb moved into Koorootang Court while working full-time and she describes it as one of the best lifestyle decisions she’s made. Now working remotely several days a week, she supports a major hospital redevelopment project from the comfort of her unit. “I used to think retirement villages were only for people who couldn’t manage their homes anymore. But it’s not like that at all. It’s about freedom, ease and community. It suits so many different stages of life.”
“I used to think retirement villages were only for people who couldn’t manage their homes anymore. But it’s not like that at all. It’s about freedom, ease and community. It suits so many different stages of life.”
Peter and Jan moved into Waverley Country Club in 2016 to join friends already living there. While Peter is retired from a long insurance career and stays active through community roles, Jan continues to work as a customer service manager for McDonald's, overseeing more than 30 metro stores.
Peter and his wife Jan moved into a retirement village while still working. Peter is now retired, but Jan continues to enjoy her career.
Colin from Hibiscus Buderim Meadows moved in at 60 while still running his courier business and worked for another seven years. “Many residents today still work, it’s just a reality of modern life. The idea that villages are only for those who are fully retired is outdated. I knew I made the right decision.”
Working residents who made a smart financial choice
For many residents, the move into a retirement village is about planning smart and simplifying life. Jeff, a business advisor and consultant from Koorootang Court still works full-time on his own terms from his home office. For him, the decision was a joint one made with his wife after realising the weight of mortgage costs was becoming unsustainable. “Selling our previous home meant we could eliminate the growing burden of mortgage costs. We didn’t know how many more years I’d keep working but this move gave us certainty and security either way. We needed a change and we loved the village at the time of our visit, so we went ahead with it.”
“I was still paying off a mortgage. Moving into the village gave me a way to reset financially while still enjoying my independence.”
Janice, who moved into Burwood Terrace while still working as a part-time sales associate, saw it as a smart financial move too. “I was still paying off a mortgage. Moving into the village gave me a way to reset financially while still enjoying my independence.”
For another two residents from Burwood Terrace, Kathy and Wendy, moving while working was a smart, timely decision that set them up for the future while still enjoying their independence. “I didn’t want to wait until it became harder to move. I also had in mind the government’s superannuation incentive which allowed me to contribute up to a significant amount of money from the sale of my home,” says Kathie while Wendy thought rather than buying a unit and later moving into a retirement village, she might as well go straight into one.
Allan, from Hibiscus Buderim Meadows, who also works full time in retail says, "What I love about my lifestyle now is that I am debt-free, have holidays, freedom and live in a safe environment."
"What I love about my lifestyle now is that I am debt-free, have holidays, freedom and live in a safe environment."
The benefits of moving in while still working
For many residents, choosing to move into a retirement village has offered them simplicity, security and a lifestyle that supports their wellbeing and productivity. As Deb explains, “My daily routine hasn’t changed much. It’s made life so much easier. There’s a real sense of community here. If I’m away, someone waters my garden or picks up my parcel. And if I haven’t been seen for a few days, someone will check in. That kind of support is rare. For single people especially, the village offers a built-in support system like someone to say good morning to, to walk the dog with or to enjoy a coffee and conversation. I work from home, it helps combat isolation. Here, I can take a walk and always run into someone up for a chat. It’s really grounding.”
“My daily routine hasn’t changed much, other than the fact that I don’t have to worry about gardening and house upkeep. It’s made life so much easier.”
For Kathy, the simplicity of downsizing is a major plus, “There’s far less housework and my current garden is just the right size. Even with a busy work life, I've found my social circle expanding at Hibiscus Buderim Meadows. Most of my socialising happens after hours and there’s always something going on. It’s a very friendly and caring community.”
“There’s far less housework and my current garden is just the right size. Even with a busy work life, I've found my social circle expanding."
Advice to someone considering retirement
Many residents admit they once misunderstood what retirement villages were all about but now they’re passionate advocates for making the move while still working. "Some friends thought I was too young to move in or confused retirement villages with aged care but that’s just not what this is. This is a lifestyle decision. Do your homework and find the right fit. I realised I’d rather be in a warm, welcoming community with all the amenities I need than alone in a big house," says Kathy.
"I realised I’d rather be in a warm, welcoming community with all the amenities I need than alone in a big house."
Jeff recalls, “I resisted the idea for years but now I encourage others and that it’s more of a lifestyle village than anything else… many have pools, bowls, tennis and great shared spaces.” Deb suggests something simple, “Come to happy hour. Meet the residents, see the space and experience the lifestyle for yourself. You don’t have to give anything up, you actually gain so much.” While Colin advises, “If you join a bit younger, you ease into it. Each stage of life becomes easier. You wouldn’t get that kind of support or connection living outside.”
So, are you ready to make your rewarding choice to move into a retirement village?
For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or send us an email here.
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