Retirement villages vs aged care
Retirement villages and aged care aren’t the same thing.
Invest in your retirement lifestyle
Monday, 09 December 2024
When it comes to retirement, the best investment might not be financial. For many, it’s about prioritising quality of life and making the most of their retirement years.
When we think of investments, most of us picture savings accounts or property portfolios. But what if the greatest investment in retirement isn’t just financial? A lifestyle investment is about creating a life that brings you happiness, health and fulfillment.
Whether it’s having the time to travel, making new friends or simply not worrying about home maintenance, retirement living is a lifestyle investment that puts you first. Think of it as investing in freedom, wellbeing and a sense of security.
Harry and Margaret from The Aerie think so: “Since our move to a retirement village, there are so many things we don’t have to worry about anymore,” they told us, “The pricing structure allows us to manage our funds well and has given us so much more freedom.”
Retirement living provides an ideal environment to nurture meaningful connections, stay active and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle with purpose and happiness. It’s a choice that brings freedom and peace of mind for the years ahead.
It's time to invest in you
Considering what will enhance your quality of life is important when thinking about retirement. The Keyton Retirement Living Lifestyle Report shows just how much village life can offer:
- 65% of residents feel safer
- 46% feel less isolated
- 40% feel better supported
These facts reinforce how retirement living is so much more than just having a roof over your head. Quality of life during retirement is about creating an environment where you feel secure, connected and truly comfortable.
How to find the right fit
There's no one-size-fits-all approach for everyone's dream retirement. Finding the right fit for you is an important consideration. Do you want to stay close to family or settle near the beach? Are you looking for a pool, walking trails or a book club? Or maybe you’d love the freedom to lock up and travel whenever adventure calls.
For Harry and Margaret, the freedom to travel and explore hobbies was key in their decision to move to The Aerie.
“The best thing you can do is to think about your current lifestyle and how it might change. If you're like us and want to keep enjoying your hobbies but also have the time and freedom to explore new opportunities — or even travel — then it’s definitely worth considering,” they said.
“Since our move to a retirement village there are so many things that we don’t have to worry about anymore.”
If you’re wondering how to choose a retirement village, our experts have a list of easy questions you can ask to help choose a retirement community that’s right for you.
Making the numbers work
Yes, there are financial considerations to retirement living, but it’s all about balancing costs with the lifestyle benefits. Flexible plans and transparent pricing, like Keyton's four contract options, make the decision feel easier and more empowering.
Robert, a resident of Windsor Park, approached the decision with the help of a specialist lawyer. “We had four options on how we could buy and what would be left at the end. We went through that and took it to people who look after the legal side of things… they asked, 'Which option do you fancy?' We told them and they explained what would happen.” Reflecting on the process, Robert adds, “I found it really easy. We’re both very happy with what we’ve got.”
Ready to start crunching the numbers? Take a look at a few things you need to know about retirement village contracts before you sign on the dotted line.
The joy of belonging
A great retirement isn’t just about where you live, it’s about the connections you build. Loneliness and social isolation are common challenges for many older adults, but fostering strong social connections can significantly improve wellbeing and reduce health risks, according to the World Health Organisation.
Village life offers more than a place to call home; it’s a welcoming community where you can stay engaged, make friends and truly belong. Beyond financial security or health, it’s about finding connection and joy in a supportive environment filled with friendly faces and meaningful activities.
If you’re someone who thrives on social connections, village life could be a perfect fit. Most villages offer an array of resident activities, special interest groups and regular social events.
Satya, a resident of Classic Residences, loves being involved in her community. Whether she’s writing for the village newsletter, singing in the choir or getting creative with the sewing group, she’s now busier than ever.
“I have no time to think about anything, I’m just very busy doing things!” she laughs.
Read more about how Satya is embracing community spirit here.
Healthy ageing makes a difference
Retirement living doesn’t just boost your happiness, it can save you money, too. Living in a retirement village makes residents 20% less likely to require hospitalisation within nine months, according to the Retirement Living Council.
With low maintenance homes and a supportive community, life in a retirement village may help you stay healthier and save on healthcare costs. That’s why our villages are designed to put your health and wellbeing first, so you can stay active, connected and worry free.
A practical choice
Finding the right fit for your lifestyle is just as important as the decision to move. For Anne, a resident at The Aerie at Narrabundah, ACT, downsizing was a practical choice. With a fixed price and transparent contract options, she and her husband felt confident taking the next step.
“My husband was struggling with the stairs at our house in Red Hill, so we decided to downsize to a single story residence in 2021. We just wanted a smaller residence, in the area we were used to living in, that did not involve my husband having to navigate stairs and was going to be available at a fixed price (if not an auction) at a time that gave us enough time to sell our house,” she explains.
Time to start planning?
Your retirement plan is like a roadmap, guiding you through one of life’s biggest transitions. It should consider everything from your ideal retirement age to managing finances and creating the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.
Start preparing for the retirement lifestyle you’ve always wanted with our guide to retirement planning.
Your lifestyle is the ultimate investment
Retirement isn’t just about leaving work behind, it’s about stepping into a lifestyle that enhances your quality of life. Whether it’s enjoying the freedom to travel, connecting with a community or simply feeling secure in a home designed for your needs, retirement living is an investment in your wellbeing. Start planning today and discover how the right village can help make this new chapter your best yet.
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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