Retirement villages vs aged care
Retirement villages and aged care aren’t the same thing.
10 myths about retirement living busted
Monday, 01 September 2025
Think retirement villages mean giving up your independence, your pets or your social life? Think again. We’re busting the top 10 myths about retirement living.
When people hear the words “retirement village” the image that pops into their head often doesn’t match reality.
Too many myths make retirement living sound like something to delay when in truth, it’s the opposite. We hear so many residents comment, “I wish I’d made the move sooner!”
Retirement living is about giving you more freedom, not less. Let’s set the record straight.
1. “It’s only for people who need care.”
Retirement villages are not aged care. Instead, they are best suited to over 55s who are looking for a low maintenance lifestyle.
While aged care facilities are best for people who need ongoing care and support, retirement villages are all about independent living within a supportive, community environment.
Read about the differences between retirement villages and aged care.
2. “I’m too young.”
Retirement villages are open to anyone over the age of 55. You don’t even need to be retired to join the community. After all, age is just a number, what really matters is the lifestyle you want.
Many people make the move while they’re still working, running a business or travelling regularly. A retirement village can be the ideal way to simplify life, downsize your home and free up more time for the things you love.
Read about residents who are working while living in a retirement village.
3. “It feels institutional.”
These days, you’d be forgiven for mistaking many villages for a holiday resort.
Gone are the days of bland hallways and hospital vibes. Modern retirement villages look and feel more like a boutique gated community, complete with beautifully landscaped grounds, architecturally designed homes, resort style amenities and welcoming community spaces.
The best way to get a feel for the right village for you is to search villages near you and book a personal tour.
4. “It’s too expensive and the exit fees are too high.”
Retirement living can be more affordable than many realise. Fees will vary depending on the type of contract you choose.
At Keyton, we offer four different ways to buy so you can make a confident choice that suits your lifestyle.
Get the facts on affordability and contracts.
5. “I’ll have to give up my pet.”
“Can I bring my pet?” is one of the most common questions we hear.
The truth is, most villages are pet friendly, so you can bring your cat, dog or bird to your new home. Pets just need approval from the village manager to make sure they’re the right fit.
6. “I’ll be bored and won’t know anyone.”
Whoever said retirement could be boring has never stepped foot in a village!
Most residents will tell you they’re busier now than they ever were before! With social clubs, activities and community spaces on offer, you can be as involved (or as laid back) as you like.
Hear firsthand why so many residents say they wish they’d moved sooner.
7. “They’re just like land lease communities. I won’t own my home and I’ll lose all my money.”
Retirement villages are very different to land lease communities.
When you move into a village, you enter into a contract with the operator, like Keyton. This gives you the right to live in your home and enjoy the shared facilities. Just as importantly, your rights are safeguarded under legislation such as the Retirement Villages Act and the Retirement Village Code of Conduct.
Read more about the difference between retirement villages and land lease communities.
8. “I'll lose my independence.”
Quite the opposite. Retirement villages are built for independent, active people. You’ll have your own home, your own front door and your own routine, with peace of mind that support is nearby if you ever need it.
Travel, keep working or simply relax knowing you’ve got the freedom to come and go as you please.
9. “I’ll lose touch with my friends and family.”
Villages are designed with visitors in mind. You can host friends for dinner, have the grandkids stay over or throw a family barbecue without missing a beat.
By downsizing to a village, you’ll likely spend less time worrying about house and garden maintenance and more time enjoying the people who matter most. And for those with grandkids, village life adds a whole new layer of fun.
Find out why villages are the perfect place for making family memories.
10. “It’s a final move.”
Moving to a retirement village isn’t the end, it’s a new beginning. With independence, community and peace of mind, it’s simply the next smart step. No wonder many residents say they wish they’d moved sooner.
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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