The need for good neighbours

New research from National Seniors Australia has shown that older people are more likely to consider moving to a retirement village if they feel disconnected within their current neighbourhood.

Older people are more likely to consider moving to a retirement village if they feel disconnected within their current neighbourhood, according to new research released yesterday by a seniors’ advocacy group.

The findings, reported in a National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre report, indicate that the baby boomer generation – those aged between 55-64 years – are the group most likely to consider making that move.

Research from Relocation to a Retirement Village: Who Considers Relocation and What are People Looking for?, also indicates that the baby boomers would consider a move to a retirement village so that ‘their family wouldn’t have to look after them’. And, it adds, they’d move just in case they needed to ‘find assistance in the case of declining health’.

National Seniors’ chief executive, Michael O’Neill, said although many people want to ‘age in place’, it’s not a possibility let alone a reality for all.

“Ageing at home may not suit those people who live in neighbourhoods where they feel unsafe or disconnected from their community,” Mr O’Neill said.

“This research suggests that people considering moving into a retirement village may want to do so for that sense of community and social cohesion which is thought to exist in retirement villages.

“However some people from less cohesive neighbourhoods may not have the financial resources to move to a retirement village.”

Mr O’Neill said it was important for people considering a move into a retirement village to read the fine print and know what they’re signing up to.

“Before you buy, always get independent advice and understand the pros and cons of retirement village living.

“Look out for extra charges and fees that can come as shock, even to those retirees who would consider themselves comfortably off.”

The report also found that some older people are concerned about a possible loss of independence and a lack of privacy when considering whether or not to move into a retirement village.

Luxury services such as heated swimming pools and gym appear the least important features in the lead up to a senior’s decision.

Meanwhile, a desire to maintain independence and have an outdoor living space was considered more important.

Tags: health, michael-oneill, national-seniors, relocation, retirement-village,

1 thought on “The need for good neighbours

  1. Retirement Villages our out of price range for 2/3 population.

    I rang around for Mum, she sometimes needs to use a wheelchair, mobility scooter or walker.

    3 Retirement villages were extremely indignant about her use of ‘mobility equipment’ when I asked are there steps, are walkways around village good. Wider doorways etc.

    Apparently ‘cripples’ (one said) or people with mobility ‘problems’ would not be allowed in their villages.

    Unwelcome in Knox

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