Changing face of retirement living
Different demographics and expectations will impact on aged care developments, according to the new CEO of MacroPlan.
MacroPlan’s new CEO Michael Tilt says changes are afoot in aged care and retirement living.
The needs and expectations of today’s pre-retirees will lead to significant changes in the retirement living and aged care developments, according to the new CEO of MacroPlan.
Michael Tilt has taken over the leadership of the planning consultancy firm from founder Brian Haratsis, who will move into a thought leadership role as managing director.
Mr Tilt said that people in the 60-72 age bracket will present a different set of needs and challenges as they begin to use aged care services.
“This group is more mobile, asset rich but cash poor and is continuing to work, so presents different demands to the retirement market,” he said.
The changing demographics will lead to a new approach in designing and constructing retirement and aged care communities.
“A number of our clients are seeking multi-functional sites, health orientated developments and co-location of health facilities,” Mr Tilt said.
“There will also be opportunities in the traditional housing market for new home products which can be ‘re-modelled’ as the occupant ages, to deal with their changing needs.
The number of people aged 65 and over will grow from three million today to over eight million by the middle of the century.
To meet the demands of an ageing population, the aged care sector will need to push for deregulation, Mr Tilt said.
The new MacroPlan CEO added that the sector needs to start planning now for future development.
“Where should retirement and aged care be located, and are there concessions from a planning perspective?” he said.
“Are we planning in growth corridors, given the strong bond between ageing persons and their family network?”
The consultancy group has also appointed two new managers to its state offices.
Jason Anderson will take up the role of Manager – NSW Economics and Stephen Davis will be the State Director for Western Australia.
Mr Anderson was a senior economist with BIS Shrapnel for seven years and Mr Davis worked for three years with the Victorian State Government Growth Areas Authority.
