GONE are the days when retirement living was tied to the stigma of tired facilities and old-fashioned aged care options.
Today's retirees have a pick of villages, over-55s communities, apartment-style complexes and resort-style retreats, with many looking to downsize on everything but their lifestyle.
And with so many options to choose from, picking a retirement village that's right for you can be a little overwhelming.
The good news is you're not alone.
Research from the Property Council shows there is a growing number of Aussie seniors choosing to downsize, with the average age of new residents moving into retirement villages rising to 75.
According to the council's 2016 Retirement Census, Australian retirement villages now have a 92 per cent occupancy rate, showcasing the growing popularity of retirement living among Australia's senior population.
"What we can see from the research is that retirement villages can extend the independence and quality of life of their residents," said Property Council chief executive Ken Morrison.
To this end, the Property Council's retirement arm the Retirement Living Council has given out it's top ten tips for choosing a retirement village.
TIPS ON CHOOSING A RETIREMENT VILLAGE
1. Decide what type of village will suit your lifestyle. Do you like wide open spaces or apartment living? Do you want to be close to the beach or the bush, or stay in the city? There's a village to suit all styles of living.
2. Visit multiple villages before choosing your preferred destination. It helps to directly compare and contrast what different villages offer and leads to an informed choice.
3. Speak to existing residents - they'll always give you fearless and frank advice about their village.
4. Meet the manager - the village manager is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the village, and will be an important person in the lives of all village residents.
5. Clarify what's in the regular maintenance or service fee - some villages have different rules about what is and not included, such as some utilities.
6. Find out about the residents' committee - residents often have a say in decision making in the village through the committee.
7. Ask about pets - many residents would like to bring pets with them to the village, and villages can have different rules about allowing specific types of pets.
8. Find out about village activities and services. Most retirement villages run a regular series of events and activities, from movie clubs to knitting groups to bocce tournaments. If you have particular hobbies or passions, it pays to find a village that will enable you to pursue them.
9. Consider your future health needs - some villages can facilitate the delivery of care and support services, or might have regular GP visits, while other villages partner with nearby or on-site aged care facilities
10. Seek independent legal and financial advice - the contract to move into a retirement village is different from a 'normal' home purchase, so expert advice is vital for true peace of mind.
