Ready to realise your retirement living dreams?

This is sponsored content for Stockland.

Retirement living today is a long way from what it once was.

A big focus on lifestyle, stylish comfort and community by the latest innovators in retirement villages is attracting an increasing number of enthusiastic customers.

Looking ahead and planning for their future, today's retirement village residents are embracing the combination of freedom and security that the way of living offers.

Whether it's about being closer to family, downsizing from a large family home, or making a sea or tree change, the developments are working to provide an attractive option by meeting the needs of retirees.

Realise your retirement dream

One of Australia's largest retirement living providers Stockland has more than 60 retirement villages around Australia. Its communities are home to 12,000 plus residents and growing.

Two of those residents, Julie and Roy Arnold, have no regrets about their sea change retirement decision proclaiming that "every day is like being on holidays".

The Arnolds made the move to downsize from their Adelaide home to a Stockland retirement village and are relishing the lifestyle and peace of mind it has delivered.

"We both had knee or back operations which made it difficult to do the cleaning and gardening," said Mr Arnold.

"So we needed to downsize to a home that was low maintenance but that also would allow us to remain independent and have an enjoyable lifestyle."

Ticking all the boxes for them was a villa in the Somerton Park Seniors Living Community in South Australia.

Stockland offers a range of low maintenance quality homes in its retirement villages that also come with a range of other benefits for residents such as in-home care from accredited support partners and access to facilities designed to help you stay fit, healthy and active.

Plus there's the bonus of having a supportive community of like-minded neighbours always close at hand.

Mr Arnold said he was initially hesitant about selling their family home but after moving into their new home he was certain it was the right decision.

"Julie had been showing me brochures for years but when we saw our Somerton Park home in the Stockland brochures we instantly knew it was the one," he said. "It has everything we need."

While their new home is a step down in size, it's an upgrade on features which include ducted air-conditioning, a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, high ceilings and a private courtyard.

Mrs Arnold has claimed the home's study as her art studio where she's following her passion for painting and also heads off daily to the tai chi and exercise classes offered at the village.

Moving into a village like Somerton Park has taken the stress out of retirement, the couple said.

"Every day is like being on holidays," said Mrs Arnold. "I've always loved the beach and wanted to move back. Buying a villa in Somerton Park retirement village was a way to realise that dream.

"And it's given us more time to do the things we love.

"Strolling back to the village with the sand between our toes after a long walk on the beach is a feeling like no other. We wish we'd done it sooner."

For some, a villa may not be the right fit. Stockland offers a range of options across its different villages including serviced apartments and independent living apartments.

Ultimately you need to feel right at home and happy with your decision. So if you change your mind about moving into any of Stockland's retirement villages within six months of moving in Stockland will refund your payments.

Stockland offers a free guide to retirement village living which includes checklists to help you compare villages, advice from existing residents who've already made the move and a complete property guide.

For more information call 1800 55 99 15 or head to the Stockland website.

This is sponsored content for Stockland.