Do you want a boat with that? Hervey Bay retirees get a community vessel

And these retirees at Ingenia Lifestyle Hervey Bay are capitalising on coastal living with the launch of a new community boat.

The 4.9-metre-long Quintrex 490 Renegade boat will see residents living a life of leisure on the bay and is available for use by all licenced resident boaties.

Ingenia Lifestyle Hervey Bay is only a seven-minute drive from the main marina boat ramp, and the community is champing at the bit to hit the water.

Rob and Jacqui Chappell are new residents and over the years have owned six boats - the experienced boaters can't wait to fire up the motor.

"Whilst we were already set on moving here, we were thrilled to know there would be a boat we could use as we don't have one anymore," Mr Chappell said.

"Sharing a boat with a community is a great way to make the most of it. We don't have to worry about maintenance, running costs or storage - we can just take it out for a ride whenever the weather is nice.

"Hervey Bay is a fantastic spot for boating. You're never more than about two nautical miles from land and you're not out on the open ocean - people can feel confident that they're a lot safer."

The Chappells are keen to get to know their neighbours more, and plans are already being made among the residents to take the boat out to Fraser Island for regular picnic trips.

The over-50's community is proving that retirement doesn't mean having to slow down - with residents looking to make the most of their free time both on land and at sea.

Ingenia Lifestyle Hervey Community Manager, Linda Nichols, said that a major priority for the community was offering a range of lifestyle opportunities for residents.

"Our residents come from all walks of life and have different interest, so allowing them to prioritise, leisure, lifestyle and friendships in their own ways is so important," Ms Nichols said.

"The setting of Hervey Bay is what draws people to the area, so embracing what it has to offer the bay itself is what sparked the idea to introduce a community boat.

The Ingenia Lifestyle Hervey Bay community was joined by the volunteer Marine Rescue and Boat Licencing team, Boab Boats, to teach the residents about boat use, safety and how to become properly licenced to use the boat.

With 90 per cent of retirement villages now having five or more facilities for residents - from wellness centres and clubhouses to luxury pools, living in many of these communities is like being on holiday - all the time.

So when it comes to comparing and choosing the right retirement living community, as well as thinking about size, location, price and style of accommodation, be sure to keep the features and facilities that are important to you, front of mind. Here are some tips from retirement living TriCare for things to look out for:

Having a pool at home is great at any stage of life, but in a retirement community, not only will you have the extra time available to enjoy it, you'll also enjoy all the benefits of having a pool without the hassle of maintenance.

If you don't fancy a dip, just meeting a friend by the pool or cooling your feet off in the water can be relaxing. Swimming is a low-impact form of exercise, making it suitable for anyone looking to stay active. When you have a heated indoor pool within easy reach, it's easy to make it part of your daily routine.

Attending a gym can be a little daunting, especially for beginners. However, if you have an on-site gym that is solely for use by members of your community, it makes it more accessible and welcoming. In a retirement community, the gym is a long way removed from its noisy, public counterpart. The vibe is more relaxed, and you can work out at your own pace.

Having access to onsite health services is a big plus, making appointments easier to get to. Many communities have access to regular scheduled visits from health and wellbeing specialists as well as on-site services such as hairdressing and massage.

When you have a comfortable communal lounge within a stone's throw of your home, you're more likely to stay active, social and connected. Whether you meet a friend for afternoon tea or pop down for Friday night drinks, having relaxed catch-ups becomes that much easier.

Also check out the regular activities and events organised by social committees to ensure new residents and those living on their own have the opportunity to meet their neighbours.

There's nothing like nature to give your sense of wellbeing a boost, and any potential retirement community should have ample outdoor space and greenery to enjoy and explore. Look for lakes, rivers, outdoor entertaining areas and al fresco dining options as well as access to walking paths, nature reserves and gardens.