Homing in on retirement living

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Last year, National Seniors Australia conducted a nationwide survey to learn more about the housing needs of older Australians, now and into the future.

Of the more than 5300 respondents, only 44 per cent were confident that their current home would allow them to age in place without expensive modifications or renovations.

Concerns ranged from accessibility issues, such as stairs, high cupboards, and inappropriate bathroom designs, to the increasing difficulty of maintaining a large house and garden as they grow older.

Add in some less obvious hazards like poor lighting, awkward layouts or slippery floors, and it quickly becomes apparent that very few homes are designed to meet the needs of older people.

While most seniors would prefer to stay in the family home for as long as possible, they often find that their independence is compromised by homes that are either currently, or soon to be, unmanageable.

Purpose-built, age-friendly housing is the obvious solution to this dilemma. So, it's not surprising that retirement communities are having a moment. They offer the freedom and privacy of home ownership with the support of intentional design that prioritises seniors' safety and comfort. Non-slip surfaces, wide doorways and corridors, level entries into open-plan, single story dwellings, grab rails, and other internal features are complemented by tidy landscaping and well-lit common areas with lots of seating.

Even better, many residents report improved health and wellbeing due to the ample opportunities for exercise and socialising in a retirement village. As a result, research shows that they make fewer GP appointments, spend less time in hospital, and enter aged care five years later, on average, than their peers in the wider community.

These are significant benefits and certainly worth exploring further. If you'd like to know more about retirement living, drop by the Melbourne Retirement Village and Resort Expo, Thursday, March 7 and Friday, March 8, at the Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley. The Expo is open from 10am-3pm with secure, on-site parking available.

The Expo is a unique opportunity to engage directly with industry representatives in a no-sales pressure environment.

It's also a great way to save time. Retirement communities come in many styles and price points. At the Expo, you can get a full overview of the market and discover the best options for your personal circumstances - all in a single outing.

If your home is more sweat than sweet these days, head to the Expo to renovate your lifestyle and make your retirement dreams come true.

It's free, it's friendly and it's the best place to find all the information you need to take the next step.

Click here to find a Retirement Village and Resort Expo near you. It could change your life!

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