Five spaces all the best retirement communities have
What to look for in a great place to retire
There are lots of options to consider when it comes to retirement communities. So often finding the perfect fit for you will come down to your personal aspirations and preferences.
However, there are 5 key spaces that make a big impact on how you enjoy retired life – and when you’re shopping for a potential new lifestyle community they’re absolute must haves.
1. Social Space
A vibrant social life is one of the major reasons to choose an over-55s lifestyle community – so you’ll want to make sure there are plenty of designated spaces for getting together with your friends and neighbours.
Things to look for:
A well-designed community centre that encourages interaction
Spacious recreation rooms for both group exercise and meet-ups
Communal dining areas (including outdoor facilities like BBQs) that make it easy to share a meal with new and old friends alike
A thriving social calendar that regularly supports fun events and get-togethers.
2. Outdoor space
One of the joys about retiring is the extra time you have to appreciate the great outdoors. The best retirement communities are located in gorgeous natural settings, whether near the beach or the bush, so be sure to inspect the outdoor setting and facilities to see if it meets your expectations.
Things to look for:
Parklands, walkways and outdoor spaces designed to be explored and enjoyed
Well maintained landscaping with places to sit and relax or enjoy a chat
A communal or veggie garden for green thumbs who like to have a dig and grow their own.
3. Breathing space
While there should be plenty of opportunities to meet likeminded people at your chosen retirement community, privacy is also an important consideration. You don’t want your whole life on show.
Things to look for:
Self contained homes so you can be independent when you want to
Private gardens or terraces for your quiet time or for your pet
Fences or screening plants to keep out prying eyes
An extra room so family and friends can stay over.
4. Active Space
Staying active is key to enjoying a long, happy retirement. Having on-site facilities will make it a whole lot easier to exercise regularly.
Things to look for:
An on-site gym so you can work-out whatever the weather
A swimming pool for gentle relaxation and exercise
Appealing walking paths within an easy distance from your door.
Plenty of attractions and things to do nearby when you want to go further afield.
5. Safe Space
A safe, secure environment is your final, absolute must-have space. You’ve worked hard all your life – you deserve a place where you can have complete peace of mind – now and in the future.
Things to look for:
Wheel-chair friendly access – hopefully you won’t need it but it’s nice to know it’s there
A 24-hour emergency call system
No steps and stairs so you can age-in-place
Day-to-day community management and maintenance.
Encore Living Trafalgar is a great example of a master-planned community, designed to tick all the right boxes.