RETIRE in style

Downsizing to a retirement village could be your best move yet

- Chanel Gellin

More than 200,000 Australians now call a retirement village home, where they’re taking advantage of group social activities, sports, gardens and restaurants, not to mention indoor heated pools and gyms in some of the more luxurious villages.

But don’t confuse “retirement village” with “aged care”. Residents will tell you that far from needing full-time carers, they’re completely independent and having as much fun as they did as teenagers! Here’s what you need to know.

MAKING THE MOVE

Whether you’re a social butterfly or prefer your own space, retirement villages can cater to you. “As you get older, our home care services can provide a little or a lot of help so that you can continue to live independently,” reveals Uniting’s Jacqui Eadie.

TIMING IT RIGHT