November 2022

Return to listing

Retirement living has come a long way in recent years, and today’s retirement villages offer a wide range of amenities and activities to suit any taste. However, there are still many misconceptions about life in a retirement village.

Think living in a retirement village is all about playing golf and bingo? Think again!

Retirement villages are rising in popularity for older adults, with a wide variety of lifestyle and care options available. But there are a few misconceptions about life in retirement villages that we want to clear up.

Retirement living has come a long way in recent years, and today’s retirement villages offer a wide range of amenities and activities to suit any taste. However, there are still many misconceptions about life in a retirement village.

Here are some of the most common myths:

1. All residents are old.

One of the most common misconceptions about retirement villages is that all residents are old. While the average age of residents is typically over 55, there is often a wide range of ages represented in retirement villages.

There are also some retirement villages, such as active adult communities and continuing care retirement communities, which cater to different age groups.

2. Residents won’t have any privacy

A common myth about retirement villages is that residents are forced to socialise and constantly engage in group activities, but this is not the case. How involved a resident wants to be in group activities is completely up to them.

A retirement village is their home. After all, if someone is a social butterfly, they can sign up for every activity available. However, if residents prefer peace, quiet and alone time, they can have that too.

3. Retirement villages are boring, and nothing ever happens.

Many people believe that retirement villages are boring places where nothing ever happens. However, this is far from the truth!

Retirement villages often offer a wide range of amenities and activities for residents. There are also often several social events and clubs that residents can participate in, such as book clubs, bridge clubs, and gardening clubs.

4. Retirement villages are isolated from the rest of the world.

Another common misconception about retirement villages is that they are isolated from the rest of the world. While some retirement villages may be located in more rural areas, many are located near urban centres.

This allows residents to enjoy all the benefits of city living without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of city life.

5. Retirement village staff members are unqualified and inexperienced.

Many people believe that retirement village staff members are unqualified and inexperienced. However, this is often not the case!

Many retirement village staff members have years of experience working with seniors and providing them with the care and assistance they need. Additionally, many staff members undergo extensive training on how to meet the needs of retirees best.

6. Retirement villages are not well-maintained.

One of the top misconceptions about retirement villages is that they are not well-maintained. This could not be further from the truth.

In fact, most retirement villages are extremely well-maintained, often with on-site staff responsible for keeping the grounds and common areas in tip-top shape.

7. Retirement villages are uncomfortable and expensive.

Another top misconception about living in retirement villages is that they’re uncomfortable. This simply is not true! In fact, many retirement villages offer a wide range of amenities and activities that make them perfect for those looking to downsize or live a more active lifestyle.

Speaking of downsizing, when a person moves to a retirement home, they may do so with savings or perhaps money from the sale of their house. This can omit any concerns around the expense of retirement homes.

Even if a person isn’t a homeowner, sometimes the cost of a retirement home is less than or equal to the cost of renting a property. As always, it’s good to shop around and assess the right choice from a size, cost and facilities standpoint.

So, is a retirement village the right choice for you or your family member?

While retirement villages have their fair share of critics, the truth is that these communities can offer a great lifestyle for seniors. In addition to providing a sense of community and social interaction, retirement villages also offer a wide range of amenities and activities.

With so much to offer, it's no wonder that retirement villages are becoming increasingly popular. If you or a family member are considering moving to a retirement village, don't let the misconceptions hold you back. Instead, take the time to learn more about these communities and see if they're right for you.