Retirement villages are purpose-built to maximise physical, mental, and social health. From low-maintenance homes to on-site facilities, they are thoughtfully designed to support residents to thrive.
So, exactly which health benefits can you expect from living in a retirement village? Let’s take a closer look at the types of health benefits that are common when you live in a retirement village.
Physical health benefits of retirement village living
Access to healthcare
Retirement villages often provide easy access to healthcare services, including regular health check-ups from visiting GPs and other specialists, on-site registered nurses, and on-site emergency response systems. This can lead to quicker medical attention and better overall health management for residents.
Fitness and recreational facilities & activities
Larger retirement villages typically offer a range of fitness facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, and bowling green. Smaller villages may have a small fitness room with a few exercise machines. Villages of all sizes tend to offer fitness activities or classes, such as tai chi, yoga, or walking groups. Engaging in regular, age-appropriate physical activities can help improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and overall physical wellbeing.
Nutritious dining options
Many retirement villages have on-site dining facilities, such as a café or restaurant, that provide well-balanced and nutritious meals for purchase. Some also offer the option for residents to pay for in-home food delivery or frozen meals. If a resident lives in a serviced apartment, meals will most likely be included in their weekly fees.
Reduced safety concerns
Retirement villages are typically safe and secure, with 24/7 emergency response systems and qualified, on-site staff. Homes within villages are also carefully designed to maximise physical safety. For example, single-level and non-slip rails.
Low-maintenance living
Retirement villages provide maintenance services, ensuring a safe and well-maintained environment. For example, lawn mowing, gardening/landscaping, and exterior house washing may be included in the fees schedule. There’s usually also an option to pay for additional support with household chores, such as cleaning or housekeeping.
Mental health benefits of retirement village living
Community support
Retirement villages foster a sense of community, providing opportunities for social interaction and companionship with peers. Engaging in social activities and forming friendships can help combat feelings of loneliness, depression, and isolation.
Intellectual stimulation
Retirement villages typically offer activities that provide intellectual stimulation, such as hobby groups, trivia games, and social outings. Engaging in these activities can enhance cognitive abilities, rewire the brain for resilience, and promote lifelong learning. This sign language workshop at a Ryman village is a great example of keeping your brain active!
Reduced stress
Living in a retirement village can alleviate certain stressors such as property maintenance and repairs. Being in close proximity to peers and on-site staff can also help to reduce stress. Overall, living in a supportive environment with reduced responsibilities can lead to improved mental wellbeing.
Enjoyment and life satisfaction
Doing things you enjoy — and even looking forward to things you enjoy — triggers the release of feel-good brain chemicals that are great for your mental wellbeing. Most retirement villages offer daily or weekly activities for residents to look forward to, such as happy hours, quiz nights, and social outings.
Social health benefits of retirement village living
Community engagement
Retirement villages offer various clubs and hobby groups where residents can connect and engage with each other. These opportunities for socialising can lead to a sense of belonging, increased social support, and overall improved social health. Check out this popular ‘Hammer and Chatter’ community workshop at Arvida Te Puna Waiora (The Source of Wellbeing) in Kerikeri.
Enhanced emotional wellbeing
Forming new friendships, participating in group activities, and sharing experiences with others in a retirement village can provide emotional support, increase happiness, and contribute to overall wellbeing.
Active social life
Retirement villages often organise outings and group activities, fostering an active social life for residents. This can help reduce feelings of social isolation and promote a sense of fulfilment and enjoyment.
In summary
Living in a retirement village is associated with several physical, mental, and social health benefits. It offers a safe, supportive lifestyle among like-minded peers and with easy access to healthcare and other services. For those looking to thrive in their older years, moving into a retirement village is a great option.
It’s important to note that the specific health benefits of retirement village living will depend on the individual village and the facilities and services available.
