8 reasons why retirement villages are good for you

At any stage of life, a focus on health and wellbeing and having the support of a community is important. As we age it tends to become even more important and valuable to our quality of life.

For this reason, it’s fascinating to discover the research that shows how living in a retirement village can positively impact your health, your connection with loved ones and your sense of community.

Here are just 8 of the ways retirement village living is good for your health and wellbeing.

1. Reduce isolation and improve mental wellbeing

Even before COVID-19, one in five older Australians was estimated to suffer from social isolation which can negatively impact one’s mental health and even lead to depression. The pandemic highlighted to the wider community just how important it is for our wellbeing to stay connected with each other.

Life in a retirement village is specifically designed to counter social isolation and foster a sense of belonging and community. Residents have many opportunities to connect with each other through a range of social activities and events, which has a positive effect on health and wellbeing. Indeed, recent research from the Retirement Living Council shows that retirement village residents are 5 times more socially active and 41% happier than non-residents, combating loneliness and depression. They’re also twice as likely to get together with family and friends.

 2. Boost longevity

Living better and healthier is great, but what about living longer? A Swedish study has shown that being socially active can add up to five years to the life expectancy for women, and six years for men.

Researchers studied 1800 people over 18 years, and found that several factors impacted longevity, including having healthy lifestyle behaviours, a better social network, and participating in more leisure activities.

The research is in – a retirement village is the perfect place to boost your longevity through social connections and involvement in sporting and social activities and interests.

3. Support and care during a crisis

We have learnt over the past few years that life can be unpredictable, whether it be a global pandemic or natural disasters, such as fires, floods and storms. Living in a retirement village like Tarragal Glen can help ease the anxiety and stress of the unknown with the knowledge that you have a supportive team and community around you.

The RetireAustralia team regularly keep up-to-date with the latest health advice and are continually improving their emergency responses, so that you’re secure and safe in the event of a crisis. Knowing that you have the support you need should something happen also reduces worry and improves your general wellbeing.

4. Reduce the risk of disability

Research conducted by Rush University has shown that people who are more socially active are less likely to become disabled. In other words, they’re less likely to need help with daily activities or mobility.

The good news is that researchers looked at a broad range of social activities, so whatever your interests, your social activities will have a positive impact. Researchers measured social activities like going to restaurants, playing bingo, volunteering, going on day or overnight trips, and visiting relatives and friends.  With a busy social calendar on offer at Tarragal Glen Retirement Village, you’ll be spoilt for choice in how you wish to stay active.

 5. Fewer hospital stays

Access to health services and wellbeing activities and amenities can reduce hospitalisations for residents after moving into a retirement community. In fact, research shows that retirement village residents are 20% less likely to require hospitalisation compared to non-residents. This increases to 28% when a resident has lived in a retirement village for more than 18 months.

What’s more, purpose-built housing reduces risks, like falls, common in traditional homes. When you consider that one of the main factors for hospitalisation in people over 60 are falls, it’s no wonder that a safe and secure home and community helps keep retirement village residents out of hospital.

6. Visit to the GP less often

The Property Council of Australia estimates that over 65s visit their local GP about 6-7 times a year, but that residents in retirement villages make 1-3 fewer visits each year. Recent research also shows that facilities such as gyms, pools, and access to care promotes better health for retirement village residents.

At Tarragal Glen Retirement Village, residents can choose from a wide range resort-style facilities, as well as personalised in-home care services. Our experienced care team can help with household chores, meal preparation, showering and dressing, assistance with taking medication and more, so that you can stay in your home and community for longer.

7. Lower the risk of dementia

Research shows that engaging in meaningful activities can reduce the risk of stress-related illnesses and dementia. Specifically, activities with purpose – like music, drawing, meditation, reading, and arts and crafts – are particularly helpful in boosting health and wellbeing.

Our retirement villages offer ample opportunities to take part in social and leisure activities and Tarragal Glen is no exception. Designed to maximise social connection, residents will be able to enjoy activities and amenities surrounded by friends, family and like-minded neighbours. Here, you’ll be part of close-knit community and can get to know your neighbours by taking part in one of the regularly organised social events.

8. Delay the move to aged care

Would you like to hold off on moving into residential aged care? If the answer is yes, then living in a retirement village could be a good start.

A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that residents of retirement villages enter aged care later than those moving from the family home. This isn’t a matter of weeks or months, but years – an average of five years to be exact. This also means you get to enjoy the village facilities and lifestyle benefits of retirement living for longer. 

It seems the course is clear – life in a retirement village is likely to boost your health and wellbeing, but also your sense of fulfilment. And a life well lived is worth aspiring to!

If you’re interested in retirement living that ticks all the boxes, take a look Tarragal Glen, a retirement village that offers traditional villas, serviced apartments and brand-new, modern independent living apartments. Tarragal Glen offers everything you need for a lifestyle of independence and connection, with a safety net of care when you need it.