It might seem hard to believe, but where you live can impact your health just as much as how you live – and having community connection makes a tangible difference to your quality of life.

We’ve put together six reasons why retirement living is good for you.

1. Social connectedness

While each of our retirement villages is unique, they all offer genuine community, social connectedness, and a sense of belonging.

This is important because humans are social creatures, even those who prefer their own company need a sense of connection to thrive.

As part of a RetireAustralia community, you’ll have ample social activities to choose from, from happy hours to lawn bowls, movie nights to craft groups. There’s something for everyone but it’s entirely up to you how much, or how little, you take part in.

Either way, you’ll be part of a diverse and supportive community. And, as the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index reports, this has a positive impact on our wellbeing[1].

“Communities offer us collective support, a sense of belonging, and play a key role in combating loneliness as we age.[2]”

2. Better physical health

Our village teams have reported countless instances of residents’ health improving after moving into a retirement community.

And now there’s research to back up this anecdotal evidence. In a survey of Australian retirement village residents, 27% reported their physical health improved after moving in[3].

This could be for countless reasons, including more social interaction, feeling safe and secure, and better nutrition*.

Research shows that loneliness can have an adverse effect on physical health, and is linked with impaired immune functioning, unhealthy behaviours, and physical inactivity[4].

On the flipside, retirement living is good for you because villages have been specifically designed to improve health and wellbeing. In other words, our communities are purpose-built to counter social isolation and foster a sense of belonging and connectedness. Our vibrant activity calendars also offer whatever it is that sparks your interest and keeps your body and mind active.

3. Improved mental wellbeing

This brings us to improved mental wellbeing. In many ways, it’s hard to separate physical and mental health because they’re so inter-linked.

It’s also important to be aware that older people are more susceptible to common triggers for anxiety and depression[5]. Beyond Blue reports that these triggers include physical illness, chronic pain, and personal loss.

The good news is that having strong community connections can not only provide people happiness, support and a sense of purpose, but it can help stave off anxiety and depression.

“Research shows that being connected to others is important for mental wellbeing and can be a protective factor against anxiety and depression.” Beyond Blue: Connections Matter

4. Safety and security

Many residents tell us that safety and security is at the top of their list, and one of the key motivators behind moving into a retirement village.

Residents feel safer in a retirement village for lots of different reasons, but we most often hear that people feel more secure because they:

• Are in a community of like-minded neighbours where everyone looks out for each other.
• Have a 24-hour emergency call system, this offers peace of mind in the event of a fall or a health incident.
• Feel supported in the midst of challenging external events such as natural disasters and COVID-19
• Can visit family and friends knowing their mail will be collected, lawns mowed, and home secure in their absence.

Retirement village living also gives extra assurance to family members who may not live close by.

Community story: When Boambee Gardens suffered a destructive hailstorm in October 2021, Village Manager Lexi Connor leapt into action to support the community. She managed all logistics, including insurance claims, building repairs, transportation, and emergency accommodation. This took a huge weight off residents’ shoulders and gave peace of mind to their families.

5. Future care needs

We’ve already touched on physical health, but it’s important to think about your future care needs, even if you’re currently fit and active. One of the main benefits of retirement living is having a safety net if your health changes down the track. You can rest easy, knowing we have you covered if you fall ill, get injured, or need extra care and support:

• Home Care: Home Care provides residents with the same trust, familiarity, and feeling of ‘home’ that they already have about their village. Our reliable and experienced team can help with household chores, meal preparation, showering, dressing and medication support, to name a few. Depending on the community you choose, you can access home care from RetireAustralia and/ or another reputable provider.
• Priority access: Alternatively, if your care needs are increasing and you need consistent day-to-day support, in most cases you also have priority access to one of our care or serviced apartments in your village or a nearby RetireAustralia village. Our trusted team will take care of housekeeping, maintenance and delicious meals every day.

6. Ditch the lawnmower

This brings us to our final point – a low-maintenance lifestyle. This is especially important if you have a large family home that’s become a burden to maintain.

In a retirement community, you don’t have to worry about maintenance or gardening. If you have a leaking tap or your light bulb blows let our village team know and we will take care of it**. This means you can kick back in the community centre overlooking lush green gardens – without having to fire up the lawnmower. Having gardening and maintenance taken care of allows you the time and space to spend more time on what you love, whether that’s playing with your grandkids, golfing or reading.

Want to see for yourself?

If you’d like to talk to residents first-hand to find out what they love most about retirement living, simply find your closest retirement community and book a tour.

Find a community to bring you wellness.

* Better nutrition applies to care and serviced apartment residents, who receive delicious and nutritious meals every day.

** Examples only. Before moving into a RetireAustralia village we provide clarity on what maintenance the village service charges cover, giving you peace of mind and financial certainty for the future.

[1] Australian Unity. “How community affects wellbeing.” (2020), online: https://www.australianunity.com.au/wellbeing/What-is-real-wellbeing/How-community-affects-wellbeing

[2] As above

[3] Retirement Living Council. “The book of wise moves.” (2020), online: https://www.awisemove.com.au/village-life/

[4] Van Orden et al. “Strategies to promote social connections among older adults during ‘social distancing’ restrictions.” (2020), online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7233208/

[5] Beyond Blue. “Risk factors for older people” (2022), online: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/older-people/risk-factors-for-older-people

1. Beautiful outlook

Soak up the natural beauty and serenity of The Green Tarragindi, a living oasis located nearby Toohey Forest and Shaftsbury Street parklands. Set within an inviting tree-lined neighbourhood, you have direct access to the best open space lifestyle on offer. Yet, you’re just 8km from the heart of Brisbane’s CBD.

The carefully-considered design of each of the apartments allows natural light to flood into the living room, bedroom areas and on the balcony.

2. Luxury apartments with age-friendly design

A premium retirement village, The Green offers 11 different apartment layouts, each with a design philosophy based on low-maintenance, private and secure living. The progressive and holistic apartments encourage you to live and age well, in a contemporary home built to support your needs, even as they change, making it perfect for now and ideal for later.

Interior layouts and finishes have been chosen to support your needs as they change over time. Tailored technology incorporated into the apartments are designed to help you stay connected, access care and health services or to simply enjoy your entertainment options. The apartments have been built and independently assessed to a standard far above the minimum in Australia while also catering to needs, such as hearing loss and visual impairment.

3. Care when you need it

At The Green, a professional Support at Home team will be by your side, helping you access the care you need to meet your changing needs. From assistance with personal care and daily tasks, to transport for appointments or basic clinical care. Support at Home services are tailored to your individual needs and funded privately or through approved government funding. We can even help you navigate funding approval through My Aged Care, the government assistance platform.

Plus the people who love you can also rest easy, knowing each resident has access to a PERS (Personal Emergency Response Service), should you need it.

4. A connected location

The Green is co-located with a popular café and a championship-quality bowling green, seamlessly connecting the village with the local community. The café is your spot for catching up with friends and family and enjoying great food and drinks with exclusive resident discounts.

In the serene environment of the village you will feel a million miles away from it all, yet you have all your needs right on your doorstep. Including:

5. A supportive community

The Green is a place where care and community come together in a genuine way that enriches everyone’s lives. The community at The Green offers comfort and belonging in a place where everyone looks out for each other. You’ll experience all the care and support you need both now and in the future, whether life is going to plan or when the unexpected happens.

Our RetireAustralia team members, including an on-site village manager, will always be on hand to provide assistance if and when you require it.

6. First-class community facilities

At The Green, we have a range of premium facilities available for all our residents, so you’re able to connect with others and live life to the fullest. Our facilities include:

7. Safety and security

We understand safety and security are important priorities. Rest assured, you’ll quickly get the help you need, when you need it, with a personal emergency response system incorporated into your home at several nominated locations. Emergency support at The Green is available 24/7.

Outside, entry to the community is via a secure entrance with underground car parking. We’ve incorporated passive surveillance, lighting and security monitoring so you can enjoy all of the facilities with complete confidence.

8. Contract certainty

At RetireAustralia, we understand that retirees want financial clarity, certainty and confidence – particularly in a time of instability. That’s why The Green sales contract offers a simplified and clear financial process.

We want our residents and their families to have certainty from the very beginning so we specify upfront what the costs are, and what they cover. From the day you move in, you will know the outgoing payment you will receive when you leave The Green. The monthly service fees will be charged on a cost-recovery basis only and cannot be increased more than the Consumer Price Index without the approval of village residents.

To discover why The Green is the ultimate in retirement living and learn more about our unique community in the heart of Tarragindi, book an appointment to speak with our team today.

Whether we like it or not, most of us are going to require some form of care as we get older.

While many are weighing up the pros and cons of living at home versus the possibility of having to move into residential aged care one day, there’s another group who have discovered an alternative in a retirement village that provides an independent lifestyle with support when you need it.

At The Green Tarragindi, the focus is on offering an independent lifestyle with the right level of support to maintain a quality of life, so that residents can spend the rest of their lives in a community they are familiar with.

Residents in our other villages, tell us that the peace of mind that comes with being able to grow old in a community you are familiar with and which supports you is unbeatable. By continuing to live in your own home, regardless of age, or ability, you can maintain as much of your independence, comfort, and lifestyle as possible.

At The Green Tarragindi, no matter how life changes, you can feel confident and supported. Right now, you might have limited support needs or none at all. If that changes, our experienced team can offer a range of care options to meet your needs.

Tailored support, on your terms

Staying healthy, happy and active is so much easier when your home is the centre of a welcoming community with a vibrant social and activities calendar, excellent amenities and a convenient location with easy access to facilities outside the village.

At The Green Tarragindi, you’ll be able to age positively and live on your terms.

When you’re healthy, you can enjoy relaxing in a beautiful, maintenance-free and secure home with all the time and opportunity you need to enjoy the things you love with the people who matter most to you.

With time, your care needs may change – but that won’t mean you’ll stop wanting to live your life comfortably, in your own home, in a community you are familiar with – surrounded by family and friends and a team of familiar faces.

When that time comes, you can choose from a range of care and support services to meet your individual needs.

Home Care

Our Home Care services make life a little easier and give you peace of mind that, should your needs change, you can continue to stay safely in your own home for longer.

Our care team can help with household chores, meal preparation, showering, dressing, and medication support, to name a few. Care is tailored to your individual needs and funded privately or through access to an approved government funded Home Care Package (HCP). We can even help you navigate HCP approval through My Aged Care, the government assistance platform.

“The loving care provided by Elizabeth, Pam and Cherie in assisting me with showering and making the bed, changing and laundering the linen, delivering an evening meal in all weather and even taking the bins out was more than 5 star service. I was being pampered back to health by these ‘care angels’ and my wife.” Norman, RetireAustralia Resident

Our on-site teams genuinely care about each and every resident and will be here for you through thick and thin, so you can live every day with confidence and options to choose from. You can feel confident with the familiar faces who will provide consistent care that you can count on.

Living at The Green Tarragindi you’ll experience our commitment to best practice and beyond, as we compassionately deliver quality care and support. You’ll always have the dignity of choice, allowing you to maintain control of the way your life unfolds.

The table below highlights the features of our independent living apartments, the role of our Care and Wellness Coordinator and the home care services available.

Find out more about how our care services could make your life easier at The Green Tarragindi.

What is a retirement village?

Retirement villages are residential communities designed specifically for older Australians who want the safety and security of living in a community, with the freedom to live independently. Some retirement villages also offer tailored care and support, making them a great option for people who want to make sure their care needs in the future are taken care of.

How do retirement villages differ from aged care?

While retirement villages are designed for independent retirees, aged care facilities cater for older Australians who need full-time care and can no longer live independently. Most aged care facilities focus on clinical-based care for older Australians who are unable to live independently in their own homes. People in retirement villages enjoy the benefits and privacy of having their own home, without the worry of day-to-day property maintenance or gardening, which are taken care of by village staff.

Residents in retirement villages also have access to a range of village facilities and are surrounded by like-minded people who engage in a wide range of social activities and events.

Moving into aged care is rarely a choice: it often occurs following a significant health incident or when it’s considered necessary for one’s health and safety. In contrast, moving into a retirement village should be a choice at a time in an individual’s life where they can benefit from all that retirement village living has offers.

Are retirement villages the same as land lease communities?

Also known as ‘over 55s lifestyle communities’, ‘manufactured home estates’ and ‘resort communities’, land lease communities are residential communities for older residents and offer many of the same benefits. They may look similar from the outside, but there are fundamental differences. For instance, land lease communities are legislated under the same laws as manufactured homes parks and caravan parks, so if the operator ceases to exist, your right to remain in your home isn’t protected. On the flipside, your right to abide in your home is protected in a retirement village, which operates under the Retirement Villages Act. For more information, see our article: Retirement living or land lease community.

What’s it like to live in a retirement village?

Good question! Retirement villages are hubs of activity with ample opportunity for social connection. Facilities will vary by village, but you could have access to amenities like a swimming pool, community centre and library.

Best of all in a village you can live life on your terms, whether you want to socialise in the common areas or seek privacy in the sanctuary of your apartment, it’s all on offer for you. You can read what some of our residents think about village life.

Will I own my house?

The Green Tarragindi, our brand-new retirement community in Brisbane, will operate on a leasehold ownership agreement, which means RetireAustralia owns the land and the units, while you acquire the right to reside in your home for the duration of a long-term lease, generally 99 years. Your tenancy is secure for as long as you want to stay. The upshot of this is that you won’t need to pay stamp duty, which is generally one of the biggest upfront costs when buying a property.

How much will it cost?

To increase financial certainty, we’ve made our contract for The Green as clear and transparent as possible. We specify, upfront, which costs you’ll need to pay, and what they cover. Here’s a quick breakdown of the fees you’ll need to pay over the duration of your stay in our leasehold retirement village at The Green.

Entry payment
Your entry payment gives you the right to reside in your new home. This payment is relative to the local property market and demand for homes in the retirement community.

You will not have to pay stamp duty on your unit, leaving you with extra money in your pocket to enjoy while you’re settling in.

General services charges
These cover our operating costs, as well as council and water rates, building insurance, home and garden maintenance, upkeep of shared facilities, and support staff such as your Village Manager. By law, retirement village operators cannot profit from these fees which are charged on a cost-recovery basis and are regulated by the Queensland Retirement Villages Act.

Management Fee*
When it comes time to leave The Green Tarragindi, you’ll receive an exit entitlement, which is the purchase price minus the management fee. This is capped at 25% of your entry price and is stepped during your first five years in the village. There are no further increases after this period, no matter how long you stay.

By charging this on exit – rather than incorporating it into the purchase price – you’ll not only free up your cash flow, but find that your move into the village is much more affordable.

The management fee is the only fee that allows operators to reinvest back into villages through capital replacement works, ongoing maintenance of communal facilities, and village upgrades.  It also covers the refurbishment, sales and marketing costs of homes and the remainder is profit. This not only benefits you during your time in the village but also helps maintain the value of your home, which is important when it comes time to sell.

Can I live in a retirement village on a pension?

Absolutely. Many of our residents receive an age pension. Your eligibility largely depends on the size of the entry payment you make when you move into the village – also known as an entry contribution (EC), compared to the extra allowable amount (EAA). The government compares these figures to determine if you’re considered a home owner. If the entry payment is less than the EAA, you may be eligible for rent assistance. See the federal government’s ‘Social Security Guide’ for more information.

Can I rent in a retirement village?

We don’t currently offer the option to rent, but if affordability is a concern for you, please give us a call. We can talk you through our most cost-effective communities and see if we can find a home that suits your budget.

What happens if my care needs change?

If your needs change, you can rest easy knowing you can access care and support if you need it. At The Green you will be able to receive flexible care and support in your home from RetireAustralia’s Support at Home team or a provider of your choice.

Our Support at Home services makes life a little easier and gives you peace of mind that, should your needs change, you can continue to stay safely in your own home for longer. Our Support at Home team can help with household chores, meal preparation, showering, dressing, and medication support, to name a few. Care is tailored to your individual needs and funded privately or through access to an approved government funding. We can even help you navigate funding approval through My Aged Care, the government assistance platform.

Can visitors stay with me?

Absolutely! This is your home and we want you to treat it as such. We encourage family and friends to visit and stay overnight if that suits. It varies by village, but guests can stay between two weeks and 30 days without requiring approval. Simply let your Village Manager know so we can keep an eye out for your guest(s) and treat them as part of the RetireAustralia family.

Can my pet live with me?

The Green Tarragindi is a pet-friendly village, so you can bring your best friend with you, whether you have a small dog, cat or bird.

Why live with Retire Australia?

You’ll be part of a thriving community
Visitors to our villages often say that there’s a wonderful, vibrant sense of community. This is what we strive for: active, social, happy villages where residents have all the space and freedom to enjoy life as they choose, with the safety and security of a like-minded community.

You’ll feel at home
By putting residents at the heart of every decision, we create welcoming, inclusive communities where you will feel right at home, both now and in the future.

Your wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do
We create homes and environments that are perfect for now and ideal for later. And if you ever need extra support, rest easy knowing our trusted Support at Home Team are never far away.

You’ll love the service you receive
Enjoy a unique relationship with our friendly and caring team, who know you by name and strive to always provide the best experience.

You’ll be looked after by an experienced team
With over 5000 residents in communities across New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland, we understand retirement living and the needs of older Australians.

Speak to our team to discover what life could be like at The Green Tarragindi.

Events in recent years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have made us all reassess our priorities and what is most dear to us. For many, this means a renewed focus on health and wellbeing, keeping loved ones close, and having the support of a community.

If these are important to you too, then you need to understand how living in a retirement village can positively impact your health, your connection with loved ones and your sense of community.

Here are just eight 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[1] which can negatively impact one’s mental health[2] 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, research[3] shows that 46% of residents report improved mental health after moving into a retirement village.

2. Boost longevity

Living better and healthier is great, but what about living longer? A Swedish study [5] 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 catastrophes, such as recent fires, floods and storms. Living in a retirement village like The Green can help ease the anxiety and stress of the unknown with the knowledge that you have a team around you who can support you in a crisis or emergency.

The RetireAustralia team regularly keep up-to-date with the latest health advice and emergency training, 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[6] 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 in all of our villages, you’ll be spoilt for choice in how you wish to stay active.

5. Fewer and shorter hospital stays

Retirement villages provide services that enable residents to have shorter hospital stays[7] – and fewer of them. In fact, retirement village residents leave hospital a full two days earlier than non-residents. That’s because retirement village residents can be discharged into a safe environment that’s equipped with hand railings, ramps, an emergency call system and on-site support staff.

What’s more, the social connectedness that’s inherent in a retirement village helps counteract problems of social isolation and depression when you’re homebound post operation. When you consider that two of the main factors[8] for hospitalisation in people over 60 are falls and depression, it’s no wonder that a safe and secure site and supported community helps keep retirement village residents out of hospital.

6. Visit 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. They attribute this to the fact that many retirement villages have staff on-site who can assist with minor health concerns.

At The Green at Tarragindi, residents can choose from a wide range of personalised in-home care services, helping make life a little easier and a lot more relaxed. Our caring and experienced team can help with household chores, meal preparation, showering, dressing, and medication support, to name a few.

7. Lower the risk of dementia

Research shows that engaging in meaningful activities can reduce the risk of stress-related illnesses and dementia[9]. 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 The Green Tarragindi is no exception. Designed to maximise social connection, residents will be able to enjoy multi-purpose recreation facilities surrounded by friends, family and like-minded neighbours. Here, you’ll be part of close-knit community and can get to know your neighbours over a drink on the terrace, or 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 suits all your needs, take a look at The Green Tarragindi, a premium community offering independent living with care and support you can count on later.

 

[1] https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/d18a1d2b-692c-42bf-81e2-47cd54c51e8d/aihw-australias-welfare-2017-chapter5-1.pdf.aspx

[2] https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/loneliness-isolation

[3] McCrindle Research, The McCrindle Baynes Villages Census Report 2013: https://mccrindle.com.au/wp-content/uploads/work/McCrindle-Baynes-Villages-Census-Report-2013-Executive-Summary.pdf

[4] Villages.com.au, National Village Survey 2018

[5] https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-08/bmj-hli082912.php

[6] https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-02/rumc-hlo021711.php

[7] https://www.grantthornton.com.au/globalassets/1.-member-firms/australian-website/industry/hac/pdfs/gtal_2014_hac_national-overview-of-the-retirement-village-sector.pdf

[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12118057

[9] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/oti.225

[10] http://www.retirementliving.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/National-overview-of-the-retirement-village-sector-Grant-Thornton.pdf

There are lots of myths about living in a retirement village that don’t reflect what life is really like.  So let’s separate the fact from the fiction!

Myth #1: Being surrounded by people my age will encourage me to slow down and lose my independence

On the contrary, we find that residents revel in being part of a new social circle and making new connections, and continue to lead full and rich lives. As resident Ros explains, “If you hang around people who are really good at being retired, you get really good at being retired.”

She and her husband John moved into Wood Glen Retirement Village on the Central Coast, but life hasn’t slowed down since they sold their bed and breakfast in Port Macquarie.

Now, they live close enough to Sydney to connect regularly with family, and both volunteer and work in the local community. They also keep busy with sport, with Ros cycling, doing pilates, and going to an outside gym, while John makes use of Wood Glen’s proximity to golf, tennis, and surfing.

“We’re only a 10-15 minute pushbike ride from Terrigal,” says Ros. “Wood Glen has got absolutely everything. We love it.”

Closer to home, they’ve joined the village’s weekly line dancing classes, and John also plays table tennis and teaches Kelly pool. As Ros points out, “If you’re making a choice to make a change, you might as well make it as rich as you possibly can. That’s what I’m doing.”

Myth #2: My health and wellbeing will suffer

Not true! In fact, multiple research studies have shown that your health can actually improve in a retirement village, by reducing isolation and improving mental wellbeing.

Social isolation is a big problem for older Australians, with one in five estimated to suffer from the condition. Retirement living is specifically designed to counter social isolation, and instead foster a sense of belonging and community. Indeed, a Property Council of Australia report showed that 41% of residents said their happiness had increased since entering a retirement village.

That’s true for Tarragal Glen resident Gordon , who says, “Some people look at retirement village living and downsizing as though you’re giving up something, but for us we really feel like it’s given us a better life than we had before. After two years in the village we have a new circle of friends and a very full life both inside and outside of the village.”

It’s a similar story for Carlyle Gardens residents Noel and Judy. When asked about his favourite memory from living in the village, Noel doesn’t hesitate. “Friendships,” he says. “This is one of the best moves we’ve ever made.”

As for Judy, she says “all the entertainment has been absolutely first class. It’s the balance. I am happier here and couldn’t recommend it more.”

There are countless ways in which retirement living is good for your health – if you’d like to know more, here’s just eight ways in which your wellbeing could flourish.

Myth #3: I’ll be encouraged to cut ties with the broader community

When asked to describe their village community, the word we most often hear from residents is “family”. As Anne at Boambee Gardens describes it, “[the community] is like a family, it’s fabulous. You feel part of a family not only with residents but with the staff.”

But while there’s lots to keep you busy within the village itself, residents also have active and full lives in the broader community, with many volunteering or working part-time. Take our Wood Glen residents, John and Ros. John volunteers at Integrity Living as a bus attendant, while Ros does face-to-face counselling at Lifeline one day a week as well as volunteer administration work at a police office.

But no matter how fulfilling and rewarding life is in the broader community, it’s always nice to have a place to call home. As Cleveland Manor resident Nick puts it, “There’s a feeling of belonging. You can’t put a price on it.”

The village The Green Tarragindi brings together care and community in a genuine way. From the sanctuary of your own apartment, you can take advantage of the facilities, enjoy the local area and engage in the activities when you want. Speak to us today to discover how The Green is perfect place to retire now and in the future.  

A loving married couple, Laurie and Sally Jackson are committed to living together throughout their retirement.

But last year daily life for the couple had become a struggle as Laurie cared for Sally, who has dementia, and battled his own health issues.

Their independent living unit, as much as they loved it, was no longer suitable as they needed support to live a more stress-free life.

However, Sally and Laurie couldn’t bear the thought of being separated from one another having been married for 30 years so moving into a nursing home wasn’t an option.

“Both of us had our parents live in nursing homes and we had decided that we did not want to move into one or be separated,” Laurie said. 

Although we needed extra assistance, we wanted to stay together and keep our independence.”

New ages care where couples are welcome

Fortunately, Laurie and Sally found new aged care accommodation where they could enjoy independent living, together, and access a high level of assistance.

Laurie, 83 and Sally, 82, moved into Glengara Care, a premium aged care alternative, last year.

Daily life is now much more enjoyable for the couple, who no longer need to worry about cumbersome tasks like cooking, shopping and cleaning.

They also have comfort in knowing that they can choose how they receive care, which is delivered by registered nurses who cater to low, high and end-of-life needs.

“Our cleaner comes once a week, so we don’t have to worry too much about cleaning,” Laurie said.

“We don’t have to cook any meals, we don’t have to do any grocery shopping and we get assistance with showering, which is helpful in the mornings when Sally needs a fair bit of assistance.”

Ideally located at Tumbi Umbi on the NSW Central Coast, the modern apartments are beautifully appointed and designed to cater for any care needs now, and in the future

Unlike most aged care accommodation, couples with differing care needs can continue to live together and maintain their independence.

“Moving into Glengara Care has meant we have been able to stay together and live our own lives,” Laurie said.

“We enjoy a very independent lifestyle. We can come and go as we like – we can even go out at night if we wish and come back. We can have visitors come over. There are also laundry facilities so if we want to do our own washing then we can do that.”

Try before you commit

The decision to move into a new home, especially when you are ageing, is not one that is made lightly.

Laurie and Sally wanted to be sure they had selected accommodation that suited their needs before leaving their beautiful villa at Foresters Beach.

They thought Glengara Care would tick all their boxes, but they wanted to be sure, so they tried out an apartment through respite care.

“We moved into a furnished apartment for respite visitors and stayed there for three weeks,” Laurie said.

“It was great to be able to do this as we could see what living at Glengara Care was like before we moved in permanently.”

Care with a community feel

Laurie and Sally are making the most of their new home by leading a very active social life.

Glengara Care is nestled within Glengara Retirement Village, which means residents can be part of the village’s thriving community.

The Jacksons are regulars at many of the activities on the village’s busy social calendar.

“We enjoy all the activities, and we can also join in their functions,” Laurie said.

Laurie and Sally are loving their new, low stress life and haven’t looked back.

“We feel like we’ve made the right choice,” Laurie said.

The Rise at Wood Glen offers luxury retirement living, beautiful bushland views, a coastal lifestyle and in-home care services when and if you need them.

1. Beautiful outlook

Tucked away amongst lush greenery at the base of Kincumba Mountain, The Rise at Wood Glen is immersed in nature and is just minutes from the sparkling sands and crystal-clear waters of the NSW Central Coast.

The Rise offers an elevated and private position, and each apartment’s floor-to-ceiling windows capture expansive bushland views from every angle.

2. Luxury apartments with age-friendly design

The Rise offers spacious and beautifully appointed 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, with spacious balconies, floor to ceiling windows and open-plan living. Each residence is pet-friendly and filled with natural light and high-quality fittings every bit as impressive as the view. The free-flowing floorplan between the kitchen, dining and lounge room makes living a breeze.

Apartments have been thoughtfully designed for positive ageing, offering a low-maintenance lifestyle and age-friendly layouts to suit changing needs. This includes a range of features such as wider corridors and doorways, step-free shower recesses and reinforced bathroom walls allowing for the safe installation of grab rails if needed in the future.

3. A central and connected location

A favourite holiday destination, NSW’s Central Coast is known for its beautiful seascapes and natural, lush bushland. It is also a hub for cafes and restaurants, bars and medical services along with countless entertainment and sporting events. And Erina Fair shopping centre is located directly across the road from the village!

The Rise is close to all of the action, but tucked away in a private, elevated position overlooking the peaceful greenery. So whether you like to walk, take public transport, or drive, you’ll find everything you need on your doorstep:

• Erina Fair (shops, cinemas and medical centre) – 7 minute walk
• Terrigal Beach – 8 minute drive
• Avoca Beach – 15 minute drive
• Kincumba Mountain Reserve – 18 minute drive
• Sydney – 90 minutes by train
• Gosford Hospital – 18 minute drive
• Newcastle Airport – 1 hour 20 minute drive

4. Social connection

Retirement is a time for friends, family and like-minded neighbours. Research shows that social connection matters, especially as we age. Not only does it delay health problems related to ageing, but it provides us with happiness, security, support and a sense of purpose.

Here, you’ll be part of a welcoming and close-knit community and can get to know your neighbours over a drink on the terrace, or by taking part in one of the regularly organised social events. But you can also relax in privacy and be involved in as little or as much as you want.

5. Stay active and explore

Wood Glen village has everything you need to keep active, social, and independent. First-class facilities include the on-site age-specific gym, easy access to tailored exercise programs or group fitness classes, consultation rooms for health professionals such as doctors and physiotherapists, and an indoor pool and spa.

In addition, you’ll enjoy first-class multi-purpose recreation facilities including a residents’ bar and dining room, world-class village bowling green, a fully equipped BBQ area and of course the beauty of the surrounding bushland at every step.

While our shared amenities offer a great range of services and activities, the village bus is perfect if you want to explore further afield with regular trips to local retail and entertainment hubs.

6. Privacy

Even though it is central to everything, The Rise boasts a private and elevated aspect. It is tucked away in Wood Glen village, away from busy roads and main tourist areas. With its enviable position looking out towards the Erina Valley bushland, you can rest assured that your views will never be built out.

7. Safety and security

Along with this privacy comes safety and security. Live worry-free in your retirement at The Rise, with all the services and facilities for day-to-day living on your doorstep. The vertical design and secure access gives you the freedom to lock up and leave without a worry.

What’s more, Wood Glen village offers a strong sense of community, giving The Rise residents the opportunity to stay connected to people who share common interests every day.

8. Contract certainty

At RetireAustralia, we understand that retirees want financial clarity, certainty and confidence – particularly in a time of instability. That’s why The Rise sales contract offers a simplified and clear financial process.

We want our residents and their families to have certainty from the very beginning, so we specify – upfront – what the costs are, and what they cover. From the day you move in, you will know the outgoing payment you will receive when you leave the village.

The monthly service fees are charged on a cost-recovery basis only and cannot be increased more than the Consumer Price Index without the approval of village residents.

9. Care when you need it

You can access a range of flexible, tailored care services, delivered in your own home by the trusted RetireAustralia team. Our Home Care service makes life a little easier and gives you peace of mind that, should your needs change, you can continue to stay safely in your own home for longer.

Our care team can help with household chores, meal preparation, showering, dressing, and medication support, to name a few. Care is tailored to your individual needs and funded privately or through access to an approved government funded Home Care Package (HCP).

We can even help you navigate HCP approval through My Aged Care, the government assistance platform.

10. Support

The Rise encourages positive ageing and has been specifically designed to allow residents to live independently for longer. As well as the support of a connected community, there are team members on hand if you need extra assistance. Rest assured that you will have support at your fingertips with an on-site Village Manager, visiting allied health professionals, and in-home care services.

The best way to find out why The Rise is perfect for now, and ideal for later is to visit, meet our team, and tour our display apartments.

Call us on 1800 955 070 to book an appointment or click here to leave your details and one of our friendly sales consultants will be in touch.