In today’s world of ever increasing costs, for the older generation, retirement living makes a safe and sensible choice. We look at the associated positive factors and share 5 benefits of retirement living. Plus, we look at a handful of retirement properties you can find on our website from Churchill Retirement Living developments. Find out more… 
1. Safety and securityWhether you are approaching your later years as a couple or on your own, feeling safe and secure in your home is paramount. It’s often the case, unfortunately, that older residents living in their own property are more vulnerable compared to other homeowners. By moving to a retirement property, not only is the type of property more secure but it comes with more modern means to keep residents safe. And that safety extends beyond unwanted visitors; it includes hazards in the home, such as a lack of working alarms or sensors, even faults within the property which may be going unnoticed.
With Churchill Retirement Living for example, residents get their own self-contained apartment within a private, gated development, with a secure entry system. As well as a lockable front door, apartments have video door entry with a standard TV allowing residents to see who is visiting before choosing whether or not to let them in. And with 24-hour support available on-site in all developments, residents can not only feel safe and secure but also know they can easily access help in the event of an emergency.
2. Reduced maintenance
One of the biggest stresses for the older generation is keeping on top of the maintenance of a property. And this situation becomes even more difficult to manage if the property is an older one, in need of modernisation. More established properties need a whole host of regular maintenance be that to the garden, the outside of the building, or within the property itself. And whether it’s down to cost or physical ability, this regular maintenance is hard for people to keep on top of as they get older.
By moving to retirement living, the whole burden of maintenance is removed. Not only is this less stressful for residents, but it also frees up their time and money to do more activities they like, helping them enjoy a new lifestyle.
3. Reduced household bills
There are still bills to pay if you choose retirement living in later life. These include council tax, the energy you use in your own apartment, a TV licence (if you’re under 75) and insurances such as car (if you own one) and contents. But the change of living environment makes a big difference to the amount you will pay for your bills.
Being in a smaller, brand new, modern apartment with excellent insulation and efficient heating systems, you will find it easier to keep warm compared to an older house with lots of rooms. Likewise, contents insurance premiums are lower than those of a person living in a house due to the excellent safety and security of retirement buildings.
4. Reduced loneliness
For those older people who find themselves living on their own in their later years, loneliness can be a huge issue, and often is detrimental to overall health and wellbeing. This can be exacerbated if an elderly person lives in a more remote location with fewer facilities and amenities nearby.
By making the move to retirement living and residing along like-minded neighbours, you can start to lead a happier, healthier retirement. In a lot of retirement developments there are communal spaces to enjoy, such as lounges or gardens. And in some cases, there are wellbeing services on-site, from hairdressers to beauty therapy. So, whether you want a bit of ‘you’ time or to socialise with others, there are plenty of ways to feel less lonely and enjoy a sociable retirement.
5. Improved heath and wellbeing
From the physical to the mental, retirement living within a community brings many advantages to older people’s health. By combatting loneliness and offering a safe, secure place to live, symptoms such as anxiety and depression can be reduced.
Residents in retirement living often find themselves much more active compared to life in their own home and this in turn helps their overall health, reducing the need for doctor visits. And by living in a smaller, more contained and organised space that’s warm and comfortable, residents are less likely to have trips or falls.
Churchill Retirement Living supported a piece of research on the benefits of retirement living in a report called ‘Happier and Healthier’. One key takeaway from the report other than more suitable housing is needed for those in retirement, was how rejuvenating retirement living can be. The report states, “…an average person aged 80 feels as good as someone aged 10 years younger after moving from mainstream housing to housing specially designed for later living.”
Churchill Retirement Living apartments
Here at New Homes Place, you can find a selection of Churchill Retirement Living developments on our website where both one and two-bedroom apartments are available. Here’s an example of a few…
Austen Lodge, Basingstoke, Hampshire from Churchill Retirement Living
Apartments are selling quickly at the most recent Churchill development in Hampshire. Some of the 56 one and two-bedroom apartments here feature extra outdoor living space with large terraces or a patio to enjoy.
The communal Owner’s lounge has a coffee bar for residents to relax and socialise in while master bedrooms in the apartments come with fitted walk-in wardrobes as well as TV and telephone points.
Austen Lodge is located on London Road in Basingstoke, close to shops and amenities with beautiful countryside not too far away.
Find out more about Austen Lodge here.
Yeats Lodge, Thame, Oxforshire from Churchill Retirement Living
Half of the Churchill retirement apartments at Yeats Lodge in Thame have now sold. Located in the thriving market town, at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, residents can take advantage of local independent shops and benefit from bargains at the weekly Tuesday market.
The 41 self-contained one and two-bedroom apartments at Yeats Lodge come with tiled shower rooms as standard. Some apartments come with separate en-suite and cloakrooms too. The secure, gated development features a large Owner’s lounge with a coffee bar, leading to a patio and shared garden, for residents to enjoy.
Don’t miss out on the retirement apartments at Yeats Lodge in Thame, reserve yours here.
St. Andrew’s Lodge, Chippenham, Wiltshire from Churchill Retirement Living
You will find St. Andrew’s Lodge, a collection of 46 one and two-bedroom retirement apartments in an excellent location for easy access to the town centre shops and amenities. Chippenham is a charming market town with beautifully maintained parks, sitting on the banks of the river Avon offering plenty of spaces for walks and spotting wildlife and plants.
The self-contained apartments at St. Andrew’s Lodge offer peace and privacy when you need it, with lift access to all floors. Made from the latest construction materials, fixtures, and fittings you can be sure of an apartment that’s energy efficient and secure. Guest suites are available on-site for visiting friends and family, and security is thorough with camera entry and intruder alarm system.
Take a look at the St. Andrew’s Lodge retirement apartments here.
Whether you are looking for a retirement apartment for yourself, a friend, or family member, take a look at the Churchill developments on our website here. They can really make a difference when it comes to living safely, healthily and happily in retirement.
