How to stay independent for longer in retirement

Retirement is a phase of life that's often anticipated with a mix of excitement and trepidation. But what if we told you that retirement can be a time of renewed independence and enjoyment?

There are a number of things you can do to stay independent for longer as you age. Let’s explore some lifestyle choices that can help you empower your retirement years with freedom, fulfillment and autonomy.

Stay physically active and mentally engaged

Physical and mental health are both essential for maintaining independence and maximising wellness in retirement. Regular exercise, a nourishing diet, medical check-ups and activities that keep your brain stimulated are key to staying healthy, fit and independent for longer.

Retirement villages like Applewood place a range of lifestyle-enhancing facilities on your doorstep, such as a fully-equipped gym, heated indoor pool and fitness classes, enabling you to stay active and independent for longer.

Live in a safe, functional and low maintenance home

The best way to stay self-sufficient is by living in a home that requires minimal maintenance and will remain functional and accessible. As you age, features of your home can become a little more taxing – gardening, home repairs, and general upkeep can become increasingly challenging, and features like stairs or slick bathroom tiles can become falling hazards. Making the move to a smaller, simpler home that’s designed for safe and easy living can not only maximise your independence in the long run, but eliminate these stressors and potential dangers.

Have a healthy social life

Maintaining a vibrant and active social life is a key aspect of maximising independence. Building and nurturing relationships with friends and family, as well as forging new connections, can help eliminate feelings of loneliness, foster a sense of belonging, and present more opportunities for fun. A robust social life not only promotes emotional wellbeing but also acts as a support system should you need it, ensuring that you can enjoy your retirement years to the fullest.

There’s no better (or easier) way to enrich your social life than living in a supportive, community-minded neighbourhood, like that found at Applewood. Our residents often attest that they love belonging to a village where neighbours check in on each other, spend time together and care about each other’s wellbeing.

Live close to essential amenities

Having everyday amenities such as transport, supermarkets and healthcare facilities close to home will enable you to access these services independently and easily, even if you no longer drive. Ultimately, living in a location that simplifies your daily routine can contribute to a more self-sufficient and fulfilling retirement experience.

At Applewood, you’ll benefit not only from our well-connected location, but also from the convenience of our on-site consulting suites and village bus that can connect you with local destinations or take you on exciting day trips.

Have assistance available when you need it

Independence doesn't mean you have to do everything on your own - you can maintain your autonomy while having the option to access help when you need it. The beauty of living in a retirement village like Applewood, is you can tailor the level of support you require to provide added peace of mind.

As well as having our duress systems fitted in our homes and community spaces, residents can carry a help pendant within their villas, where they can click a button to receive emergency assistance and/or advice from the nurses who take the calls. They can also tap into our network of home care providers and medical/allied health professionals when they require added support.

Retirement is a time to celebrate independence and embrace the freedom to live life on your own terms. Living in a retirement village like Applewood can be a particularly empowering choice, as it provides a supportive and enriching environment that caters to the unique needs and desires of over 55s. By choosing the right retirement village, you can enhance your independence, ensuring your retirement years are fulfilling and enjoyable.

While retirement villages may not be the right move for everyone, we’re strong believers that communities where likeminded individuals live in purpose-built homes surrounded by active and social opportunities enable independent living for longer.

If you’re planning your next phase of life, come and discover the broad range of wellness, lifestyle, and social advantages of living independently at Applewood. Call 03 8848 1111 to learn more and book a tour.