Living longer, living better: The role of retirement villages in our later years

A recent article by leading social commentator, Bernard Salt, has highlighted that on average, we are living 15 years longer than Australians in 1950.

This staggering statistic raises a profound question: How should our later years be lived and provisioned for?

While increased life expectancy provides us with more years, what matters most is how we choose to spend that time. This notion brings a popular Maya Angelou quote to mind: “Life is measured not in the number of the breaths we take, but in the number of moments that take our breath away.” And so, it’s not merely about extending the timeline, but about enhancing the quality of those extra years.

As a result of living longer lives, modern day Australians are experiencing a new stage of the lifecycle – one that previous generations did not have the privilege to navigate. With this in mind, we must consider how this new life stage can be not only lived, but enjoyed.

The first part of embracing our extra years is mental, emotional, and perceptual. It involves abandoning the stereotype that growing older is synonymous with decline and dissatisfaction. In fact, a census question tracking anxiety and depression has revealed that people in their 70s are the most content in life. This data further proves that the limitations associated with age are often self-imposed, and breaking free from these constraints can open a world of possibilities. With the right attitude, you can lead a rich and fulfilling life, regardless of age.

The second part encompasses our physical environment. Surrounding yourself with the necessary support, a positive social circle, and opportunities to stay motivated and active, all pave the way for a more fulfilling, independent, and healthful life in our later years. When navigating this part of the journey, many over 55s make the decision to move to a retirement village, where they can belong to a supportive environment, easily engage in activities, socialise with like-minded individuals, and access healthcare services as needed.

“If we are to navigate a longer journey through life’s later years, what we really need is…to live these gifted extra years with joy, with love, with contentment. Now that is, or would be, a life well lived,” says Bernard Salt.

At Applewood, we believe that moving to a retirement village is the key to unlocking a fulfilling and joyous chapter in our extended lives. Retirement villages offer a roadmap for navigating this journey, providing an environment where individuals can thrive socially, emotionally, and physically.

As we redefine what it means to grow older, embracing the potential of retirement villages may well be the key to ensuring that our later years are not just long, but also exceptionally fulfilling.