Why you should downsize to a retirement village early

An increasingly popular choice among Australians over 55 is the decision to downsize and move to a retirement village before officially retiring. This proactive move comes with a host of advantages that can significantly enhance the retirement living experience.

The decision to downsize and transition into a retirement village is a personal one, and each of our residents brings with them a unique narrative. Yet, a prevailing sentiment echoed by many Applewood residents is that they wish they had made the move sooner.

Here are 6 compelling reasons to embrace retirement village living before you retire:

Gain Access to Lifestyle-Enhancing Amenities Sooner

Retirement villages – Applewood included – are renowned for their quality amenities, offering a taste of the good life well before retirement. From a swimming pool and gym, to our on-site hair salon and sprawling lush community gardens, our village provides an array of lifestyle enhancing opportunities right on your doorstep.

By downsizing early, you can start enjoying these facilities sooner, promoting an active and vibrant lifestyle that contributes to overall wellbeing.

"We thought we weren't old enough, but that was a mistake," says Applewood resident, Doris. "You need to come in when you're really able to enjoy everything."

Prioritise Healthy Living

Retirement villages often emphasise wellness, providing residents with opportunities to prioritise their health. Access to fitness programs, walking trails, and organised activities can encourage a more active lifestyle.

By making the move before retirement, you can jump-start your commitment to health and wellness, laying the foundation for a longer and more fulfilling retirement.

Achieve the Perfect Work-Life Balance

Moving to a retirement village before officially retiring allows you to achieve a harmonious work-life balance, where you can work full-time or part-time and come home to a relaxing neighbourhood with beautiful gardens and facilities on your doorstep.

By downsizing early, you can strike a balance between work and leisure, transitioning seamlessly into a lifestyle that aligns with your interests and values.

"To get the maximum benefit of living in a beautiful place like Applewood, the longer you're in here, the better," says Applewood resident, Peter.

Free Up Your Time with a Low-Maintenance Home and Garden

Downsizing often means trading in a larger, high-maintenance home for a more manageable living space that remains functional as you age.

Our villas and apartments are designed with convenience in mind, with low-maintenance features that make for easy living. This shift allows you to free up valuable time that would otherwise be spent on household chores, enabling you to focus on activities and experiences that bring joy and fulfillment.

Establish a Supportive Social Network Close to Home

Social connections are vital for mental and emotional wellbeing, and retirement villages foster a strong sense of community.

By moving before retirement, you can establish and nurture these connections early on. Engaging with like-minded individuals in your age group can lead to lasting friendships, providing a support system that enhances the overall quality of your retirement years.

“No matter when you go out, people wave to you, and you wave back. It's just one of those really friendly places,” says Applewood resident, Bob.

Set Up the Necessary Support for Long-Term Independence

Moving to a retirement village in advance allows you to plan for long-term independence. As well as placing you close to wellness facilities and local amenities that are essential for staying active and independent, 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.

By making the move earlier, you can proactively address potential future needs, ensuring that you have the necessary resources in place to maintain independence and age in place with confidence.

Downsizing to a retirement village before retirement isn't just a practical decision; it's a strategic investment in a vibrant, fulfilling, and healthy future. By embracing this lifestyle shift ahead of schedule, you can enjoy the myriad benefits these communities offer, setting the stage for a retirement that's truly extraordinary.

If you’re ready to explore how Applewood can enhance your life before retirement, book in a tour today by calling 03 8848 1111.