Anna Learmonth, GM at Stockland Retirement, was on our radio show last Sunday to talk about why more people are choosing to downsize to a village.
She told us the main attraction for many potential residents is the security and low-maintenance living of village life.
Once people move in however, it’s the sense of community that become important.
“While people come and find new friends, they don’t lose their old friends,” Anna says. “They stay connected with the community they are already in, they create new friends and have this support which give them a real peace of mind.
Leaving the family home can be a huge change, especially when you have been living there for many years, but Anna says the benefits far outweigh any discomfort.
“What we encourage people to do is talk to friends and family and of course, go and visit one.”
A change for the better
I have to agree. A few years ago we worked with our mother to move into a retirement village. She’d broken her wrist and had her house broken into twice – she wasn’t coping at home and was constantly fearful.
The change in her lifestyle after moving was extraordinary. Mum was happier and able to enjoy her life with the support that she needed – which improved all our lives no end.
There are over 2,000 retirement villages around Australia and every community has one. To find out more – and to look for villages in your area – check out villages.com.au.
You can hear the full podcast of our interview with Anna here.
Stockland lists their villages on villages.com.au, along with 200-plus other operators.
