Research has found residents at Whiteley retirement village in Walton on Thames in Surrey – especially women – live longer than the general population.
The study by the Cass Business School analysed 2,500 records from the village’s 100-year history and found the village’s female residents – who usually move to Whiteley between 65 and 69 years of age – lived up to 4.9 years longer than the average for women in England and Wales.
That’s despite its residents being from poorer backgrounds that meant they were more likely to have lower life expectancy.
Established in 1917 by William Whiteley, founder of London’s first department store, Whiteley has only ever accepted people of “limited financial means”.
The village, which is currently home to 500 residents – three-quarters of them women – has 262 cottages, 51 extra-care flats and an aged care home, and most of its places are subsidised.
Men still enjoy a boost
The majority of male residents at the village also enjoyed a boost in their longevity, living as long as the average male in spite of their socio-economic status.
The researchers have put this lower figure down to men tending to join the village at a later age with some having their health already damaged by work and lifestyle factors such as smoking.
Co-author Professor Les Mayhew says the results show it’s possible to create an environment where people can enjoy a longer retirement compared to others with similar backgrounds out in the general population.
“Every day we see our residents helping each other and this inter-dependence is very important to everyone’s well-being,” the village’s CEO Chandra McGowan said.
“People also feel safe and cared for, underpinned by the security of having their ‘own home’. This removes a huge amount of stress compared to their situation before coming to live at Whiteley.”
By comparison in Australia, ECH in Adelaide tracks its residents and have identified a seven-year life expectancy bonus from being a resident in an ECH village.
It just goes to show – a good retirement really does add years to your life.
