Friendship and community – why people are flocking to retirement developments

Posted 13th May 2021

What are retirement rental developments?

Retirement rental developments are designed for people aged 55 years and above. They are ideal for those who want to live independently in their own apartment but with age appropriate benefits. These include having a house manager on-site daily to ensure the smooth running of the development.

Retirement is a new and exciting chapter in people’s lives. It’s also a time when many decide it’s time for a fresh start. Sometimes, this can in a new location to signal the change. This is leading to growing numbers to rent in retirement developments.

Right-Sizing

Downsizing and moving somewhere more manageable is often one of the main reasons for making the move. However, increasingly we’re finding it’s the community aspect and the chance to live close to people of a similar age that is most appealing.

A sense of community

Most of our developments have communal lounges and gardens in which people can socialise if they wish. Plus the development community often organises activities and events. These can be anything from a cheese and wine evening, a karaoke night to visiting a local restaurant.

Living close to other retired people that can be a real lifeline, especially for those that live alone. It gives them the chance to meet people who are likely to share common interests and backgrounds.

“During the pandemic when we couldn’t go anywhere it was also reassuring that I had people close by so I never felt isolated or alone“

Diederik (Rik) Schmull – Homecove House

Often people’s social networks shrink when they retire, at a time when they have more time on their hands. Some people may have moved to a new area to be closer to family, but don’t know anyone else. Others may have moved back to the UK after spending part of their retirement abroad.

Retirement developments are therefore great places to make new friends. Becoming become part of a sociable community is something which can be really reassuring as people get older.

Support

There is no obligation to get involved socially, even those that prefer being seclusive benefit from living in such communities. People look out for one another and there is always someone close by should anyone need any help.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions this was even more of a benefit. Residents looked after each other, doing shopping or errands for neighbours, or having a natter and coffee in the garden.

We also heard about neighbours helping each other out with technology. This enabled them to keep in touch with family and friends using Facebook or Zoom. Some also ran running weekly quizzes by passing quiz sheets around to complete in their own time.

It was this sense of community that even attracted new residents. One lady moved in shortly after the first lockdown, specifically because of the friendliness she had experienced when initially viewing the development.

Others decided to move into a retirement development after being isolated during the pandemic. Because they couldn’t travel to see family and friends. Living in a community of people suddenly became a priority to avoid future loneliness.

Retirement should be a time to enjoy. A time to be sociable and do things that you never had time to do whilst working. It shouldn’t be a time for loneliness. Living in a retirement development is one way to ensure this never happens.

Find your new retirement community!