Looking forward to the future – Top Tips to help you decide how and where you might like to live when you retire
Time flies, and retirement offers a real opportunity to decide what you want from life. It’s a time to look forward, a fresh start, the chance to do new things and meet new people – it’s exciting!
The changing nature of the UK population means that the proportion of older people is increasing – so you’re in very good company.
There are some 11.4 million people aged 65 or over in the country, and this is projected to rise by over 40 per cent in the next 17 years to over 16 million*.
So you should look forward with enthusiasm, and discuss with friends and family about where and how you might like to live once you stop working. Of course this is a very personal choice, but perhaps it’s reassuring to know that many people like you are having the very same thoughts.
There’s much you could consider, so we have compiled a few Tops Tips to ease the path when you begin to think about some of the questions. There is no right or wrong answer – it’s your life after all, and the opportunities are endless; it’s about what works for you that matters.
The advantages of rightsizing
The benefits are many and various, and while not all will necessarily apply to you, these might include:
• Freeing yourself up to experience new adventures
• Releasing equity
• Reducing the cost of heating and maintenance so you can budget for the future
• Minimising the daily chores and burden of looking after yourself and caring for a house that is too big for you
• Helping to avoid loneliness and a sense of isolation that can be experienced when living alone in a large house and garden
• No longer worrying when you go away, so you can ‘lock up and leave’ whenever you want. Sue and Mike Kerton (pictured below) bought an apartment at Richmond Painswick so they could go away on holiday and visit friends without worrying about its security. 
• A fresh start can in itself be very therapeutic – new home, new area, new activities, new friends
So, what’s stopping you?
“Our villages are ideal for those thinking about living independently and want their own front door,” says Paddy Brice, managing director of the award-winning retirement village operators Richmond Villages.
“They are also for people who like the idea of being in a safe and sociable community with support and assistance close at hand if required. We listen carefully to what our clients want which includes having a generous living space and up to two large bedrooms, especially important if someone is downsizing.
“And at our two new villages at Witney and Aston-on-Trent we are also including separate utility cupboards so the washing machine and tumble dryer don’t occupy space in the kitchen, another thing residents asked for.”
A new home to suit your needs
If you’re thinking of rightsizing, how much space do you think you’ll actually need?
Most of us have too much stuff, with whole rooms taken up with things we no longer need, so this can be a time to declutter and move on. Think about what you actually need, and sell or give away the rest – you’ll find it cathartic!
Would one bedroom suffice, or do you anticipate having friends, family or grandchildren to come and stay?
Lifestyle choices
Are there any particular interests you want to continue, or are you looking to take up new hobbies and activities? Gardening may have been one of your interests, but that doesn’t mean you have to become a slave to it, and moving might relieve some of the guilt of an uncut lawn or un-swept leaves in autumn, and free you to do other things that are much more fun!
“We provide three types of accommodation including spacious two-bedroom apartments offering an independent lifestyle, one-bedroom village suites, to 24-hour nursing and dementia care,” adds Mr Brice. “The key element is for people to retain as much independence and choice as possible, whilst helping them retain their ‘zest for life’.”
Now is the time to do all those things you’ve always wanted to: new hobbies, new places to see and new destinations to travel to – the world is your oyster.
Health
As we age our health and fitness may decline, so give careful consideration to your current and possible future health needs. Easy proximity to the local GP surgery, dentist and out-patients department, and maybe even access to a helping hand should you ever need it.
Getting around
Is your current home suitable for your future needs? Flat surfaces and the lack of steps and stairs may become more important to you in the fullness of time, while outside too, non-slip paths, wide pavements, traffic-free areas and adequate lighting at night might need to be thought about.
[pullquote1 quotes=”true” align=”right” variation=”purple”]The key element is for people to retain as much independence and choice as possible, whilst helping them retain their ‘zest for life’.[/pullquote1]
Safe and sound
Being safe and secure in your own home is a basic requirement for all of us, and the need for good security lighting, door locks and an emergency call-out systems might be required in time.
Friends
Are you happy with your current social circle, or does the idea of a broader social life appeal? New activities and interests will be stimulating in their own right, and even more so if it creates the opportunity to make new and like-minded friends.
“At Richmond Villages we understand that social interaction, physical activity and mental stimulation are vital to a happy and fulfilling later life,” adds Paddy Brice. “Our villages are designed to allow residents easy access to a range of facilities, services and social events with the reassurance of on-site care and support if required.”
Location
People like to retain their independence and getting down to the shops, the cinema or theatre with friends is enjoyable, so access to good public transport or an inclusive transport service is seen as essential, particularly by those who have decided to stop driving.
Family matters
In this busy world, families are often scattered far and wide, so having contact and being able to see them is important, and when you do get together sharing quality time is vital. Having somewhere where they can stay overnight, sharing meals and special anniversaries is valued by all, especially the grandchildren.
Planning for the future
It’s not an easy subject to discuss but will have to be addressed if you or your partner becomes unwell or even dies – what will happen to the other person, and who will look after them? Talking this through pragmatically and rationally now will help to remove the emotion, and ensure plans can be made beforehand when it will be so much easier for everyone concerned including the family.
Do your sums
Budgeting is essential for any aspect of life. Downsizing can often help to free up capital for a new home and the cost of care in the future, as well as funding new interests and greater travel. There are a multitude of different ways to cut the financial cake, but reliable professional advice you can trust is vital to ensure you enjoy the quality of life you want.
This is one of a series of free articles from Richmond Villages designed to help as you get older. Look out for others which will be published here on Retiremove over the next few months including:
• Assisted Living
• What is a retirement village?
• Keeping active
• Making new friends and enjoying your social life
• Places for people
• Where to go for retirement help & advice
* Source: UK Office for National Statistics, 2015.
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