When you think of a retirement village, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, you probably imagine retirees enjoying their golden years in a cosy community with other seniors. But what if you’re not retired and don’t want to be? Do you really have to be retired to live in a retirement village? Keep reading for the answer! 

What exactly is a retirement village? In a nutshell, it’s a housing community that’s designed for older adults who are looking for a more relaxed, active, and maintenance-free lifestyle. Most retirement villages offer a wide range of amenities and activities, from swimming pools and tennis courts to libraries and meeting rooms, to keep residents active, engaged, and social. Residents also benefit from the sense of security and peace of mind that comes from living in a close-knit community and having access to on-site medical and support services. 

So, do you have to be retired to live in a retirement village? The short answer is no. While the majority of residents are retirees, there are many people who choose to live in retirement villages who are still working, either part-time or full-time, and enjoying an active lifestyle. 

In fact, there are many benefits to living in a retirement village even if you’re still working. For starters, you’ll have access to all the same amenities and activities that retired residents enjoy. You’ll also get to know your neighbours, which can be a great way to socialise and make new friends. And if you ever do decide to retire, you’ll already be settled into a community that you know and love. Many people see retirement villages as a way to ease into the retirement lifestyle gradually.  

However, it’s important to keep in mind that retirement villages have age restrictions in place. Retirement villages have a minimum age requirement of 55. So, if you’re not yet retired but are considering a move to a retirement village, you’ll need to wait until you meet the age requirement.  

If you’re thinking about moving to a retirement village but not quite ready to take the plunge, the best thing to do is schedule a visit and take a tour. This will give you a chance to see the community and meet some of the residents. You may also want to speak with a financial adviser to see if moving to a retirement village is the right decision for you financially. Once you see what retirement village living is all about, you may just decide it’s the perfect place for you – even if you’re not retired. 

Author: Shaun Ganguly

Director and Financial Planner at Retirement Village Financial Advice and Aged Care Financial Planning, Shaun Ganguly specialises in complex Aged Care, Retirement Living, and Centrelink matters. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance & Economics), and is an FPA Accredited Aged Care Professional, Aged Care Guru, and Certified Financial Planner.

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