A retirement village is an umbrella term generally used to describe a form of development where people of retirement age reside. In the USA, this is often understood as a community complex where people of retirement age choose to live amongst their peers to help maximise their enjoyment.
It is a very popular concept and has seen increasing growth in Great Britain over recent years. In the UK, the term was traditionally perceived as a label for care homes, sheltered housing, and groups of elderly people who require extra assistance day-to-day. Now, the term is evolving to include a new style of living, where people of retirement age reside within a community of people of a similar age (around 50+ years old) out of choice rather than necessity.
The Difference Between Retirement Villages and Care Facilities
Retirement villages are incomparable to facilities like care homes and assisted living properties. You buy and live in a park home, come and go as you please, and live entirely on your own terms, just as you would in any traditional property. The difference is you’ll live inside a secure, gated community surrounded by like-minded neighbours of a similar age.
Should your needs change in the future and you require care support, or even so, require it now, this can be privately arranged. The same goes for other services like cleaning or painting your home. As an independent homeowner, you’re responsible for maintaining your own property.
Why Do People Move to Retirement Villages?
One of the main appeals of retirement villages is the sense of community they offer. The social context provides a welcoming environment for people of a similar age. Opportunities to make new friends are more available compared to conventional housing, and the social conditions emphasise neighbourliness, with neighbours looking out for one another.
The circumstances that draw people to retirement villages are unique to each individual, but common motives include:
- Downsizing to free up capital and reduce home maintenance
- Seeking safe and secure neighbourhood
- Being part of a community and improving social life
- Proximity to essential services and amenities
- Having the ability to go away for extended periods, knowing that their home is watched over and grounds are well kept
The Rules Attached to Retirement Village Living
Rules are often attached to living in a retirement village. For example, some retirement villages allow individuals to have pets, while others may have limits or not allow pets at all. Using ourselves at Parklands of Lincoln as a real-life example, we allow residents to have a maximum of two pets.
The purpose of these rules is to enforce safety guidance and provide assurance about the environment: They help ensure minimal disruption from neighbours and maintain the development’s appearance.
Experience Parklands of Lincoln
Retirement villages represent a concept that offers a blend of independence, community, and security for people of retirement age. Whether you are looking to downsize, seek a safer living environment, or simply wish to be part of a like-minded community, a retirement village like Parklands of Lincoln could be ideal.
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of a ‘retirement village,’ but find it interesting, come and visit us at Parklands of Lincoln. Nestled in the peaceful village of Waddington, our retirement village features luxury bespoke park homes, creating the perfect place to retire in Lincolnshire. Newcomers are always surprised at the standard of homes, well-kept grounds, and welcoming neighbours.
To learn more about our development and the options available, contact us today. Open for visits every Wednesday, we invite you to explore our show homes, meet our residents, and hear firsthand what life here is really like.
