The largest and most in-depth poll ever conducted of UK retirement community residents and prospective residents has found that people who live in retirement communities have healthier, more active, more social, more secure and happier lives.
The research, carried out in partnership between ProMatura International and ARCO (the Associated Retirement Community Operators) included a total of 2799 residents from 81 retirement communities run by 15 operators; 1111 older people who were considering a move into retirement communities also took part in the research.
The report found that residents in retirement communities stay healthier for longer, are more active, are less lonely, have a greater sense of a safety net, feel more secure, enjoy life more and enjoy more privacy, compared to those who had not yet moved (but were considering making a move).
The report also found that: 90 per cent of residents thought they had moved into a retirement community at just the right time in their lives; six per cent would rather they’d moved in sooner; 71 per cent of residents saw moving into a retirement community as a chance to make new friends; and retirement community residents feel more in control of their lives.
By a huge margin, residents of retirement communities believe that their lives are better now than they were a year ago.
Retirement communities combine high quality housing options for older people with tailored support services. They allow residents to rent or own a property and to maintain their privacy and independence, with the reassurance of 24-hour on-site staff, communal facilities and optional care and support as needed.
Retirement communities may also be referred to as retirement villages, extra care housing, housing-with-care, assisted living, close care apartments or independent living settings.
Michael Voges, executive director of ARCO, says: “It is amazing to have such high quality data on our sector. This reinforces what our members have been reporting and seeing on the ground for years – that living in a retirement community is good for your health, wellbeing and sense of security.
“It is easy to see why retirement communities are set to account for three quarters of all specialist housing for older people within five years. They represent a fantastic offering for increasing numbers of older people and are based on a responsible, sustainable business model which is attracting record levels of investment."
