RECEPTION

Australians are living longer than ever before, so once you hit retirement age, it’s still important to think long-term. Planning for your senior years entails considering your entire lifestyle, including everything from finances to your social life.

Financial Planning – Planning for a long life means you need to ensure you are financially stable. You can never be too young to start financial planning, and keeping on top of investments and living costs into your senior years is vital.

Health and Fitness – There’s no doubt that a healthy lifestyle may help you stay fit and healthy well into your senior years. Regular exercise need not entail vigorous activity. Take a daily walk, join a golf or bowls club and do keep a track of what you eat. Your body may thank you!

Social Activities – Maintaining a social lifestyle may have all sorts of benefits in keeping you feeling young, and certainly young-at-heart. It can be difficult sometimes to schedule regular time with busy family members, but do persevere. It’s worth also keeping social networks alive. If you don’t have a large social group, why not start now. Join an interest group with like-minded people. Whether it’s knitting, tennis or a book club, it’s a great way to get out and make the most of your community.

Accommodation Options – It’s obviously worth looking at your accommodation options long-term. Many seniors do decide to make the move at some stage and relocate to a retirement village or an aged care home if higher levels of care are needed. There may be waiting lists for aged care and assisted living, so there’s no better time to start looking at your options than right now.

There are a wide range of retirement villages and aged care communities around, and there are a few supported living communities, like Fairways Supported Living. You might start by looking locally. Always take the time to investigate accommodation, facilities, care levels, costs and ongoing fees so that you have a clear picture of what’s on offer, and can decide on the most suitable option for your needs.

It’s fair to say that aged care communities come in all shapes and sizes. If you are considering an aged care option, it’s a good idea to prepare a checklist of both what you need in your accommodation, and what would be a bonus. Here are just a few considerations.

Bedrooms/Living Space – This is going to be your new home, so it needs to feel like one. Be sure to visit any prospective property to see just how much space you would have. Ask for floor plans, if available, check that the apartment or room you are being shown is identical to that which you would be moving into, and ask what’s provided by way of furniture and accessories.

Health and Medical Support – The idea with any assisted or supported living option is that you have support when it is needed. Check if health and medical support is on hand 24 hours a day. It’s also worth investigating what’s available in terms of exercise and health programs.

Meals – Look at available dining facilities. Is there just one dining room, or a range of options? Ask for a sample menu, or information on the sort of meals that are provided.

Cost – In looking at costs, you need to ensure you are clear on what’s included, and any hidden extras. Accommodation providers may require an initial bond or outlay and ongoing fees. You need to check and confirm the full price.

A retirement village or community may be a great idea as you age, but most do not have care or support facilities. These may be perfect while you are healthy, but if you are thinking longer term, just be sure to take the time to look at all your options so that you can be confident your choice is the best one for you.

While family may have been the centre of your life for many years, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of a social network of friends in retirement. Social activities can help keep us happy, healthy and feeling much younger! If you find you have lost touch with friends over the years, it’s never too late to get back in touch, or make new ones. And one of the best ways to make new friends is to start thinking socially when it comes to everyday activities.

So Where To Get Social?

Active pursuits such as lawn bowls and tennis are ideal for seniors. Not only are they are great group social outings, they can also keep you fit and healthy. The importance of regular exercise should not be underestimated, and it’s vital as you age. Exercise may help keep our bones and muscles healthy, improve cardiovascular activity, and maintain general fitness.

There are lots of activities that combine social fun with exercise, whether it’s golf, lawn bowls, swimming or tennis.

Looking for some more cerebral pursuits as well? Then look to what you love doing. Why not join a knitting group, start a game with other bridge players, or start reading with a book club.

Supported Living – Socially

For those considering supported living options, such as a retirement village, it’s a good idea to investigate what sort of opportunities you will have socially. (In addition to general facilities, assistance services, and cost of course). Moving into an aged care environment may initially feel like you are giving up your freedom and space, but if you choose the right environment, you might not only find a quality new home, you might be able to start enjoying much more of a social life.

Recently residents of another Futurecare community, Fairways Supported Living in Tweed Heads, hosted a Breast Cancer Fundraiser to raise $1000 for the Breast Cancer Foundation! Jenna Smith organises the fun filled event every year, as cancer has affected so many people, including her own family. The community was invited to come along to enjoy the day of games and pink snacks.

Futurecare is the driving force behind the success of both Glenvale Villas and Fairways.