How retirement communities support living well for longer

In recent years there has been a growing focus on the concept of healthy ageing, with a push for a greater understanding of how lifestyle choices can help people stay active and enjoy their later years.

There is a growing bank of evidence from leading health organisations, think tanks and charities that independence and well-being can be key to preventing illness and improving quality of life.

The design, quality and standards of homes and neighbourhoods clearly have an important role to play, given their direct impact on both physical and mental health in later years.

Against this backdrop, it should come as no surprise, that retirement communities are gaining attention and growing in popularity. 

According to the Associated Retirement Community Operators (ARCO), the main body representing the retirement community sector in the UK, a retirement community “combines high quality housing options for older people with tailored support services”.

Retirement communities can ensure that people retain the independence and benefits of home ownership, whilst benefitting from a sense of participation in a community, access to wide ranging amenities, support and healthcare as needed.

As part of our goal to deliver exceptional living for the over 65s, Riverstone is an active member of ARCO and is supporting ‘Vision 2030’, the organisation’s campaign for 250,000 people to be living in retirement communities by 2030.

We are focused on delivering the future of retirement living, enabling people to live the life that they want to live, with design principles centred around enjoyment, health and well-being.

We believe that residents should be inspired to discover new possibilities every day.  Riverstone is dedicated to creating experiences, which could be anything from watching a film in the private cinema, through to relaxation in the vitality pool and spa, or enjoying the gardens.

It is also well known that physical exercise has an important role to play in healthy ageing.  The retirement community model unlocks greater potential for more shared community and leisure facilities including swimming pools, gyms, activity rooms and gardening areas.

A report from ARCO, published last year, found that people living in retirement communities are substantially happier, healthier, and have a greater overall sense of well-being than their counterparts not living in age-appropriate housing.  Thought is often given to location, with some communities offering easy access to city or town centres or calming scenery such as countryside or riverside settings.

The beauty of retirement communities is that they are more than just a housing option, they are a lifestyle option, and one that can help people live well for longer.