“Ageing in place” has become a significant concept in the context of supporting the needs of older adults as they age. It is a term used by governments to describe an approach in policy that supports the growing demographic of older Australians to remain in their own homes and communities as they age. It is often used in the context of healthcare, infrastructure, and social services planning to address the needs and preferences of the ageing population.
The concept and term “ageing in place” emerged as a response to increasing recognition that many older adults prefer to remain in their own homes and communities as they age, rather than transition to institutional care settings.
However, “ageing in place” doesn’t mean staying in the same home for the rest of your life. Rather it recognises the increased need for access to support services and how communities will need to change over time so people can remain in the place they choose to call home as they age. For individuals, it could mean downsizing to a smaller, more manageable-sized home within a more age-appropriate community living setting such as a retirement village. For others, it could mean remaining in the family home with access to in-home support services.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, retirement villages can provide the ideal setting for many retirees to age in place.
Housing needs and access to support services become more of a priority as people age. For instance, with increasing age, mobility issues, age-related illness, and mental health concerns tend to increase. Homes need to be built or renovated to support decreased mobility and ease of getting around. Moving to a smaller, more manageable home can help individuals to retain independence while addressing their changing needs. Access to medical professionals and support services becomes a greater priority in retirement. Communities must have the infrastructure to support an ageing population to ensure older adults can remain in their communities throughout retirement.
When combined with other life changes commonly experienced by older adults, such as the loss of lifelong partners, friends, and other ageing family members, it can result in feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression. The importance of communities engaging support systems and providing access to health services is paramount to the quality of life experienced as people age.
Many retirees and older adults express a desire to age in place, preferring to remain in familiar surroundings, maintain their social connections, and preserve their independence.
“Ageing in place” signifies the ability to remain in the home and beloved community, even as the ageing process brings about certain physical, social, or medical challenges. Individuals can live comfortably and safely with access to appropriate assistance and services, creating an environment that supports their changing needs. This enables older adults to maintain their independence, dignity, sense of community and quality of life.
While many retirees and older adults express a desire for this to be in their own homes as they age, it isn’t always possible. As such, “ageing in place” encompasses a broader range of solutions that emphasise and acknowledge the importance of maintaining independence, preserving familiar surroundings, and nurturing social connections rather than remaining in the existing family home per se. It involves adapting the home environment, which can entail downsizing and/or moving to more age-appropriate facilities that support the ongoing independence of its residents while fostering a strong and connected community.
Retirement villages and over 55s living communities are great examples of this, with many purpose-built to address the needs and desires of older adults to age in place. Their purpose is to provide residents with access to supportive assistance and health services that can be easily adapted as their needs change throughout retirement. Residents can retain independence with varying levels of care available as part of a supportive community with shared needs and desires. This enables older adults to age gracefully in a place they call home comfortably and safely.
The Australian population is ageing at an accelerating rate and is expected to accelerate further over the next 20 years.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2020, there were approximately 4.2 million older Australians aged 65 and above estimated to be living in the country as of 30 June 2020, constituting 16% of the total Australian population and showing consistent growth over the years. This is following growth starting from 1.0 million individuals (8.3% of the total population) in 1970, rising to 2.1 million (12%) in 1995. This growth is expected to continue, with projections indicating that by 2066, older people in Australia will account for approximately 21% to 23% of the total population.
For those aged 85 and over, the proportion has gradually risen from 0.5% (63,200) in 1970 to 1.1% (190,400) in 1995, eventually reaching 2.1% (528,000) by June 30, 2020. ABS estimates further predict that this proportion will continue to grow, potentially reaching between 3.6% and 4.4% by 2066, as indicated in their reports from 2018 and 2020.
There are several government programs and initiatives that can help older adults age in place. These programs can provide financial assistance, home modifications, and other support services.
Unfortunately, the ageing population is putting a strain on the housing market, especially in areas with a high concentration of older adults. This growing demographic is driving an increase in demand for suitable housing in an already tight market. New public housing is not being built at the rate required to support the rapidly growing ageing population. This negatively impacts the quality of life for older adults while also contributing to increased housing costs in the private market.
This is leading to a shortage of affordable housing options for older adults. In response, there is an increased focus from the government at all levels to devise policies that ensure the availability of appropriate public housing, health services, infrastructure, and amenities that meet the needs of the ageing population.
With this focus from governments, retirement villages like Mount Gilead Estate have a greater ability to design communities that meet these needs.
Independent retirement communities such as Mount Gilead Estate have been purpose-built to address the different challenges that ageing in place entails. Their design ensures the health, safety, autonomy, and independence of all residents so that ageing in place can be achieved.
Retirement villages play a significant role in helping people age in place by providing a supportive and inclusive environment that meets the evolving needs of older adults. They can help address the challenges of ageing in place by providing access to:
By providing tailored housing options, supportive services, healthcare facilities, vibrant communities, and a focus on overall well-being, retirement villages empower older adults to age in place with dignity, independence, and a sense of belonging.
Mount Gilead Estate was built to provide for the changing needs of an ageing population with the desire to age in place. The village is designed purposefully to ensure older adults in the Macarthur region can retire comfortably in their community. With affordable modern homes, resort-style facilities, and tailored services provided by staff that are committed to the health and well-being of all residents, Mount Gilead Estate has cultivated a community of active and engaged residents that are supported throughout retirement.
Mount Gilead Estate has become a ‘destination of choice’ for those over 55s seeking independence and community in retirement. Mount Gilead Estate’s positive impact on the lives of hundreds of seniors, their families, and friends isn’t by chance. With resort-style amenities, purpose-built affordable housing options, comprehensive access to health services, modern facilities, personalised care, and a dedicated management team, residents are supported along each step of their journey with no resident left behind. This article offers free shipping on qualified products, or buy online and pick up in store today at Medical Department.
The spirited and vibrant Mount Gilead Estate retirement community offers abundant activities and events for residents to enjoy. The camaraderie and laughter shared amongst residents creates a positive atmosphere and a thriving community that shows no signs of slowing down. The village provides 24-hour support services, ensuring changing needs can be catered to in ways that prioritise comfort, well-being, and safety. Residents can age in place with independence and dignity, continuing to pursue their hobbies, passions, and social engagements in a community that values and uplifts them.
Mount Gilead Estate offers luxury, spacious homes that are affordable and practical. This has enabled people to sell the family home, (which is often difficult to maintain) and downsize to smaller, easier to maintain housing. In doing so, this has improved their disposable income in retirement, giving them a ‘nest egg’, so to speak, so that they can live their retirement to its fullest as well as have access to all the services and support they need.
Currently, we provide a range of stunning homes that are designed to meet the current and future needs of our residents.
To meet the various challenges experienced as people age, Mount Gilead Estate provides different housing options from 2 and 3-bedroom villas and preloved apartments with plans to build more apartments as the retirement community grows.
The apartments have provided residents with more affordable housing options that meet their changing needs. This is crucial given the challenges the ageing population faces in accessing quality of life and escalating care needs as this demographic grows rapidly.
Additionally, Mount Gilead Estate has staff and visiting professionals that are trained and experienced with the needs of older people. They understand the unique opportunities and challenges associated with ageing in place.
Each home seeks to:
One of the biggest issues facing people as they age is transitioning from a large home to smaller accommodation and (in some cases) nursing care.
A move to Mount Gilead Estate empowers individuals to be able to genuinely age in place. If a couple or an individual’s circumstances change, we possess the necessary range of housing options, and diversified service offerings to facilitate a seamless transition from one type of housing to another, while incorporating additional services as needed.
This approach also eliminates the need to relocate away from the close-knit community where strong bonds have been formed and reliable support is readily available.
Mount Gilead Estate is expertly designed to meet the needs of older adults with the desire to age in place successfully. With resort-style facilities, accessible modern homes, a vibrant and caring community and access to additional support services, you can have the retirement you desire while staying in your own home in the village for longer.
If you would like to arrange a tour, get in touch with our sales team on 1300 686 122.
Visit Mount Gilead Estate to see what your retirement could look like. Tour the village to see our resort-style retirement facilities.
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