"The outdated concept of a 'forever home' is being debunked as older age proves to be far from a period of decline"
- Spencer J McCarthy - Churchill Retirement Living
The landscape of later living in the UK is undergoing a profound transformation. A paradigm shift is evident with pensioners now outnumbering those under 16 and the over-80s constituting the fastest-growing age group.
The baby boomer generation is challenging preconceived notions of ageing. They seek not just longevity but continued vitality through activities like hobbies, volunteering, socialising, and part-time work.
As the boss of a company with 200 retirement living sites across the country, I make it a priority to engage with our homeowners. Time and again, they express a fervent desire for independence, they need to see their friends, they want to do their shopping, and they need the comfort of having their belongings around them.
Housing challenges and the call for change
I've got a very privileged position, personally knowing many older people, and hearing directly from them underscores the inadequacies of current housing choices for me. It's clear that the government urgently needs to shake up planning regulations to meet the evident demand for better housing options.
The 10 million+ people aged 65 and over are actively redefining what it means to age, aspiring to stay active and engaged through various pursuits. Take Gillian, an owner of one of our flats in Bagshot, Surrey. Despite her age, she strongly rejects the picture painted by society of what an 'old lady' wants.
We met recently and she highlighted the sense of fun she and her friends cherished, the freedom to come and go as they chose and how retirement living challenged ageing stereotypes, offering benefits like “the lack of maintenance worries, all the different things there are to do, the security and the support” that allow her “to pursue hobbies and passions with joy and ease." Her story encapsulates the spirit of a generation that refuses to conform to outdated stereotypes of ageing.
Challenging the concept of a ‘forever’ home
The outdated concept of a 'forever home' is being debunked as older age proves to be far from a period of decline. Specialist retirement housing is gaining prominence as a dynamic alternative, offering an environment for homeowners to actively enjoy this life stage rather than viewing it as a last resort.
This paradigm shift challenges the traditional housing narrative and encourages a perspective where housing adapts to individuals' changing needs, not the other way around.
Building the right housing in the right locations
Strategic choices in the location and design of housing play a crucial role in meeting the diverse lifestyle demands of the older population. Proximity to towns and cities is essential, not only for easy access to amenities but also for fostering greater integration into intergenerational communities.
It's imperative to avoid the isolation of older communities and encourage interaction with neighbours of all ages. Striking the right balance between security and independence is pivotal, with on-site managers and maintenance teams available on-demand, offering peace of mind to homeowners while allowing them to manage their properties independently.
The power of socialisation in combatting loneliness
The loneliness epidemic is sadly something we see and hear of too frequently. According to Age UK, a huge 1.4 million older people in the UK are lonely.
Loneliness among older individuals is a pervasive issue, especially when they remain in homes with strong sentimental attachments but limited social connections. Retirement housing can play a significant role in addressing this challenge by providing communal spaces designed for socialising.
These spaces, such as lounges and gardens, serve as hubs for interaction, reducing depressive symptoms, and allowing homeowners to socialise with minimal effort and, importantly, on their own terms.
Providing adequate housing stock
Retirement living should empower individuals aged 60 and above to actively shape the narrative of their lives. Instead of viewing retirement as an endpoint, it should be recognised as a dynamic life stage, especially in the context of increasing life expectancies.
To achieve this, the housing industry must offer accommodations aligned with the aspirations of this demographic. Governments play a pivotal role in facilitating sustainable expansion by reducing regulatory hurdles and fostering an environment where the sector can efficiently meet the evolving demand for diverse and dynamic housing options.
The call for government intervention is underscored by firsthand accounts from industry leaders, emphasising the urgency of regulatory reform to address the clear demand for better housing choices.
