Thanks to continual scientific and healthcare advances, people in the UK are living longer than ever. Evolving lifestyles and family structures have led to the development of specialised living environments for seniors, such as Churchill retirement apartments.
Ongoing innovations and societal transitions have greatly impacted available options for seniors and overall design capabilities. Let’s explore some of the trends and innovations impacting the future of retirement living.
Retirement Trends
Working Longer and Later
According to Rest Less, an online community for the over-50s that offers advice to older workers, the number of people aged over 70 who are still working in the UK has doubled to almost 500,000. While some of this can be put down to changes in the State Pension age, the reason for older adults working later has also been attributed to the benefits of working past the normal retirement age.
Many people still working in their 60s, 70s and 80s are choosing to do so, enjoying the sense of job satisfaction. Some people are working longer for more secure finances. As people are living longer, they want to save more to have the same standard of living in retirement as current generations.
Social, Physical and Technological Connectivity
Staying connected through technology, accessing services, socialising or being able to travel easily, becomes an issue as we age. It’s also equally important for allowing people to care for others when it’s needed. Connectivity also helps social interaction and helps us access services such as health and social care.
Technology may hold the key to keeping retired adults connected. The number of retired adults who use the internet has risen from 22% to 45%, with the number expected to continue rising, particularly as generations who have grown up around technology move towards retirement age.
To ensure we our properties facilitate connectivity, all Churchill Living retirement properties offer free WiFi to our residents, meaning you can get online wherever and whenever you need to.
Volunteering in Retirement
As of 2020/21, 8.6 million retirees were volunteers, and one million were carers for loved ones. Another way retirees continue to get involved is through positions in local councils, with 37% of local authority councillors in England being age 65 and over, showcasing their essential role in the economy and community fabric.
Innovations
With the number of people aged 65 and over living in the UK set to continue increasing, developers, including Churchill Living, are dramatically increasing the amount of resources into the private senior living sector. We focus on building a diverse mix of inclusive communities, with later-living housing catering to the needs of all residents.
Retirement Properties
Retirement properties and villages are built specifically for senior buyers. The best retirement villages feature communal areas and on-site amenities like swimming pools, gyms, spas, restaurants, activity rooms, bars and more. With a growing demand for retirement living properties, more than 50% of people over the age of 55 are actively considering downsizing to free up some of their wealth.
Communities with Wellbeing Benefits
People are generally living longer, and as we age, it’s becoming increasingly important to prioritise health and wellbeing. Retirement communities already prioritise the health of all residents, with facilities that cater of the needs of our residents wellbeing. This is set to become even bigger over the next few years, through specialised staff, including physiotherapists and nutritionists, and bespoke health packages.
Properties by the Sea
More retirement developers are placing a greater focus on retirement communities in coastal destinations across the UK – as properties by the sea have become increasingly popular amongst retirees. There are several wellbeing benefits to coastal living, including better sleep, a heightened sense of relaxation and an improved, active lifestyle.
Sustainability in Retirement Communities
Sustainability will continue to be a huge focus area in the development of retirement communities. The adoption of eco-friendly designs and renewable energy sources to align with environmentally conscious living preferences will become increasingly prevalent. You can learn more about ESG at Churchill Living here.
Pet-Friendly Living
Pets are known to provide a sense of companionship, reduce stress and encourage physical activity. You can embrace pet-friendly living in our retirement properties, as we understand that the decision to move into a Churchill Living property is not just about you, but your furry companion too. Owners are welcome to bring well-behaved cats, dogs and caged birds with them when they move.*
Retirement living developments offer secure, vibrant and luxurious housing with state-of-the-art facilities for seniors. Explore Churchill Living’s retirement apartments for sale to kick start your golden years.
*Subject to consent obtained, signing of the pet agreement and any other rules or regulations that may be made from time to time.