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ConsiderYourLifestyleWhenMovingToRetirementLiving

People move to retirement living villages for many reasons whether it’s seeking financial independence, wanting to free up time to spend on travel or volunteering or to be closer to family. If you’re looking to downsize and retire, there are many options Here, three recent purchasers share their story.

Christine and Gabriel

Christine and Gabriel, 72 and 73, downsized from their large family home at Reynella to a two-bedroom unit at Elkanah, Morphett Vale in 2017. Gabriel says they were looking for a fresh start.

“Our sons had moved out and the house had become too big for us, and our savings were going backwards, so we thought why not buy into a village?” he says. “Our house sold quickly and we now have a little bit extra as well.”

Gabriel says once the decision was made to move, they visited Elkanah and were impressed by the quality of the units.

“Everything was new and as soon as my wife walked in, she looked at the kitchen and new cupboards and said ‘this is the one’. We’ve started a whole new life here, it’s been wonderful. It’s quiet and the people are very nice.”

Since moving in, they have visited family in Perth and enjoy keeping in touch with friends locally. Gabriel enjoys the on-site library and says it’s nice to know the Community Centre is at hand where they can stop for a cuppa or a chat with neighbours.

“We decided we weren’t going to wait until we were in our mid 80s to move, and we’ve enjoyed it – we’re happy we did.”

Jane

At 62, Jane made the move to Mackie Court in Lower Mitcham to be closer to her son and grandson and to ensure financial security for the years ahead.

After 25 years travelling and living overseas, she had returned to rental accommodation in Adelaide and wanted to find a permanent home.

“Rents keep increasing and as you get older, the thought of the landlord suddenly selling and kicking you out is pretty frightening,” she says. “I don’t have a partner or a huge super fund, so to find this unit has been a godsend, quite frankly.”

Jane is looking forward to continuing her work with families living with a disability and is thrilled with the location of her new unit.

“It’s a nice safe neighbourhood and it just feels right,” she says. “I have new fencing going in and I’ve got my two little puppy dogs with me, so I’m happy. Having the maintenance taken care of is just one less thing I have to worry about.”

“I’m one of the younger ones here, but I don’t mind that. I’m looking forward to the Christmas party at the end of the year.”

John and Helen

Downsizing from a four-bedroom home at Victor Harbor to a retirement living unit in the city was a big move, but one that John and Helen certainly don’t regret.

Aged in their early 70s, they settled in a three-bedroom retirement living unit at Firle in March because they wanted be closer to family and the city.

“Living here we have shopping, buses, doctors and dentists – and the airport if we want to travel – on our doorstep,” Helen says. “We planned to move in five years’ time but, once we started looking into it, it made a lot of sense. We didn’t really want to be moving close to 80.”

Helen says they enjoyed the process of ‘letting go’.

“You have to be prepared to give things up – we have three bedrooms now, so we’re not exactly short on space but I found it to be quite liberating.

“We had a lot of stuff to get rid of, and it’s been nice to start again.”

The couple are looking forward to a cruise this year and won’t have to book overnight accommodation in the city before they leave.

“Having medical facilities nearby gives us peace of mind and we now have a son and granddaughter close by. The move has been marvellous – we’ve loved it.”

Explore ACH Group retirement living options in desirable loations across Adelaide and the Fleurieu Peninsula.

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