Making the move: Your guide to transitioning into a retirement village

Making the Move: Your guide to transitioning into a retirement village

More and more New Zealanders are embracing the vibrant lifestyle offered by retirement villages, and it’s easy to see why. With a range of facilities, activities and living options on offer, retirement village living provides endless opportunities for companionship, joy, and fulfilment.

Moving into a retirement village marks the start of a new chapter, one that’s filled with excitement and anticipation. Of course, it’s natural to feel a bit of apprehension, too. Whether you're ready to make the move to a retirement village soon, or are simply planning ahead, this guide will help you determine the perfect time to move, prepare emotionally, and provide practical tips for a smooth and enjoyable transition.

Choosing the right time to move

Deciding on the right time to move into a retirement village is a personal choice and it varies for everyone. There are many factors to consider, including the village entry age criteria (which can range from 65 to 75 in New Zealand), living and care options, financial considerations and, most importantly, whether you feel ready to make the move, although let’s face it - sometimes in life you just have to take a leap of faith!

Moving earlier has its advantages - giving you more time to settle in, make new friends, and fully enjoy all the amenities and social activities that village communities offer.

Your current and future health needs are also important to consider. Many retirement communities in New Zealand offer a continuum of care (if there is space available), ensuring that you’ll have the support you need, if your personal health and care needs change. Existing residents often receive priority consideration for aged residential care when it’s as part of an existing village’s services available, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll be well taken care of within the community you are already familiar with.

“Had I known the lifestyle we would have here, we would have moved sooner. In a way, life begins when you move into a retirement village. You’ve got a lot more free time to enjoy the things you love. I’ve got a lot more time for my mountain biking!”

– Kevin Hawkins, Metlifecare retirement village resident.

Finding your perfect fit

We know how important it is when taking this next step to find somewhere that truly feels like home. Retirement villages come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique location, facilities, services, living options, character, and charm.

It may help to make a list of things that matter to you the most at this time, what you are maybe willing to compromise on, and what your absolute deal-breakers are. Take the time to visit several villages so you can get a feel for the community and vibe present at each one.

When making your decision, choose a village that allows you to keep doing the things you love and helps you live your best possible life during your retirement years. When you find your perfect fit, it should feel like home from the moment you settle in.

Top Tip:

A great way to ensure you’re choosing the right village is to ask the people who already live there! After all, they will be your potential neighbours! They have first-hand experience and can offer valuable insights about the current community of residents. It’s no surprise that many of our Metlifecare residents find their perfect home through a recommendation from someone who’s already enjoying life there. Resident referrals leading to sales are a very frequent occurrence. It’s powerful to hear straight up from someone already living and residing in that particular village what they think about it, the benefits they identify, the challenges maybe, and their level of overall satisfaction.

Emotional readiness for retirement village living

Moving from your family home and community is a big step, and it’s natural to feel a bit nervous about it. Being emotionally ready to move into a retirement village is just as important as finding the perfect place. Take your time, think it over, and discuss it with your loved ones. Sharing your thoughts and feelings can provide comfort and support, helping you come to a decision that feels right for you.

Here are some of the key benefits you can look forward to when the time is right.

1. Vibrant communities
   Enjoy a vibrant community lifestyle with opportunities for more social interaction, make new friends and engage in social activities. The choice is yours of when, how and who you interact with.
2. Peace of mind
   Benefit from a secure and supportive environment with access to various care services if needed and advice about what support services might be already available to you.
3. Convenience and amenities
   Take advantage of the on-site amenities and services designed to make your life easier, so you can get on with doing the things you love.
4. Active lifestyle
   Participate in a range of recreational and wellness activities to keep you fit, active and healthy. And you’re not competing with gym bunnies, you’re moving and grooving with like-minded friends, for fun!

Tips for planning your retirement early

If you’re not yet at retirement age, but are considering retirement village living in the future, planning early can make your golden years even more enjoyable. Here are some top tips for each stage of life to help you prepare.

Retirement planning in your 40s and 50s

• Set retirement goals – Think about when you want to retire, how much money you'll need, and what kind of lifestyle you envision. Create a retirement plan to help map your goals.
• Financial assessment – Take a close look at your financial situation. Adjust your savings and investments to ensure you’re on track to meet your retirement goals.
• Career stability – Seek opportunities for career progression to maximise your earning potential. Stability in your career can significantly impact your retirement savings.
• Downsizing – If your children have moved out of home, consider moving to a smaller home to reduce expenses and simplify your life and get rid of clutter.
• Health – Prioritise a healthy lifestyle. Regular check-ups and maintaining your fitness will help you stay healthy well into retirement. You are what you eat.
• Health insurance – Look into or update your healthcare insurance options to ensure you have the right cover for your retirement years.
• Exploration – Start thinking about your ideal retirement location and lifestyle. Explore different retirement village options that might suit your future needs.

Retirement planning in your 60s

As retirement gets closer, here are some additional tips and things to tick off your checklist before making the move.

• Finalise your retirement plan - Revisit your retirement goals and ensure you’re on track. Make any necessary tweaks to your savings and investments.
• Stay active - Keep your health a top priority! Dive into hobbies and activities you love, stay social, and maintain an active lifestyle.
• Update legal affairs - Ensure your will, power of attorney, and other legal documents are up to date.
• Declutter and downsize – Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to sort through sentimental items and downsize your possessions to what is important to you.
• Explore retirement communities - Visit various retirement villages, meet the residents, and soak up the atmosphere. Finding the perfect fit is essential, so take your time and enjoy the journey.
  

And finally, once you find a village that feels like home, make sure you:

Understand the costs and legalities - familiarise yourself with the legal aspects, including contracts and your rights. Seek legal advice to ensure everything is crystal clear.

Get to know the community - learn about the services, activities, and amenities offered. Understand the rules and regulations and attend events or open days to meet your future neighbours.

Plan the move - organise the logistics, like hiring movers, updating your address, and transferring utilities for a smooth transition.

Emotional preparation - talk about the move with your loved ones and visit the village frequently before the big day. The more familiar you are, the more at home you’ll feel.

Moving into a retirement village opens the door to a vibrant community filled with friendship, joy, and new adventures. It's a place where your comfort and well-being are cherished, allowing you to truly celebrate and thrive in life's golden years.

A vibrant, supportive retirement living community is ready to welcome you, whenever you're ready.