The Australian Medical Association's recent report paints a concerning picture of an overburdened public healthcare system struggling to keep up with the needs of our aging population. However, as the Retirement Living Council (RLC) points out, there's a solution that offers both individual well-being and national healthcare relief: age-friendly retirement communities.
"Purpose-built retirement villages focus on more than just providing a roof over your head," explains Daniel Gannon, RLC Executive Director. "They're designed to foster active lifestyles, social connection, and overall happiness – all key ingredients for healthier aging. "
The Proof: Benefits Beyond Housing
Research backs up Mr. Gannon's assertion. Studies show that residents of retirement villages experience significant advantages:
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Hospital-Free Living: Seniors in these communities are 20% less likely to need hospitalisation after only nine months living in one of these communities, which leads to 14,000 avoided annual hospitalisations across Australia. – a massive impact on both individual lives and stressed healthcare resources.
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The Happiness Factor: Retirement living translates to greater physical activity, residents are 15 per cent more physically active, 41 percent happier, five times more socially active, twice as likely to catch up with family or friends and have reduced levels of depression and loneliness.
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Cost Savings for All: By keeping seniors healthier, retirement villages generate an estimated $945 million in annual savings for the government, freeing up resources for other critical needs.
The Challenge and the Call to Action
Given the clear benefits and the strain on our healthcare system, the RLC urges the government to consider retirement villages as vital infrastructure in addressing Australia's ageing population challenges.
"We need policies that encourage more retirement communities," states Mr. Gannon. He advocates for:
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Increased Supply: Including retirement housing in national housing targets.
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Removing Financial Barriers: Reforming rent assistance and age pension rules to make retirement living accessible to more seniors.
The Choice is Yours
If you're nearing retirement or are facing age-related changes, a retirement village could be your gateway to a longer, more fulfilling, and less medically demanding future. With demonstrated benefits for your well-being and the well-being of our healthcare system as a whole, investigating this option is simply smart planning.
