Retirement village promoters rely on self-serving surveys to win custom
LOS ANGELES: Retirement village promoters are relying on self-serving and edited reporting outcomes to win custom.
Territorians living in retirement villages are happier, healthier and more socially connected compared to those living independently, according to a new report released by the Retirement Living Council.
The national ‘Better Housing for Better Health’ report found that residents were 41 per cent happier, five times more socially active, twice as likely to catch up with loved ones, 15 per cent more physically active and had reduced levels of depression and loneliness.
RLC executive director Daniel Gannon said this was because retirement communities encouraged residents to keep active and socialise.
“People who live in retirement communities are less lonely and less depressed than older Territorians who live independently, because retirement communities encourage physical wellbeing and social interaction – which all translates to economic benefits for governments,” he said.
Pearl Retirement Resort resident John Parker, 74, made the move from Queensland after the passing of his wife in 2015 to be closer to family, which he described as the “best decision”.
“I have absolutely no regrets. It was the best decision I could have made and the main reason for that is the people that live here,” he said.
“We’re able to get involved with things as much as we want to and it’s been really, really nice and the people in here have been very welcoming as well.
“It is a really good place to live with a lot of nice people, plenty to do and I’m very happy.”
It was here that he met and befriended English-born resident Mary Jarvis, 81, while out for a walk.
“John lives down the street and he used to come around my corner all the time and being English, I think the first thing I said to him was ‘would you like to come in for a cup of tea’,” Ms Jarvis said.
Since becoming friends the pair has travelled together to Kakadu and Western Australia.
Ms Jarvis has been a resident since emigrating to Darwin from her hometown in Devon in 2015 and described the village as a “very pleasant place” to live.
“The people here are just lovely, there is no reason that I can think of that you shouldn’t come here because you don’t get swamped,” she said.
“We’re both on the social committee and hold lots of functions that bring around 60 people in at a time but you can come and go.
“When you don’t want to join in there aren’t people knocking on your door so you can live quietly here and join in as you please.”
The pair also said there was a strong sense of community among residents who often checked in on each other.
“People are quite supportive of each other too here, if somebody’s having difficulties there’s a lot of help,” Mr Parker said.
“Quite a few of us have, if you were diving you’d call it the buddy system, where you just ring in the morning to check up which is basically like ‘oh, hello are you alive?’ which is good, especially for people on their own,” Ms Jarvis added.
The RLC’s Better Housing for Better Health report outlines the industry’s contribution to housing, healthcare and the 250,000 people who live in age-friendly communities across Australia.