Retirement villages offer better quality of life for seniors: Study
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Older Australians living in retirement villages experience significantly better quality of life compared to their peers, according to a new Catalyst Research report. The study, which surveyed over 12,000 Australians aged over 60, revealed that renters face the greatest challenges, with the lowest wellness scores among all groups.
The research, presented by Catalyst Research Managing Director Kevin McCreton, highlights the benefits of retirement living.
“It’s clear that retirement communities offer a range of benefits for older Australians,” McCreton said. “Retirement community residents have superior wellness than those who don’t move from home as well as those who downsize to a smaller property.”
Retirement community residents scored an average of 77.5 on the Catalyst Wellness Index, outperforming the national average for older Australians (71.3). These residents reported higher levels of safety, companionship, and access to support services. Those living in lifestyle-oriented communities expressed even greater satisfaction, citing independence, mental well-being, and optimism about the future.
ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson emphasised the value of retirement villages in fostering vibrant, supportive environments.
“Retirement villages empower older Australians to live confidently, pursue their passions, and embrace new opportunities. They create a sense of belonging and purpose, offering not just a home but a vibrant environment where people can truly flourish,” Symondson said.
In contrast, renters fared the worst on the wellness index, citing financial insecurity and housing instability as key factors.
“It’s clear that renters suffer housing insecurity. They also rate their financial wellbeing far lower than other Australians,” McCreton said.
The report also noted disparities in wellness based on age and gender. Older Australians over 80 reported higher satisfaction with financial well-being, benefiting from property appreciation and lower expenses. However, women scored slightly lower (70.8) on the Wellness Index compared to men (71.8), largely due to financial inequities stemming from limited wealth accumulation and lower superannuation benefits.
Related: Age-friendly retirement villages key to healthier, happier ageing
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
