practical living
Living the high life
What will retirement and aged
care living look like for the current
generation of urban dwellers?
By Susan Mathews
O
ver the last few years, Australia
has witnessed a growing palette
of retirement living and aged
care options. While many still prefer the
classic ‘downsize to the countryside’
move, theme-based options like golf
course and cruise-centred retirement
communities are fast becoming popular
among today’s retirees.
One common assumption that these
options make, however, is that such
centres should be isolated facilities located
in the countryside, suburbs and other such
areas that are away from the CBD.
This makes one wonder what the
future of retirement living/aged care will
look like for the current generation of
urban dwellers who have lived most of
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their lives in high‑density dwellings in or
around cities, and would prefer to continue
enjoying the urban life throughout their
sunset years.
Or what about the elderly couple who
yearn for better access to their children and
grandchildren living in the city? Is it possible
to provide the elderly with the perks of
urban life while also addressing their
growing medical and emotional needs?
What are the social impacts of introducing
retirement living in the urban context?
With a growing demand for aged care
options and a predicted increase in the
number of older Australians (65 and over)
to 8.7 million by 2056, it’s worth exploring
what else is possible for the future of
retirement and aged care design.
WHAT IS MISSING IN THE
CURRENT MODEL?
While there are many natural fears
associated with retirement and moving
into aged care, perhaps the most
daunting is losing a sense of identity
and significance.
According to a review by the National
Ageing Research Institute, residents
living in aged care facilities are five times
more likely to experience loneliness
and social isolation than those who
live independently. This shows that the
current models of housing arrangements
that are exclusive of building usage and
age quite often end up segregating
residents from society.
Statistics show that one in eight older
people are engaged in employment,
education or training. This is a huge chunk
of society that not only has the time
and life experience but also the will to
contribute back to the community. Rather
than isolate such a valuable resource
to the countryside, it would profit both
individual and community if the location
and design of aged care facilities provided
an avenue for older people to contribute.
Achieving holistic wellbeing of aged care
residents by including the context of
community and social interaction is vital to
creating a sense of belonging.
Transitioning to an aged care facility is
usually a last resort of care and is most
often a painful decision, particularly for
families. Partners and children of residents
deal with the guilt of not being able to
provide their well-intentioned time and
effort to their loved ones due to the
demands of their own families and careers.
Lack of respite care, fear of medical
emergencies and burnout for carers are
other reasons why dedicated aged care
is considered. Is there a better way for
our seniors to receive nursing/medical
care and enjoy the presence of family and
loved ones?