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Retirement Living

It’s Never Too Early to Plan for Retirement

Most people don’t want to think about growing older, but unfortunately one has no control over the ageing process. It is possible, however, to have some control over the way that one spends one’s ‘golden years’ by planning in advance for retirement. According to Russell Masters, Marketing Consultant at the Schonenberg Retirement Village, “When people invest in their retirement, they are effectively buying a way of life and ensuring your medical, physical and financial security”.  

Planning for one’s retirement involves anticipating future needs and desires as well as determining how best to meet them. A crucial area to which this applies is one’s living arrangements. These days more and more people are choosing to move into retirement communities as a lifestyle choice.

Retirement villages offer a number of benefits such as security, social life, peaceful surroundings, medical assistance, exercise facilities and proximity to amenities. The huge demand for a lifestyle with such benefits has resulted in long waiting lists at most retirement villages. Masters advises “To ensure that this lifestyle option is available as and when retirees desire it, it is suggested that they consider buying their own property within a retirement facility that is still under development. That way, they can choose when they want to move in and in some cases, have the option of having their homes designed to their specifications”.

There is also a trend among retirees to settle in coastal areas. As a result, there are a number of retirement villages that are being developed in scenic areas that provide a peaceful setting where people can relax and enjoy their retirement. “When we began developing the Schonenberg Retirement Village, we took into account its unique location which combines the benefits of city life with the serenity of nearby beaches, vineyards and mountains”, says Masters.

Even if retirement seems a distant reality, it is never too early to begin planning. Masters advises that people begin their retirement planning by researching the options available to them and that they consider their possible future needs and desired lifestyle elements. Furthermore, once they have found their ideal retirement spot, it would be financially astute to invest in that property in order to secure that home for the future. In the meantime, buyers can rent out the property until such time as they are ready to move in. That way, people can benefit financially and have a place of their own when they retire.

“The retirement years are a very special time and people need to plan in advance to ensure that they receive maximum benefit and enjoyment from this phase of their lives”, concludes Masters. 

For more information about the Schonenberg Retirement Village and investing in this type of property, please visit www.schonenbergvillage.co.za or call 021 852 0821.