Many retirement villages have been opened across the United Kingdom and Europe, providing an alternative choice to moving into a care home or having to struggle when living in your own. One in particular, Denham Garden Village, is a retirement complex in Uxbridge which consists of 327 homes which can be bought or rented and have been designed to meet the needs and wants of older people. The complex acts as a central hub just like a University campus but for those who are older, with a health club, swimming pool, doctor’s surgery, village hall and café-bar, so almost everything the residents need is completely accessible. Even assistive equipment such as lifts, floor level showers and grab rails can be installed and care services can be purchased if necessary at £15 an hour. All of these factors combine to help older people live independently for longer.

For one resident, 84 year old Irene Griffiths, living in the retirement village has provided her with many opportunities, including organising trips for residents, running a film club and also running a singing group called ‘Voices’. The group, made up entirely of pensioners even auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent. Irene promotes the fact that it’s important to keep active as you get older, and there’s no reason why this can’t be achieved through joining a singing club. Singing has a range of benefits, it’s good socially as well as being good for breathing and memory too.

Another resident, 83 year old Joan Emms has even found love since she moved to the village, with 92 year old Fred Miller. They enjoy visiting the café-bar where they often watch live acts perform.

However for others, life at retirement isn’t as easy. In the UK alone it is estimated that 1.3 million people over the age of 65 are providing care to loved ones, which has been vital to offset costs of tight care budgets. Many individuals living in the retirement village spend much of their time caring for their loved ones. Whilst others have to pay for their care from the Denham Village Garden domiciliary care team.

Increases in life expectancy has led to a rise in the number of people in care homes and many struggle to afford the cost, especially as many people don’t qualify for help from the state. A retirement village such as Denham Garden Village offers a safety net for care whilst promoting independent living to subsequently improve health, wellbeing and quality of life.

The only concern with these complexes is that everything is so accessible there’s almost no reason to leave but is that a problem? It has been argued that a self-contained community could actually reduce independence when it comes to venturing further out from the community. However they certainly offer a more positive approach to old age, helping residents to learn new skills, improve their social life and maintain independence. Retirement villages offer an alternative choice when it comes to retirement, which can only be a positive influence on improving quality of life in an aging population.

Adie Blanchard – Researcher

Source

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-27208531