Biggest ever study of Retirement Communities shows huge health, wellbeing and security benefits for residents

Biggest ever study of Retirement Communities shows huge health, wellbeing and security benefits for residents

In-depth research by ProMatura International and ARCO shows older people are healthier and more active in specialist housing-with-care

The largest and most in-depth poll ever conducted of UK Retirement Community residents and prospective residents has found that people who live in Retirement Communities have healthier, more active, more social, more secure and happier lives than those who have not yet moved to a Retirement Community.

The research, carried out in partnership between ProMatura International and ARCO (the Associated Retirement Community Operators) included a total of 2,799 residents from 81 Retirement Communities run by 15 operators. 1,111 older people who were considering a move into Retirement Communities also took part in the research.

The report found that residents in Retirement Communities:

•stay healthier for longer

•are more active

•are less lonely

•have a greater sense of a safety net

•feel more secure

•enjoy life more

•enjoy more privacy

- compared to those who had not yet moved (but were considering making a move).

The report, which is now available for sale, also found that:

•90% of residents thought they had moved into a Retirement Community at just the right time in their lives. 6% would rather they’d moved in sooner.

•71% of residents saw moving in to a Retirement Community as a chance to make new friends.

•Retirement Community residents feel more in control of their lives.

•By a huge margin, residents of Retirement Communities believe that their lives are better now than they were a year ago.

Retirement Communities combine high quality housing options for older people with tailored support services. They allow residents to rent or own a property and to maintain their privacy and independence, with the reassurance of 24-hour on-site staff, communal facilities, and optional care and support as needed.

Retirement Communities may also be referred to as retirement villages, extra care housing, housing-with-care, assisted living, close care apartments, or independent living settings.

ProMatura International is the world’s leading data and customer insight provider for the seniors’ housing industry. ARCO is the trade association representing the Retirement Community sector in the UK.

Michael Voges, Executive Director of ARCO said: “It is amazing to have such high quality data on our sector. This reinforces what our members have been reporting and seeing on the ground for years – that living in a Retirement Community is good for your health, wellbeing and sense of security.

“It is easy to see why Retirement Communities are set to account for three quarters of all specialist housing for older people within five years. They represent a fantastic offering for increasing numbers of older people and are based on a responsible, sustainable business model which is attracting record levels of investment.

“We were delighted to have the opportunity to work with such a well-respected and rigorous research agency as ProMatura – there is a clear need for more good quality data like this as our sector grows.”

Margaret Wylde, Chief Executive and founder of ProMatura said: “The evidence here is very strong and hard to argue with – Retirement Communities are an excellent option for older people in the UK, benefiting their health, keeping them active and providing security.

“This is the first time that these questions have been asked on this scale and the data provides vital insight for investors, operators and suppliers in this sector.  We are working through the full implications and are already exploring several options for follow-up research to support the fastest growing sector in housing for older people in the UK.”