If you’re like many Baby Boomers, you’re not going to be satisfied with the style of retirement your parents had, largely because life nowadays is very different.
This generation will live longer than any that came before and will likely stay in the workforce longer – whether that means full-time or part-time work, or volunteering and staying actively engaged in the community.
Regardless of employment status, this is a generation determined to live life to the fullest. And after a lifetime of working hard, it makes sense to make the most of it.
There’s no better evidence of this lust for living than the surge in popularity of lifestyle communities, also known as land lease communities, designed to offer residents the opportunity and freedom to do more of the things they love with added cashflow benefits.
Ingenia Lifestyle is one of Australia’s longest standing lifestyle community operators whose mission is to provide quality affordable homes to suit the different lifestyles and pursuits of Australians over 55. Located in some of the most picturesque locations across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, Ingenia Lifestyle can offer you a home, a community and an enriching lifestyle.
If you’re considering what life could look like in a lifestyle community and wondering how to get the most enjoyment out of your newfound freedom, here’s a sample of the many ways that lifestyle community living could be your best move yet.
Moving into a lifestyle community, you’ll be surrounded by people who are also enjoying their ideal lifestyle, within a safe and secure environment.
When your neighbours are at a similar life stage to you, it’s easier to find companionship, make new friends and expand your social circle – all important facets of a fulfilling, enriching retirement.
In fact, research shows that meaningful social interactions and being part of a trusted community can help maintain a healthy body and mind and keep illnesses away – helping improve the overall quality of life.
“The people, the community – it’s amazing. We’ve made a lot of friends, and all just knit together like a family,” shares from Ingenia Lifestyle Plantations, located near Coffs Harbour on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Some residents say living in a lifestyle community feels like a never-ending holiday but better, because you don’t have to leave.
Whether you want to relax, recharge or re-energise, you’re spoilt for choice with the facilities and social opportunities available.
Ingenia Lifestyle carefully designs master plans of each of its communities based on local surroundings and specific resident needs, resulting in a unique personality that extends through to the amenity offering.
Ingenia Lifestyle Parkside Lucas in Victoria’s Central Highlands for example, offers a heated indoor swimming pool so residents can stay active in the colder months, while residents at Ingenia Lifestyle Chambers Pines community in sunny Queensland will soon be enjoying a resort-style pool and al-fresco entertainment area perfect for the local, temperate climate. An upcoming Port Stephens community will have a strong connection with the natural surroundings extending to the facilities and home designs on offer.
There are plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbours in a lifestyle community, thanks to a diverse social calendar of activities including events, clubs, and interest groups.
Common favourites include cinema club, billiards, woodworking, gardening, walking groups and outings to local attractions like wineries or theatres.
“We have an afternoon session here and we call it ‘The Coffee Club’ and anybody can come and join. It doesn’t matter who you are, whether you’ve been here for 5 days, 5 years, 5 weeks – everyone is welcome,” shares Robyn from Latitude One, Ingenia Lifestyle’s stunning established community in Port Stephens.
However, there’s no pressure to socialise if solitary pursuits are your preference. Owning a private, free-standing home with its own garden means you can choose to do things in your own time at your own pace.
One of the great things about living in a gated community is that you can lock up and leave at any time, knowing that your home will be safe and secure.
There’s a real sense of unity and camaraderie between neighbours within a gated community – everyone is always looking out for one another. There’s also a dedicated manager on hand in times of need.
“We like the security of being able to just shut the door, hop in our caravan and go away. Just lock up and leave and come home and continue on” says Grant and Caroline from Ingenia Lifestyle Chamber Pines.
Whether you’re heading off on a road trip, taking to the seas on a cruise, or going abroad on an adventure, you can have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone keeping an eye on things when you’re away.
Lifestyle communities are about empowering you to curate your dream lifestyle, without the burden of maintaining a large garden and cleaning your four-bedroom home.
Ingenia Lifestyle’s low-maintenance homes have been carefully designed for relaxed easy living. They are spacious, stylish and if you opt for a brand-new home, come with modern, smart-by-design features so you don’t have to worry about renovating or replacing appliances anytime soon
This gives you the freedom and time to do more things you love – whether it’s going for a dip in the pool, catching up with friends over a game of lawn bowls or having an afternoon drink.
Plus, there is an on-site maintenance team to look after your garden, the community grounds and all amenities and facilities.
So all that’s left to do is for you to sit back, relax and enjoy the lifestyle you deserve.
If you’re interested in learning more about how lifestyle communities can help you unlock the retirement of your dreams, download the free e-guide put together by Starts at 60 in partnership with Ingenia: ‘The ultimate guide to lifestyle communities’.
This free e-guide is packed with critical information and easy-to-complete exercises to help you better understand and consider living in a lifestyle community.
Get your free copy of 'The ultimate guide to lifestyle communities' which provides comprehensive information on everything you need to know if you're considering moving into a lifestyle community.
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