Choosing A Retirement Village: Is A Coastal Village Right For You?
There is an unmistakable allure to life on the coast, and if you're looking for a safe, welcoming retirement village in which to spend your later years, Australia's coastline is dotted with a wide variety of retirement villages and 55+ communities. However, while there are many reasons to spend your later life in a coastal retirement village, there are also good reasons why a seaside village may not be the best choice for your needs.
If you intend to move into a retirement village and are considering moving into a village in a coastal location, you should be aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of spending your retirement in such a unique environment.
What are the advantages of moving into a coastal retirement village?
Expansive views
Breathtaking views of the sun setting over the open ocean are a good reason for people of any age to move to the coast, and many coastal retirement villages are surrounded by truly astounding scenery. Seaside views are particularly desirable if you intend to spend your retirement painting or engaged in other creative activities, and the picturesque surroundings can provide real benefits for your mental health.
Reduced pollution
As people get older, their lungs and respiratory system naturally become less resilient, and spending their later life in a bustling, polluted city centre can cause or exacerbate a variety of respiratory illnesses. Many retirees move to retirement villages out in the country to escape urban pollution, but in many cases, farm machinery, incinerators and other sources of pollution mean that many rural locations also have badly contaminated air.
Coastal retirement villages are an excellent choice for retirees worried about their respiratory health. While sea air doesn't have magical restorative powers, it is usually significantly less polluted than 'inland air', and moving to a coastal location may boost your health significantly if you have a pre-existing respiratory illness. Just make sure that your chosen village isn't located near any commercial ports or sewage outflow facilities, as these coastal locations can be badly polluted.
Opportunities to keep fit
Most modern retirement villages have some kind of gym or fitness facility on-site, but if you choose to live in a coastal village, free access to the beach and ocean can be more beneficial than any gym. Swimming in the sea or taking long, refreshing walks along the coast can be great ways to keep fit in later life without putting too much strain on aging joints and muscles.
Improved sleep
Many of us find it more difficult to get a good night's sleep in later life, particularly if you are a light sleeper easily disturbed by unexpected noise. The soothing white noise created by waves lapping on the shore can be a hugely effective sleep aid.
What are the disadvantages of moving into a coastal retirement village?
Tourist crowds
A coastal retirement village may not be the best choice if you want to avoid crowds in your retirement, and many coastal villages are located close to popular beach resorts and other tourist attractions. If you drive your own car, roads clogged with tourists can also make it more difficult to get around, especially when it comes to finding parking. Finding a coastal retirement village in a less well-known coastal location should help you avoid the crowds.
Weather exposure
Living on the coast also leaves you vulnerable to storms, cyclones and other inclement weather systems blowing in from the sea. This can be frightening for older people with cognitive difficulties, and high winds and salt spray can occasionally cause serious damage to home fixtures and any vehicles you drive.
Contact a retirement living facility for more information.