Johannesburg is not a city that immediately springs to mind when considering retirement destinations. In fact, many retirees prefer the idea of moving to the coast. But for those who have lived and worked in Johannesburg for most of their lives, and have close family ties there, choosing to retire within the city is probably a far better option.
“Chances are that they will have children and grandchildren nearby, and an established circle of friends and former colleagues. Having a wide social and family network close at hand is one of the factors that can help make your retirement years some of your happiest,” says Arthur Case, CEO of Evergreen Lifestyle, a leading national provider of retirement lifestyle villages.
Before retiring, the daily routine of going in to the office provides many opportunities to engage with a broad spectrum of people – the newspaper vendor, the security guard, friends, colleagues, and clients. But when a person stops working, they lose this daily connection with the outside world, and as a result run the risk of becoming lonely and isolated.
“This can be harmful, both mentally and physically,” Case explains. Research from the United States indicates that the chance of having a stroke is considerably higher among people who are depressed due to loneliness.
“This is why it is important that retirees stay connected with family and friends. Helping out with grandchildren can be a win-win for everyone,” Case suggests. “You are able to develop a stronger bond with your grandchildren if you’re actively involved in their daily lives, you can spend your time in meaningful activities with them, and your children don’t have to be called away from work if there are issues involving their children.”
On the other hand, if a person stops working and decides to relocate – to the coast, for instance – it is imperative that they immediately make an effort to make new friends and find new things to do.
“People are far better off being in the environment they know well – and where they have a support system in place”, says Case. “Our experience shows that most people retire to a home within about 20 kilometres of their previous home.”
“Downsizing to the appropriate kind of accommodation is also an important consideration,” says Case. “Many options are available in Gauteng but demand generally outstrips supply so you may have to wait a while until you are able to get into the type of place you want.”
An increasingly popular choice, particularly amongst younger active retirees, is the retirement lifestyle village. These villages offer a broad range of resort-style facilities along with different types of accommodation: free-standing houses with gardens, apartments, assisted living suites, and frail-care. “One of the greatest advantages of a retirement village is that one can ‘age in place’ and move from one type of accommodation to another as one’s situation and health dictates – without having to go through a major relocation,” Case advises.
The location of a retirement village is also of paramount importance. Evergreen Lifestyle’s village in Broadacres, for example, offers a lush town and country estate that is conveniently close to several major shopping centres and a LIFE hospital, while its proximity to major roads and highways makes it easily accessible to friends and family.
So, while you may dream of a retirement lifestyle with walks on the beach, remember the practicalities of staying close to what – and who – you know.
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