Retirement Living Explained: What It Is and Where to Start
Retirement means different things to different people. For some, it’s the chance to step away from the pressures of maintaining a large home and enjoy life at a gentler pace. For others, it’s about having more time for hobbies, family, and travel, while being part of a welcoming community.
For many Australians, this stage of life is less about “stopping work” and more about moving into an environment that makes life easier, safer, and more enjoyable. That’s where retirement villages come in.
At The Evelyn, Mount Ommaney, we know that deciding to move into a retirement village is a big step, one that will bring excitement as well as questions and uncertainty. This guide offers a friendly introduction to what retirement living involves and where to start.
What is Retirement Living?
A retirement village is a community designed especially for those who want to enjoy an independent lifestyle with the comfort of knowing support is available if needed.
Residents will typically live in modern, low-maintenance homes such as apartments, townhouses, or villas, with the added benefit of shared facilities and community spaces. Think of it as downsizing without compromise, your own private space plus a whole community on your doorstep.
What Regulations are there to protect the residents?
Everyone has heard the unnerving stories of hidden fees, unfair rules, and surprise changes in the aged-care sector. While many providers keep the best interests of their residents at heart, it is important to do thorough research into the Operator, look at the fine print of the fee structure, listen to the experience of existing Residents, and – if needed – seek outside counsel or advice.
Making the move to Retirement Living, Aged Care, or a Lifestyle Village is a big decision, and it’s important to be fully equipped when making the choice.
Fortunately, the Retirement Living sector is heavily regulated by the Retirement Villages Act (1999), which provides protections for Queensland Residents and increases the need for transparency and accountability.
“The Retirement Villages Act is actually quite a good thing for people to move into a retirement village because you’ve got legislation that came out of consumer affairs, so it’s actually designed to protect consumers and your rights” Tim Russell, Aura Managing Director.
Why People Choose to Move Into a Retirement Village
Unlike aged care, the move to Retirement Living is often done as a lifestyle choice or a preventative measure, rather than as a reaction to an illness or injury. While that might not be true for everyone’s circumstances, here are some of the common reasons people make the move:
- Low-maintenance living: No more costly, time-consuming tasks like mowing lawns or worrying about home repairs.
- Safety and security: Peace of mind knowing that your home and community are designed with your well-being in mind.
- Community and connection: Avoiding isolation and finding an easy way to meet like-minded neighbours and build new friendships.
- Facilities and Amenities: Access to facilities such as pools, gyms, or libraries – some villages will even have an on-site nurse or concierge for that added peace of mind.
- Future peace of mind: While still living independently, there is additional support available if it’s needed down the track.
For many, it’s not about “giving something up,” but gaining a simpler, more enjoyable way of life.
The Emotional Side of Moving
Moving into a retirement village is often both a practical and emotional decision. It’s natural to feel a mix of excitement, hesitation, and perhaps even some relief.
After the initial period of instability while moving, Aura residents have reported feeling a sense of:
- Freedom: A sense of lightness once the responsibilities of a larger home are lifted.
- Belonging: Becoming part of a community where people look out for one another.
- Rediscovery: Time and space to focus on yourself, whether that’s new hobbies, fitness, or travel.
- Adjustment: Like any move, it takes time to settle in. Most residents find they quickly feel at home once they get to know their neighbours.
Life in a Retirement Village
So, what does everyday life actually look like once you’ve made the move? The beauty of retirement living is that it’s different for everyone.
Some residents will spend their days out and about, playing golf, going on trips, or catching up with family. Others will enjoy the quiet pleasures of reading, gardening, or taking a walk through the grounds. Many people find they do more socialising after moving in, simply because the opportunity is right there.
It’s a lifestyle built around choice. You can be as involved in community activities as you like or enjoy the privacy of your own home.
An Introduction to The Evelyn, Mt Ommaney
In Brisbane’s leafy western suburbs, The Evelyn is a new retirement village being developed within the grounds of the McLeod Country Golf Club. The location offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful, green outlook surrounded by nature, yet close to the shops, services, and conveniences of Mount Ommaney and Jindalee.
The Evelyn will include a range of apartments and townhouses, designed for comfort, style, and ease of living. Residents will also enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens and welcoming community spaces designed for catching up with friends or joining in activities.
What sets The Evelyn apart is its boutique scale and its leafy setting on the golf course. Whether you’re an active person who loves a morning walk, or someone who values calm surroundings, The Evelyn is being created with lifestyle and wellbeing in mind.
The Evelyn Mt Ommaney is set to become a sought-after community for retirees in West Brisbane. To stay up to date with news about The Evelyn Mt Ommaney Retirement Community.
Tips for Making the Move
Whether you’ve been searching for a while or just starting to think about retirement living, here are a few simple tips:
- Think ahead: Consider not just what you want now, but what will suit you in five or ten years.
- Visit different communities: Retirement communities come in many different shapes and sizes. Take a tour, ask questions, get a feel for the atmosphere, and see what suits you best.
- Involve family and friends: Talking through your plans with loved ones can help everyone feel comfortable.
- Focus on lifestyle: Picture the kind of daily life you’d enjoy most and see how a village can support that.
- Don’t leave it too late: Many of our residents have said they wish they’d made the move sooner to enjoy all their community has to offer.
A Fresh Start
Moving into a retirement village isn’t about giving up your independence—it’s about gaining more freedom to live the way you want. With fewer worries and more time for the things you enjoy, life becomes a little easier and a lot more fulfilling.
At The Evelyn, we believe retirement living should be surrounded by greenery, good neighbours, and a true sense of community. Whether that means travelling more, playing golf, or simply enjoying your morning coffee with neighbours, it’s all about living life on your own terms.
Other Aura Villages
At Aura, we know everyone’s idea of the perfect lifestyle is a little different. Which is why we’ve created a range of communities across Southeast Queensland, so you can find a place that truly feels like home. Love the coast or prefer the peace and greenery of a Golf Course? Perhaps you’re looking to stay close to the action? With communities across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and Toowoomba, each Aura community is designed to make life simpler, more enjoyable, and full of possibilities
