Create your own roadmap for ageing well

People plan their careers, relationships, homes and children but do they really plan for their senior years? Other than contributing to a super fund and deciding when to retire, most of us never consider the planning required to grow older well.

A plan or a roadmap will allow you to have more control over the direction your life takes, empowering you to be able to make informed decisions about your path. Of course, no one knows what the future holds but ageing well can have a lot to do with the plans put in place and the choices you make.

Where you live

Deciding how and where you wish to live is a major consideration in your ‘ageing well’ plan. Making the decision to leave a large family home and all its associated maintenance to downsize is often best taken sooner rather than later. Make decisions on your own terms rather than leaving decisions to someone else down the track.

When you downsize, plan to be near essential services, public transport and close to family and friends. Easy access to services and transport means that if a time comes when you are no longer driving you won’t be isolated from social activities, shopping and appointments.

Aura Holdings’ villages and apartments also have well considered design elements with discreet features to eliminate trip hazards. There are no stairs to climb and lifts for easy access.

Downsizing should also provide you with more capital to fund the way you wish to live.

Relationships with others

Having a plan to remain social and connected to friends is essential for successful ageing. Not being able to get around to keep in contact with friends and family, adds to a sense of isolation.

One 2015 study found that a lack of social connection was as damaging to a person’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day!

Making new friends in retirement, particularly after the loss of a partner, can be difficult but not at an Aura village! Our residents keep social with a network of friends and like-minded neighbours and enjoy an array of interests and a full calendar of events. You can be as social or private as you desire.

Wellbeing

Planning ahead allows you to better handle unexpected situations such as ill health, a fall or decreased mobility.

Maintaining physical health and supporting your own mental health will help you to live a happier life. It’s never too late to incorporate some exercise or physical activity into your plan. Research shows that seniors who begin some activity – even after 70 – live longer. There’s always a range of fitness classes for seniors to choose from in our villages – and there’s always the gym!

Have a plan to eat right and also take part in mentally stimulating activities, such as brain training. Your plan for ageing well should also include regular appointments with your doctor to monitor any changes.

In-home support

When considering your future, the availability of in-home support will allow you to continue living independently the way you wish.

Aura partners with quality in-home support provider Five Good Friends to ensure our residents have easy access to trusted support services. Five Good Friends’ services may not be something you require now but you can plan for the future with a private consultation with the on-site concierge at your village. They will help determine your eligibility for a government-funded package, support your preparation for an ACAT assessment and guide you through the often complex My Aged Care application process.

With applications already in place, support services will be readily available if you need them.  Everyone wants to continue living independently and often with planning, this goal can be achieved with some support. Help with housework, shopping, transport or nursing care can make all the difference to being able to live independently. It’s okay to ask for help.

Aura villages provide residents with 24-hour monitoring in emergency situations through technology partner company, Eevi, for your peace of mind. A village manager and staff also help you live independently.

With a plan you can happily and confidently look forward to the future. Most Aura residents will say “I wish I’d made the move sooner.’’

To find out how living at Somerset Indooroopilly retirement community can support your plan for the future, please call (07) 3068 8200 or email live@somersetindooroopilly.com.au.