Senior Living The time to start ‘right-sizing’


Fifty years ago, stopping work for many was seen to be the beginning of the end. Not anymore, as older people seek new lives in retirement villages...


Nowadays, thanks to groups like the U3A (University of the Tird Age), life aſter work for most is seen to be just the start of a new chapter. No kids, no mortgage, hopefully good health – and the time and freedom to travel and learn new things.


One thing which is important, however, is to have less stress


and more peace of mind. Tere’s litle point swapping a 9-5 job or a cramped-carriage commute for a shed-load of worry about your home being broken into if you go away for a month, or what will happen to your spouse should the inevitable happen to you first. Just two reasons why retirement communities have taken off like a rocket in places like Australia and the USA.


But Britain is catching up. People in their sixties – and even younger – are starting to make plans for their ‘third age’ – and retirement options have never been so exciting.


Downsizing (or ‘right’ sizing as it is becoming known) sooner rather than later is a cathartic experience.


You don’t have to go the whole hog, advocated by the likes of organising consultant Marie Kondo, but ask yourself: “Do I really need to hang onto your mother’s old bureau or that piano I haven’t played for 20 years?”


When you consider your children will probably dump the lot in a skip one day, why not save them the trouble and sort it out yourself? And how much could you enjoy volunteering for the National Trust


or at Leeds Castle, instead of worrying about how you will cope with that third of an acre garden in five years’ time?


A retirement village gives you all of the benefits of life in a five star


hotel. Usually, a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool and a gym for starters. Top this off with a range of clubs, social events and activities – plus plenty of like-minded neighbours – and you have the recipe for a long and healthy life.


You’ll wonder how you ever had time to go out to work! Editorial Supplied by Inspired Villages


THE FUTURE OF LATER LIVING


Living later life your way. If you think you’re ‘not ready’ for retirement community living, think again.


Inspired Villages off ers active and


busy lifestyles with all the luxuries you could wish for.


Moving to a unique Inspired Village like Ledian Gardens could be the best decision you ever make.


To fi nd out more about Ledian Gardens, email: jane.shotliff@inspiredvillages.co.uk or call: 01622 805 716


Ledian Gardens, near Leeds Castle, Maidstone


54 Mid Kent Living


VIP Launch Event


Thursday 17th October, 10am–2pm


Hilton Maidstone, Bearsted Road


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