Somewhere a bit different

Experts give advice on readers’ queries about retirement options

Q: MY HUSBAND and I live in Gauteng and want to retire to the coast but, as we are outof-the-box thinkers, we want to live somewhere different, not somewhere that everyone goes to retire. We do want to meet, and live among, other retirees but also want a bit of a smalltown bustle, with younger people, as we are still young at heart. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Stilbaai is renowned among water sports enthusiasts and has long been a popular holiday and surfing destination for both Capetonians and visitors from South Africa’s northern provinces.

However, its location just 26km off the main N2 Garden Route between Cape Town and Mossel Bay, and its temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters, are also making it a hot choice for retirees, remote workers and work-from-home business owners.

Situated at the mouth of the Goukou River, it is a prime spot for whale watching in spring and attracts a huge influx of holidaymakers in the summer who enjoy swimming, boating and waterskiing in its lagoon. It has pristine beaches on either side of the river, a wide range of accommodation options and several excellent restaurants. Other attractions for permanent residents include panoramic views from many homes.

The village has three retirement communities, two shopping centres containing supermarkets and a range of other outlets to meet most convenience retail needs, as well as its own small medical centre. There are also two public primary schools in the village and one private primary school.

Retirement home prices start at around R1.45 million for a three-bedroom cottage and those for freehold family homes start at around R1.8m and range up to around R6.5m. – Charles de Kock, Chas Everitt Southern Cape franchisee

Q: My parents (Baby Boomers) are nearing retirement age and we are looking at options for accommodation. I am doing most of the research, so would like advice on what I should be looking for as, I want them to be happy.

A: Most Baby Boomers will have recently found themselves with empty nests or reaching retirement, so they’re usually looking to downsize to more reasonably sized homes.

Unlike their predecessors, they are embracing this stage of life and they generally prefer one of two options which allow them to retain their independence.

Some like to move to communities of like-minded people, such as secure lifestyle estates which cater for their changing needs as they age, while others prefer to live in vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods with good amenities and leisure activities.

A growing trend for both groups is a move to smaller towns and coastal villages. – Grahame Diedericks, manager principal for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Midrand.

Q: What exactly is an age-in-place policy when it comes to retirement villages? We are deciding between two developments and one of them has this policy and the other does not.

A: An age-in-place policy – also known as home-based care – means that if you’re living in a retirement village or estate, we’ll bring care services, like nursing, to you instead of you going to a frail-care facility.

This trend has been embraced globally and is fast becoming the preferred approach to modern aged health-care. This “best of both worlds” option appeals to retirees who are conscious that their health needs monitoring but don’t require intensive medical care round the clock.

It also helps them to retain their independence for as long as possible and keeps costs down with care charged on an “as you need it” basis. – Gus van der Spek, property developer and owner of Wytham Estate

Q: I am on the hunt for a retirement home but am so overwhelmed by the choices and developments, not to mention all the new lingo. I have been told that I should look for a CCRC development but am not sure what this is. Can you please help?

A: Retirement villages might be increasingly plentiful in South Africa but they’re not all created equal.

The most modern, comprehensive option today is the model known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community.

“Continuing care” is about providing an ongoing environment for your best life, one which includes great opportunities for social contact; a wide range of hospitality services; a safe, well-managed environment; comprehensive well-being programmes and, of course, access to professional care and support if needed.

Choosing a CCRC is not about altering your life.

You don’t even need to be retired to live in a senior living community, nor be at a stage where you need care. The Continuing Care Retirement Community model is about a lifestyle with the flexibility to accommodate everybody’s individual needs, whether you are single or a couple. – Barry Kaganson, chief executive of Auria Senior living

Growing numbers of retirees are moving to smaller towns and coastal villages.

PICTURE: JEANINE SMAL/PIXABAY