Wednesday 25 March 2015

Surprising facts about retirement

Retirement has different meanings for different people. For some, it is the time to find a lovely, affordable retirement community and relax. For others it will be a time for travel, starting a new business or just spending quality time with family members.


No matter what your approach may be, here are some things about retirement that might surprise you…

- Many consider the standard retirement age to be 65 years old. One of the reasons that specific age was decided was because of Germany. They initially set their retirement age at 70 and then lowered it to 65.

- Every day for the next 15 years, another 10, 000 people born between 1946 and 1964 will turn 65. That’s about one person every 8 seconds.

- 15% of middle-aged adults are providing financial support to both an aging parent and a child.

- Nine of ten adults aged 65 years and older take at least one prescription drug every day.

- 58% of people expect to continue to work for pay after formal retirement and for the majority, this will be due to financial necessity rather than choice. 

- Seniors watch more TV, spend more time on the internet and on mobile devices than any other age group – even teenagers! In 2013, the 65-and-older age group averaged over 275 hours of TV per month! Kids aged 12 to 17 only watched 120 hours.

- Only 54% of South African who are currently 10 years or less away from retirement age are saving for retirement. 

So, these facts may be pointing to one conclusion: The 65-and-older age group is expected to become much larger and have more influence in the future. Ask yourself: Have you made plans for health care and retirement? If you are unsure about your decisions, maybe it’s time to sit down with your loved ones and talk about a solid plan for your future.

At Pinelands Grove Retirement Village gracious, safe, healthy living is combined in a vibrant community establishment. Pinelands Grove could be the perfect retirement village for you, contact us today!

Tuesday 17 March 2015

Are you ready for senior community living?

Before you say “I’m not ready for a retirement community,” you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to answer these questions…

“What is it I’m not ready for?”
Often, people confuse moving to a retirement community with giving up all the things that are dear and important to them. You may be surprised to find that today’s retirement communities are far different than what you might have imagined. They’re for people who want to maintain their independence, expand their horizons and make their own decisions. So residents enjoy life more – not less!

“How will I know when I’ll be ready?”
Do you worry about home maintenance? Are you tired of shopping and preparing meals? Do you have health concerns? Are you troubled about personal safety and security of your home? Would you like to explore new interests and meet new friends? If so, now is the time to experience the freedom a service-enriched retirement lifestyle can offer you.

“Why should I consider a move if I’m still healthy?”
Can you think of a better time to move? Most people need to make housing adjustments as they grow older, so you will be glad you decided to move while the decision is still yours to make. You've planned a head your whole life, so don’t wait until a crisis forces you or your loved ones into a decision you haven’t prepared for.

“Will I have to move again if my health fails?”
If you choose Pinelands Grove Retirement Village, most likely you will never have to make another move! While it is encouraged to have a healthy, active and independent lifestyle, it’s acceptable that circumstances do change. That’s why it’s great to have access to a full range of health care options.

“Isn't a retirement community for ‘old people’?”
Throw away your misconceptions about retirement living. Senior living communities are service enriched residential communities, not an institution or rest home! Enjoy the advantages of an independent lifestyle within comfortable and burden-free environment. You’ll free yourself from daily concerns of meal planning, home repairs and maintenance, while filling your time with new friends and a variety of social, cultural and recreational opportunities.



Here at Pinelands Grove Retirement Village we welcomes you to our distinctive, vibrant community of adults who enjoy the finer lifestyle in secure comfort. We offer a fresh approach to your retirement and attention to detail being our promise to you.

How to choose the perfect retirement community

There are plenty of factors to consider when researching which retirement residence may be best for you. Nowadays, you have plenty of options to consider – from residences that offer independent living options, to homes that provide care and support for individuals who require assistance with daily living. 

While it may seem like a difficult decision to choose the right retirement community, there are simply ways to narrow down your choices and find the perfect home that best suits your needs.

What is most important to you?
When you visit different retirement communities, always ask yourself: Which services and factors are most important to me? You should make a list of amenities or facilities you would like to see in your senior living home – such as exercise facilities, salon, library and outdoor spaces – to help decide which retirement home is right for you.


Research
Before you choose which retirement community is best equipped to meet your needs, always review all your options! Independent living is a great choice for you if you do not need daily assistance, but would enjoy the convenience of light services, programs and amenities. For those of you who would need to have caregivers nearby, assisted living or extended care homes may be the best option for you. These residences, like Pinelands Grove Retirement Village, not only have the same resources as independent living residences, but offer customized support from high quality care staff.


Find the best location
Determining the best location can also be a deciding factor when determining which retirement residence best suits your needs. Majority of you will most likely choose a retirement community close to your family, probably in the same city as your children or easily accessible by public transport. Another factor is how attractive the location is; fortunately for you Pinelands Grove Retirement Village is nestled into the leafy suburb of Pinelands with the majestic Table Mountain as a backdrop.


Pinelands Grove Retirement Village may be the perfect choice for you, contact us for more guidance and support when it comes to choosing the right retirement residence.

Why is it important to save for retirement?

Whether you are 25, 40 or 60 years of age, it’s an important factor of life to plan for retirement. If you aren't planning, then you definitely should start! If you are one of those people who don’t understand just how important it is to plan for your retirement, read on and your outlook will certainly change…

The main reason why you should save for your retirement is because – it is your life! And if you want to have a great quality retirement lifestyle than you need to make sure that the money you save will have a profound impact on how your life is lived.  Do you have any dreams and goals? Typically, retirement is the best time to meet your goals and transform your dreams into reality, but you can only do this if you are financially prepared.

Another important reason why you should start saving early for retirement, is for your children. Even if you are in your twenties and single, remember that there may come a point in your life when you want to have a family. If you don’t properly plan and save for your retirement you could put a huge burden on your family. As a parent it is your job to protect and care for your children, not cause them to face their own financial difficulties because they must pay for your retirement expenses.

Saving a head for your retirement can also help to ensure that you are cared for. This is important for you in terms of your health. There comes a point in everyone’s life when his or her health starts to worsen with age, it’s just a fact of life and you can’t avoid it. While it’s true, yes, you may be able to live on your own and care for yourself when you first enter your retirement, there may come a point in time when you can no longer do so. If and when it comes to that time, ask yourself: “Am I financially prepared?” “Can I afford the cost of long-term care?” The cost of care can be expensive and it should be included in the cost of your retirement; therefore, you should probably start saving now!

You don’t want to keep on working once you have decided it is time to retire. Some people who are unprepared for retirement often keep on working or later return to the workforce, is this really something you want to do? Also always keep your age and health in mind; it is highly unlikely that you will be able to work until you die. That is why you should start saving right now; you can’t generate income for yourself forever...

There are plenty of reasons why it is important to start planning and saving for your retirement right now, but always remember that your life is in your own hands and only you can make your own happiness.

At Pinelands Grove Retirement Village your desire for gracious living in an attractive location is not just be an aspiration, but a reality. Nestled into the leafy suburb of Pinelands with the majestic Table Mountain as a backdrop, healthy living and wellness in a safe, secure environment has been uniquely created for you. A new standard of retired living comes to life in a vibrant community establishment. Here you can enjoy the finer elements of life.