Futureproofing in later life

Futureproofing, don’t leave later life to luck

As we journey through life, we often plan for major milestones – buying a home, building a career, raising a family – but how often do we think about futureproofing in later life? The idea of futureproofing isn’t just about financial security; it’s about ensuring independence, comfort, and support when we need it most. For many, moving to a retirement community while still active and independent is an investment in their future well-being.

A Thoughtful Move: Margaret and John’s Story

Before moving to The Woodlands in May 2022, Margaret and John had lived in their family home in Heald Green for 47 years. They chose to move to a retirement community while still relatively young, ensuring they had a solid plan in place for the future.

Margaret was the driving force behind the move. “I was the one who wanted to move. John didn’t initially. I have some health issues which are not causing me a problem at the moment, but I feel that they will do, or may do, at some point in the future, and I just don’t want to wait until a crisis happens.

“I’m losing my sight. I could have gone around my old house with my eyes closed, but it was big, with stairs and constant repairs. I didn’t want all of that. I needed to get settled and become familiar with my surroundings because I never know when my sight’s going to go. That’s why we made the move at 74 and 71, while we’re still relatively young.”

John was initially hesitant but has no regrets now. “Originally, I was apprehensive about moving. I thought, let’s leave it for five years. Now, having done the move, I think we did it at the right time.”

Margaret, influenced by her mother’s experience of struggling with a home unsuitable for aging, was determined to maintain her independence. “I didn’t want somebody else making decisions for me in a crisis. I wanted to know that I could be here with support if necessary.”

“Right now, we’re fit and healthy, but it’s reassuring to know help is available if needed.”

 

Pat and Michael’s Journey to The Woodlands

Before moving to The Woodlands, Pat and Michael had lived in Bramhall for 53 years, spending 41 of those years in their four-bedroom detached house. Pat shares, “Our house was getting too big, and the cleaning was too much. Things needed renewing, and even simple maintenance became overwhelming. The big garden was also getting too much for us.”

Michael was particularly concerned about safety. “We had a beautiful garden and a big greenhouse, but I could see my wife having an accident in there. It was an accident waiting to happen.”

Pat had already experienced a few falls, which made the decision even clearer. “The thing we loved most about our apartment was the space and the fact that it opens out onto the garden.”

Their daughter, Michelle, reassured them about the move. “They worried about downsizing, but The Woodlands offers so many benefits communal areas, beautiful gardens, a hairdresser on-site, and activity clubs. They’ve got the best of both worlds.”

Michael and Pat now enjoy the vibrant community. “We see people every day, which is different from living in a house where you might not see many people. We knew we’d enjoy it, but we didn’t expect it to be this good—it’s everything we hoped for and more.”

Listen to Pat and Michael’s story on YouTube

Finding a Vibrant Community: Ann and Harry’s Experience

Ann and Harry moved to The Sidings in December 2022, embracing a new chapter filled with social connections and activities.

“There comes a time in life when you’ve got to say, right, if we don’t do something now, we won’t do it at all,” says Harry.

Ann, with no close family, knew she had to take proactive steps for her future.

“I didn’t want to be shut away, lonely, and forgotten. I knew eventually I would want to move to this sort of environment.”

“We’re having such a wonderful time. There are so many things going on, and the people are just lovely. We’re busy, but busy doing things we enjoy. We spend lots of time in the coffee lounge and the homeowners’ lounge. If anybody wants to chat, they just go there, and invariably, a crowd will gather. I’ve never laughed so much in my life. We’re laughing all the time.”

Planning Ahead: Angela and Tim’s Decision

Angela and Tim moved to The Spindles in May 2023, drawn by the security and support available, especially with their two children living abroad.

Angela explains, “We were planning ahead, thinking that if we ever needed help, we wanted to be somewhere with reliable support. My mother lived in a retirement community but only had assistance during the day. Here, there’s someone available 24/7, which gives us peace of mind.”

Their children, living in Germany and Canada, also worried about them being far from immediate family. Tim recalls an incident that reinforced their decision: “I once stumbled and fell in the driveway. I was shouting, but I couldn’t get up. Passers-by helped me, but that moment made me realise how valuable having immediate assistance can be.”

Angela had a similar experience. “I slipped on some logs in our driveway and fell flat on my back. Luckily, a neighbour and a passing nurse helped me. Now, if anything were to happen, we can press a button and have help instantly.”

The Perfect Fit: Margaret and Keith’s Story

Margaret and Keith, who moved to The Spindles our retirement community in Menston, in November 2023, have always believed in futureproofing.

Keith shares, “A long time ago, we were given some great advice: always move before you need to. Without children to assist us later in life, we planned accordingly.

First, we moved into a bungalow, and now we’ve taken the next step into a retirement community while we’re still fit and independent. It’s a retirement community, not an old folks’ home, and that’s what makes it brilliant.”

Margaret values the peace of mind their new home provides. “A few years ago, Keith was going through chemotherapy, and one night he almost collapsed. I didn’t think he needed an ambulance, but at one o’clock in the morning, I didn’t know who to call. That experience got us thinking about the future.

“We visited a few retirement communities, but most didn’t have 24-hour on-site support, and we didn’t like the apartments. But when we visited The Spindles, we looked at each other and said, ‘this is nice.’ It oozed luxury and comfort to me. It’s like living in a five-star hotel.”

The couple opted for a part exchange on their bungalow to simplify the process and moved in just a few months later.

“We think it’s fantastic. We don’t just like living here, we love it.”

Margaret adds, “We got such a warm welcome. It felt like home straight away. We’re so happy and content.”

Futureproofing For a Better Life

Futureproofing in later life isn’t about giving up independence; it’s about securing it for as long as possible. Moving into a retirement community before it becomes a necessity allows people to settle into their new environment, build social connections, and access support when needed – without the stress of a crisis-driven decision.

For Margaret and John, Ann and Harry, Angela and Tim, Margaret and Keith, and Pat and Michael, their moves have brought security, companionship, and a vibrant new lifestyle. By taking control of their futures today, they are ensuring a happier, more confident tomorrow.

Click here to find a community near you 

Share: