Level Access Living

A New Lease of Life: Discovering the joy of level access living in retirement

For many of us, retirement sparks a flurry of thoughts about travel, relaxation, and spending time with family. Just as our priorities shift with time, it’s also worth asking whether the place we call home will continue to support how we live, now and in the future. 

Let’s face it: while retirement may be a time to enjoy life, our knees, hips, and balance sometimes have plans of their own. UK research shows that those newly diagnosed with knee or hip osteoarthritis are over 50% more likely to fall, with the risk of fractures rising sharply too. That’s a tough way to take a step in the wrong direction. 

Once seen as a bungalow on a sleepy street, level-access living has had a bit of a glow-up. Increasingly, older adults are choosing bright, modern apartments in integrated retirement communities, places that offer fewer chores, more friendship, and just the right kind of support when needed. 

For those ready to take a smart step forward, this could be the perfect way to stay independent, social, and on a steady footing for the years ahead.

Beyond bungalows: A modern choice for a modern retirement 

There’s no denying the charm of a bungalow. For decades, it’s been the default option for downsizers. No stairs, a little garden, and a quiet setting. But the reality is, many bungalows on the market today need considerable work to bring them up to modern standards. For those seeking more than just bricks and mortar, instead also wanting connection, convenience and comfort, integrated retirement communities can offer far more. 

When Frank, 78, lost his beloved wife Janet, life became quiet and lonely in their rural family home.  

Living alone in a large, four-bedroom house in a village where everything required a car eventually became too much. Frank did what many people do: he started looking at bungalows. But those he saw “were all tired and were projects requiring work.” He didn’t want a DIY challenge.

Homeowner Frank, reading a book in the homeowner’s lounge

“What I needed was a community.”

That’s when he discovered Brookfields House in Newcastle-under-Lyme, a place designed for independent living with support and social life woven in. 

Freedom from the burden of upkeep

David, 84, moved to The Spindles in spring 2024 after more than a decade of managing alone in a large family home.  

It was his late wife Jean who had planted the seed of change. She compiled a handwritten manual for David on how to run the house without her. “At the end of it, she wrote, ‘Don’t be a slave to the house. Best of luck.” 

Like Frank, he initially explored the idea of bungalows. “But I thought, ‘Am I going to be doing this again in four years’ time?” The appeal of retirement living began to grow. 

At The Spindles, David found not only a modern, manageable home, but also a social life and a whole new lease of freedom. “When you move here, you’re not looking at jobs that need doing around the house and garden. The worry has instantly all gone away.”

Homeowner David 

Making the move: Things to consider

Location: Choose somewhere close to friends or family, or a place you feel connected to.  

Facilities: Look for amenities you will actually use, such as a hobby room, on-site dining, or a therapy suite. 

Community: Visit in person to get a feel for the atmosphere. 

Future-Proofing: Level-access homes make life easier now, and far easier later, should mobility or health change. Take a sensible step now before it’s too late.

A lifestyle, not just a home

Choosing a retirement apartment is more than downsizing. It’s about selecting a home that works for you, rather than one that demands your time and energy.

While bungalows will always appeal to some, they rarely offer the same sense of shared experience and built-in companionship. A purpose-built retirement apartment in a community setting can offer the best of both worlds: private space with your own front door, and a wider world of social connection just a few steps away. As homeowners often tell us: “I’m not just managing now. I’m living.”

The final word 

Retirement is the perfect time to choose how you want to live. Whether it’s joining a book club, starting a new craft, or simply enjoying your morning coffee without worrying about climbing stairs or mowing lawns, the right environment can make it all possible. 

As Frank and David have shown, moving into a level-access apartment in a retirement community brings benefits beyond safety and practicality, it can also bring joy, freedom, and friendship. 

If you’re thinking about your next step, perhaps it’s time to widen the view beyond the traditional bungalow. The perfect fit might just be waiting in a retirement community where life is not only easier, but richer too.  

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