| Upon retirement, you may wish to downsize your | | | | at different times of the day and evening so that |
| property to something more manageable with easier | | | | you can get an idea of when busy or noisy times are |
| access. However, before moving out of the area in | | | | likely to occur. Ask if there is a neighbourhood watch |
| which you currently reside, consider the impact of | | | | scheme in the area. These schemes help deter crime |
| leaving friends and family behind will have. It may be | | | | and also assist in keeping eye on elderly neighbours. |
| that you are moving closer to your family, however | | | | Having your home here, means that you are in |
| you will probably still have to make new friends and | | | | control of all expenses and you will have your own |
| all such things must be taken into account. | | | | garden to do with as you please, but on the |
| Retirement villages | | | | downside you lose all the advantages of a retirement |
| If it is a retirement village that you are considering, | | | | village. |
| there are many benefits in moving to one of these. | | | | Easy access needed |
| Retirement villages are purpose built to accommodate | | | | Whatever properties you look at, do make sure that |
| the elderly and will be designed to be safe and user | | | | you have easy access to local services and that you |
| friendly. The other residents will be of a similar age | | | | are not going to be isolated. Find out about social |
| and you will still have your independence with the | | | | events and activities for retirees, there may be a |
| added security of a warden to give assistance when | | | | whole new social life for you to discover. Safety is |
| required. Most villages also have a good social life, | | | | paramount, particularly as we get older, so your new |
| exercise regime and will be close to local amenities. | | | | home should reflect this. It is probably a good idea to |
| They also tend to be very secure and as a result | | | | choose a bungalow or ground floor home as there |
| have a much lower crime rate. Many will allow you to | | | | will be less chance of falling or tripping on steps and |
| bring your pet with you as well. There is normally a | | | | stairs. Accessories such as hand rails in the bathroom |
| service charge to be paid when you reside in a | | | | are a good idea. Check the security of the windows |
| retirement village and there may also be terms and | | | | and doors and find out if any fitted security lights |
| conditions regarding the resale of your home if and | | | | and alarms are in good working order. Consider |
| when you move on. | | | | parking space, as even if you don't have a car, your |
| A downsized home | | | | visitors may. |
| If you are choosing a house in an ordinary complex | | | | Finally, talk to friends and family, take some time to |
| or estate, there are some points to consider. For | | | | work out the costs and make a list so that you can |
| instance, how close you are to shops, public | | | | consider all the pros and cons. Once you have all the |
| transport, doctors and your family, all these being | | | | facts, you can make an informed choice and have |
| more important in your retirement years and are thus | | | | the home you really want. |
| important aspects. Remember too to visit the area | | | | |