The 5 ways that modern retirees are keeping young

By 2050, the World Health Organization anticipates that the number of people aged 60 and older will have doubled from 2020, with modern medicine and improved lifestyle choices contributing to this. This has changed the way people view ageing, with age-old barriers being broken and senior citizens reinventing what retirement means for them.

“Modern retirement isn’t about slowing down and giving up what you love, but rather rediscovering passions, learning new skills, and building a fulfilling new chapter,” explains Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments, a subsidiary of the JSE-listed Crookes Brothers Limited.

“In South Africa, we’ve seen this trend result in greater demand for coastal retirement villages that provide an exceptional quality of life, from natural resources and climate to active retirement communities that promote health and well-being. People are reshaping what it means to grow older, by finding ways to keep themselves feeling young – mentally and physically.”

Van der Merwe said they’ve noted five impactful ways residents in retirement estates in KZN are keeping young.

1.       Staying Physically Active

Exercise remains one of the best ways to retain youthfulness, with regular movement improving circulation, building strength, and protecting against chronic disease. Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces unnecessary strain on the heart and joints.

Many lifestyle retirement villages offer ample opportunities for keeping active. There are nature trails for hiking and birdwatching, as well as activities like swimming, yoga, bowls, golf, and other options for improving physical health.

Preventative healthcare, such as regular check-ups and more targeted exercise routines, is also offered by many luxury retirement villages, keeping residents in peak condition.

2.       Stimulating the Mind

Physical health must be supported by mental health, which becomes increasingly more important as one ages. Residents in retirement estates get the chance to learn new skills and get actively involved in many community clubs that keep the mind stimulated. Drawing on expertise from residents within these estates, as well as welcoming guest speakers, gives retirees the chance to constantly learn new skills and keep their mental faculties active.

There are talks, webinars, and clubs dedicated to engaging topics, as well as instruction in everything from painting and crafts to website design. With uninterrupted internet connectivity, retirees can also partake in online courses at their leisure.

3.       Building Social Connections

Loneliness is a risk factor for various health issues, but retirees in lifestyle estates are proactively addressing this by engaging with people of all ages. Retirement estates offer everything from clubs and bird watching groups to weekly socials and impromptu braais.

By participating in these activities, retirees are nurturing strong networks which can help alleviate loneliness and depression, often associated with ageing.

4.       Living with Purpose

With family living far away and work ending, retirees can feel isolated. However, by finding a purpose, retirees are able to create stronger connections, find renewed vigour, and stay younger.

Many people find this purpose by volunteering for local NPOs, mentoring or upskilling by drawing on expertise from their previous field, donating their time to community initiatives, or starting their own projects in retirement.

Finding a purpose is often easier at a lifestyle retirement village where others have been through a similar experience – plus there’s the community connection that links people where their skills are most needed.

5.       Exploring and Rediscovering

Retirement is a time to do those bucket list adventures that were put on hold because of work or family commitments. Nothing keeps people young quite like experiencing new cultures, exploring new places, and learning new things.

Broadening the mind and ensuring comfort zones don’t get too small is one of the best ways to stay young in later life. Retirement estates, particularly those offering lock-up-and-go apartments or freeholdings, give retirees the freedom to leave and explore, without any hassle.

Renishaw Hills: Keeping Residents Young!

Located in Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast – nestled within the 1 300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct, Renishaw Hills is a mature lifestyle village, thoughtfully designed around these principles. Far from being just an active retirement community, Renishaw Hills is a premier mature lifestyle estate for individuals over 50, offering a vibrant lifestyle.

This premier lifestyle destination that offers:

• Affordable levies covering exterior maintenance, garden services, refuse collection, postal services, fibre optic WiFi, 24/7 security, and healthcare options.

• Exceptional amenities, including over 20 active clubs, communal facilities, and a brand-new bowls green under construction.

• Water security, with an independent water supply ensuring uninterrupted access for residents.

• An area renowned for its incredible nature assets such as superb beaches - Blue Flag beaches among them – as well as lush coastal forests with extensive mountain biking and hiking trails.

“Today’s retirees are looking for more than just a place to live, they’re seeking a place to thrive," says Van der Merwe. “At Renishaw Hills, we’ve created an environment where active, connected, and joyful living is not only possible but celebrated."

Get in touch!

For more details about Renishaw Hills or to arrange a tour, contact Kelly at 064 198 2693, email sales@renishawhills.co.za, or visit www.renishawhills.co.za. Check out the available units at Renishaw Hills: https://renishawhills.co.za/available-units/.