With an ageing population, the over 50’s community living revolution has arrived, and SunLife Australia is spearheading that by addressing key issues. It’s not just about retirement anymore; many proactive young seniors are now seeking community living. We often think of a ‘commune’ as a society of ‘pot-smoking younger people’ living together in harmony, happiness, health and wellness. Sounds great, doesn’t it? The reality is, setting aside the drugs, many over-50’s, especially those 60 and over, are looking for a similar experience: harmony, happiness, health and wellness with community spirit and caring. Even if still leading an active work life.
Historically, the living stages of many people’s lives is quite evident. From a young age, school provides a classroom community, followed by teen schooling and often higher education community. Many young people then want their independence and move away from family to then partner-up, buy or rent a house and start a family. This often involves living in the suburbs, and while they have friends, their family is their ‘commune’. The family grow up and then the parents are often by themselves and acting as grandparents. As time goes on, and they enter their late 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, they often crave the companionship, interaction and enjoyment of a ‘community’ lifestyle and may move to a lifestyle village to achieve that.
Across Australia, on a very consistent basis, the average age on entry to a Retirement Village is around 75; with an average stay of between eight to nine years. It’s important to appreciate that although retirement villages may be advertised for “over 55’s”, the age profile is actually substantially older — with an average resident age of 80. SunLife Australia addresses the reasons why so many people leave it so late in their life to enjoy a community lifestyle.
What are the key factors driving the SunLife transformation, the SunLife revolution and comparing to the Summerfield Country Estate in vibrant Braidwood.
Factor one: The younger over 50’s generally still desire to own their home outright. They do not want entry or exit fees. They do not want lease or licence. They want to be able to sell their home at their discretion and keep the capital growth. There is no doubt the SunLife Summerfield Country Estate fits that mould.
Factor two: Over 50’s, like everyone else, want to have fun and enjoy life, with a focus on health and wellness. They want the ‘onsite’ community facilities and to be with likeminded people who also want to have fun. SunLife Summerfield residents strive for that and achieve it.
Factor three: No one can tell the future, and this includes the fact that one never knows, at what age, they may need ‘high care’, and they will often need to maximise the value of their home asset for such occurrence, and to get the best care possible. The SunLife Summerfield freehold model fits that mould.
Factor four: Often the over 50’s want space to breath. They want spacious quality homes with functionality and flexibility rather than just downsizing. There is a new term ‘rightsizing’. They don’t want to be ‘packed in’ like sardines on land they don’t even own. SunLife Summerfield definitely fits that mould.
Factor five: They may want to use their asset to borrow on, which is basically impossible in the lease license scenario of many retirement villages. Yes to Summerfield again.
Factor six: They may want to buy now as an investment property, rent it out, and be able to live in later — not a problem at Summerfield, where there’s strong demand for seniors’ rentals.
All achieved with the beautiful Summerfield Country Estate at Braidwood. This estate is one of the ‘proud parents’ of SunLife Australia, transforming over 50’s and retirement living across the country. With new SunLife developments at Hervey Bay, Warwick, Cessnock and other prospective key locations, SunLife Australia is set to revolutionise over 50’s and retirement living with all the factors above. Freehold ownership of your residence — rather than lease or license — quality designer homes, a focus on health and wellness in each estate, and excellent community facilities, all aimed at living life to the full.
Along with a clubhouse that offers stunning views, Summerfield provides a variety of health and wellness options to help residents and their visitors maintain a balanced, active lifestyle. For those seeking relaxation and mindfulness, the town boasts several yoga studios offering classes for all levels, with some featuring serene outdoor settings. With a unique twist, Summerfield’s heated indoor pool provides a perfect place to unwind or engage in aquatic fitness, available year-round for comfort and convenience. A fully equipped gym and access to picturesque walking tracks. The area also hosts several local retreats focusing on health, wellness, and rejuvenation for your wellness journey. Enjoy golf, bowls and many arts and crafts activities. Braidwood has it all.
Yes — SunLife Australia is truly bringing over 50’s community living to life.
