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What is retirement living?
We explain what retirement living is and explore the benefits – so you can decide if the easier lifestyle it provides is right for you.
Retirement living explained
Retirement living refers to a type of housing designed specifically for people aged 60 and over. It combines private housing with features and services that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.
These purpose built homes are simple to look after with thoughtful design features to support you as you get older. They offer access to shared spaces, maintained gardens, amenities, social activities and services – plus the support of a manager and close-knit community. You can own or rent your own property – usually an apartment or bungalow –and carry on with your life, on your terms, but with fewer worries and more time for the things you enjoy.
How does retirement living work?
Retirement living developments are designed with the needs of older people in mind. The exact facilities vary from one community to another, but the aim is always the same: to make day-to-day living simpler, safer and more pleasurable.
Homes often include features such as:
- Step-free access and lifts
- Modern, clean, easy-to-maintain layouts
- Energy-efficiency for warmth and lower bills
- Secure entry systems
- Emergency call systems
- Easy-to use kitchens and bathrooms
Many developments also include shared spaces and amenities like:
- Shared lounges
- Gardens and outdoor spaces
- Guest suites for visitors
- Wellness or fitness facilities
- On-site management teams
- Domestic/care teams
What are the benefits of retirement living?
What do McCarthy & Stone retirement living developments offer?
For almost 50 years, McCarthy & Stone has been the UK’s leading developer and manager of award-winning apartments and bungalows for the over 55s. Our approach is simple. Life doesn’t need to change as you get older – it should just become easier, so you can concentrate on doing the things you love.
Available for sale, rent, or Shared Ownership, our thoughtfully-designed retirement properties can be found in desirable locations across the UK.
Is retirement living right for me?
The best way to understand retirement living is to experience it for yourself. Visiting a development offers a real sense of the lifestyle, the community and the feeling of being at home.
Browse our retirement communities near you, contact us or call our lovely team on 0800 201 4811.
Retirement living styles
We offer two types of retirement living. Discover the difference and benefits of each – so you can decide which works for you.
Retirement terms explained
Understanding all the different retirement living options can be overwhelming. Our terminology-busting guides are here to help.
How we support you
Whether its discussing what retirement living style is right for you, support with paperwork and entitlements, selling your home or removals – we can help.
Service charges explained
Your guide to exactly why we have a service charge, how we calculate it and what it pays for – it’s probably covering a lot more than you think!
Lifestyle Services
A daily shave, a weekly clean, a monthly ‘big’ shop? No problem. Just ask our flexible, friendly and award-winning Lifestyle Services team.
Advice for family and friends
Helping a loved one find the right retirement property with the right mix of amenities and services is a big responsibility. We can help you to understand the options.
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