Where Will The Over-70s Want To Live After Coronavirus?
Robin Hughes of Castle Retirement Living predicts that the over-70s will quickly reappraise what is important in life once Covid-19 passes.
“Coronavirus has been torrid for so many people, not least the over-70s who have endured weeks in lockdown,” says Robin Hughes, CEO of Castle Retirement Living.
“With tentative signs suggesting we might be through the worst; lessons have already been learned. But even after the virus has been brought fully under control life will never be quite the same. It might seem back-to-normal, but it will be a new and different normal. The devastating impact of the virus will have a lasting impact and significantly alter our lives and especially where and how we choose to live ‘After Coronavirus’.
“The process of reappraisal has already started, with people reassessing what’s important to them: their homes, health and welfare, food, family, friends and community, communication, connectivity and travel will all be viewed differently.”
Homes
“Those in later life will already be reappraising where they want to live. The issues of managing a large home and garden that you can’t fully utilise will have been brought into sharp focus over the past few weeks, and many will have lost the emotional attachment to their much-loved family home and be ready to make a quick decision about downsizing and moving on. Regarding their home as an investment for old age has served them well, but now they will be thinking that it’s time to cash-in and spend the money on something more appropriate for life post-Covid, yet still want to retain equity to pass onto the children.”
Health and welfare
“The importance of looking after oneself and having some control over your immediate environment will now be seen as of paramount importance, while the close proximity to a good GP surgery and hospital will also be more closely considered. Being able to ‘self-isolate’ if necessary and socialise responsibly throughout any future lockdown, either at home or within a retirement village will also be seen as important.”
Food
“There will be an increased emphasis on the reliable availability of good, British sourced food while having a variety and choice of local convenience stores, supermarkets and farmers markets near to home will be seen as important, as will reliable online suppliers. Alternatively, living somewhere with its own good restaurant will be regarded as a reassurance, not just a ‘nice to have’.”
Family
“Over recent decades families have moved apart, employment often taking them to other parts of the country or even abroad. This will change. Families will have been reminded of the importance of staying close and supporting one another through the different stages of life.”
Friends and community
“Being part of a strong network of close friends and feeling part of one’s local community will be seen as increasingly key to our safety, security and sense of belonging. Loneliness has been well documented as being a wretched blight on older people, and simply having others nearby to say hello to and have a chat with really adds to the quality of life.”
Communication and connectivity
“Communication over the internet and via mobile phone proved to be a life-safer for many, and whether keeping in touch with family and friends via Skype and Zoom or ordering food, we will all take comms more seriously and invest in better tech. The government has already pledged in the recent Budget to help fund improved broadband which will certainly assist those who spend a lot of time online.”
Robin concludes: “There will be a period of continuous recalibration post-Coronavirus, a greater emphasis on the quality of life, and renewed focus on family and long term planning for health and care. And when you consider all of the above, it is perhaps not surprising that we are already seeing a growing interest from people considering moving to a retirement village.”
Find out more at castleviewwindsor.co.uk.