Over 55s developments-The secret to improved well-being
Research by think tank Demos has found that people who move to age-exclusive developments enjoy a higher quality of life and experience improvements in their physical and mental health. These improvements have been linked to increased social interaction, physical activity and an improved sense of security and well-being.
One survey identified by Demos and carried out by the University of Reading among the owner occupiers of properties for older buyers found that more than eight in ten residents reported that they generally felt happier in their new home. Almost 45 per cent of residents reported having better or much better contact with family and friends. Half of residents thought that their energy bills were lower and nearly a third felt that their health had improved since moving.
The Croft development in Bourne (a joint venture between Larkfleet Homes and Keystone Developments), features 75 high-quality one, two and three-bedroom properties, all set within attractively landscaped courtyards. At the centre of the development lies a refurbished manor house, which provides a stylish facility for residents to relax in or take part in the wide variety of events and activities which are held there.
The Croft has seen the benefit of providing this type of ‘age exclusive’ housing within a specific style of development with the more mature buyer in mind.
The development provides a range of benefits including easy access and adaptable properties, minimal maintenance, communal facilities and an estate manager on site, while still encouraging residents to live completely independent and active lives.
Karl Hick, Larkfleet CEO, commented: “Buying a home in a purpose built age-exclusive development should be viewed as an aspirational purchase for more active older adults and not as last resort or distress purchase. The Croft development in Bourne, for example, offers buyers an independent lifestyle which is aimed at taking the hassle out of life whilst providing more time for fun, relaxation and travel.”
Central to The Croft’s outlook is that residents have time to relax and enjoy their hobbies and interests as well as enjoying an active social life.
Maureen Dickens, sales manager at The Croft, said: “We have definitely noticed that the confidence of some of our buyers has grown since moving here. They have benefited from having more people around them and this, combined with less worry about security and property maintenance, seems to have helped their state of mind.”
Resident Sylvia Cook, who bought a two bedroom bungalow at The Croft when her previous home and garden become too large to manage and she was feeling increasingly isolated, said: “Importantly, I know that I never need to be on my own, unless I want to be and that is nice. Having the manor house on my doorstep means I can pop over anytime, allowing me to have a whole new social life, which I wouldn’t have had in my old home.
“I am sure that I wouldn’t feel as energetic as I do now if I had stayed living in my old home. My kids have noticed the difference in me and say how happy I seem and I really do feel it. I very rarely have a down day now, whereas I used to have them in my old home.”
The Croft’s manor house provides a central point for residents to drop into as they wish, as well as a number of organised activities such as wine tastings, coffee mornings and weekly film showings together with charity events and speaker visits. Residents are also encouraged to set up their own groups and activities to suit their hobbies and interests.
One resident who decided to do just this is Tricia Jones: “Having moved into my home last year, I was really keen to get involved in the community and make the most of living here. I really enjoy going on holiday but, being single, it is sometimes nice to go with people you know, so I thought I would try and start a holiday club and see whether others felt the same. The response to the holiday club so far has been tremendous. It is great we can set up groups to suit our interests and come together as a community.”
For further information on The Croft you can visit the site on North Road in Bourne, contact the sales team on 01778 426995 or visit the website www.thecroftbourne.co.uk.
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