Most people don’t want to think about growing older, but unfortunately it happens to everyone. It is possible, however, to have some control over the way you spend your ‘golden years’ by planning in advance for retirement.

Russell Masters, marketing consultant at the Schonenberg Retirement Village, says when people invest in their retirement they are effectively buying a way of life and ensuring their medical, physical and financial security.

Planning for retirement involves anticipating future needs and desires as well as determining how best to meet them. A crucial area to which this applies is your home. These days more and more people are choosing to move into retirement communities as a lifestyle choice.

Retirement villages offer a number of benefits such as security, social life, peaceful surroundings, medical assistance, exercise facilities and proximity to amenities. The huge demand for a lifestyle with such benefits has resulted in long waiting lists at most retirement villages.

Masters says: “To ensure this lifestyle option is available when you want it, you should consider buying your own property in a retirement facility that is still under development. That way, you can choose when you want to move in and in some cases, can have your home designed to you specifications.”

Retired people often want to settle in coastal areas. As a result, there are a number of retirement villages that are being developed in scenic areas that provide peaceful settings where people can relax and enjoy their retirement.

“When we began developing the Schonenberg Retirement Village, we took into account its location which combines the benefits of city life with the serenity of nearby beaches, vineyards and mountains,” says Masters.

“Even if retirement seems a distant reality, it is never too early to begin planning. You should begin your retirement planning by researching the available options and consider your possible future needs and desired lifestyle elements. Also, once you have found your ideal retirement spot, it would be financially astute to invest in that property to secure that home for the future. In the meantime, you can rent out the property until you are ready to move in. That way, you can benefit financially and have a place of your own when you retire.”

Visit www.schonenbergvillage.co.za or call 021 852 0821.