– Even if you’re not Retiring Any Time Soon
Remember when you put your kids’ names down for the best school before they could even hold a spoon? Or when you booked that dream holiday a year in advance because you knew the best places fill up fast? Well, here’s another thing that requires a little forward planning: your future home.
Now, before you roll your eyes and mutter something about being far too young to even think about a retirement village, hear us out. You’re right—65 is hardly the age for settling down into a rocking chair and taking up knitting (unless, of course, you want to). In fact, we’re willing to bet that your retirement plans involve a whole lot more adventure: travelling, spoiling grandkids (and then sending them home when they get too noisy), cycling, dinner parties, and maybe even mastering bridge or bowls. Slowing down? Not yet!
The Retirement Village Myth
One of the biggest misconceptions about retirement villages is that they’re for people who are too old to do much. But the good ones are not like that. They are vibrant, social, people who want to keep enjoying life, just with a little less hassle.
And here’s the catch: The really good ones – the ones with a strong sense of community, great facilities, and an active lifestyle – like Twilanga, have waiting lists. Long ones.
Right now, the Twilanga waiting list is about 15 – 20 years. Yes, you read that right. If you put your name down today, you might only be eligible by the time your youngest grandchild is finishing high school.
The Smartest Move You’re Not Thinking About (Yet)
It’s tempting to think, “I’ll deal with that when I’m older.” And you might – except that by then, your options could be limited.
Picture this: You’re 75, still fit and full of energy, but the house you’ve lived in for decades suddenly feels too big, too high-maintenance, and just a little more work than you’d like. You’d love to downsize to a community where everything is taken care of, where you have easy access to activities and friends, and where you don’t have to worry about security or maintenance. But – oops – there’s a waiting list, and you should have put your name down years ago.
Retirement villages are a little like exclusive clubs: If you wait until you need it, you might be too late.
It’s Like Insurance – But More Fun
Think of signing up for a waiting list as a form of future-proofing. Just as you’ve taken out medical aid to cover future health needs, or set up a retirement fund for financial security, putting your name down for a great retirement village is a way of ensuring you have choices later on.
If you decide you don’t need it, no harm done. But if you do? You’ll thank your younger self for being so wise.
Downsizing on Your Terms
Downsizing isn’t about giving up – it’s about gaining freedom. It’s about trading home maintenance for more time to do what you actually enjoy. It’s about making sure you live somewhere that makes sense for the next stage of life – whether that’s at 65, 70, or 80.
By planning ahead, you get to choose where and how you live, rather than making a rushed decision when circumstances force your hand. You get to design your future, rather than react to it.
What Makes Twilanga Special?
Twilanga isn’t about glossy brochures or luxury living – it’s about a warm, welcoming community where there’s always something going on. Whether it’s social events, activities, or simply the camaraderie of neighbours who look out for each other, this is a place where people thrive.
And that’s why the waiting list is so long. It’s not just a retirement village – it’s a place where people genuinely want to be.
What’s the First Step?
Putting your name on a waiting list is easy. It doesn’t mean you have to move in next year. It simply means you’re giving yourself the option to move when the time feels right. Think of it as an investment in future you – the you who still wants to be active, social, and independent, but with fewer responsibilities and more time for the good stuff.
So, go ahead and get onto the list. Your future self will raise a glass of wine (or a chilled G&T) to you for thinking ahead.