The New Retirement Dream: Top 9 Benefits of Apartment Living
Retirement marks the start of a brand-new chapter, filled with opportunities to explore passions, travel, and savour life at a different pace. But, for single or widowed retirees looking to downsize from their once-filled family home, this season can also bring its own set of challenges, from feelings of isolation to concerns around security and home maintenance.
Therefore, apartment living offers a modern solution for single retirees that is transforming the golden years into an exciting, hassle-free adventure.
Hearing From The Experts
“Apartment living in retirement years used to be avoided because of concerns around limited space, lack of accessibility with stairs, and a sense of seclusion,” said Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments, a subsidiary of Crookes Brothers Limited. “However, today’s retirement apartments are designed with seniors in mind — think same-floor access, modern finishes, and a built-in community spirit.”
Here’s why more single retirees are swapping large family homes for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle estates:
1. A Built-In Community
Living alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely. Retirement estates are designed to foster community, with neighbours who are often in the same life stage. From casual coffee catch-ups to hobby clubs and community events, these settings make it easier to build meaningful friendships and stay socially active.
2. The Freedom of Lock-Up-and-Go
With families often spread across cities or continents, retirees love the flexibility of being able to travel at a moment’s notice. Retirement apartments offer ‘lock-up-and-go’ convenience, where maintenance and security are taken care of, giving residents the freedom to visit loved ones or tick off those bucket-list adventures without worry.
3. Room For More
Modern retirement apartments typically offer two-bedroom layouts, making it easy for single retirees to host overnight guests. Whether it’s a grandchild sleepover or a visiting friend, you have the space to share special moments without compromising your own privacy.
4. A Focus on Safety and Security
Safety is a top priority, especially for those living alone. Secure estates offer peace of mind with features like biometric access, CCTV, 24/7 patrols, and controlled entry points. Plus, the close-knit nature of these communities ensures there’s always a neighbour nearby to lend a hand if needed.
5. Amenities on your Doorstep
Modern retirement estates are all about lifestyle. Picture yourself starting the day with a stroll on a nature trail, enjoying a morning swim, or joining a yoga class without leaving your estate. With everything from libraries to coffee hubs, these environments encourage active, connected living every day.
6. Simplified, Cost-Effective Living
Downsizing to an apartment can significantly reduce living costs, from lower utility bills to fewer maintenance expenses. Levies often cover services like gardening, refuse removal, and exterior upkeep, making monthly budgeting straightforward and stress-free.
7. Designed for Accessibility
Today’s retirement apartments are thoughtfully designed for ease of movement. Expect wider doorways, no stairs, spacious bathrooms, and open-plan living areas. These features not only enhance daily comfort but also ensure you can stay in your home for years to come.
8. A Chance to Start Afresh
Moving into a retirement apartment often means letting go of possessions accumulated over decades. While it can be emotional, many people find this process liberating. Downsizing isn’t just about space — it’s about streamlining life. Moving into an apartment allows retirees to create a home that reflects their current lifestyle, filled only with the things that bring joy and comfort. It’s a liberating chance to redefine your personal sanctuary.
9. Wellness-Focused Lifestyle
It can be difficult to motivate oneself to keep active, but this is vital for mental and physical health in retirement. Staying active and healthy is made easier when wellness is built into your environment. From on-site fitness classes to healthcare partnerships and wellness facilities, modern estates provide convenient access to everything you need to stay vibrant and independent.
Spotlight: Renishaw Hills Retirement Apartments
For retirees dreaming of coastal tranquility paired with modern convenience, Renishaw Hills in Scottburgh, KZN South Coast, stands out as a premier lifestyle estate. Tailored for individuals aged 50 and over, Renishaw Hills combines natural beauty with smart design, creating a supportive environment for independent, engaged living.
What makes Renishaw Hills truly special? Think panoramic sea and field views, lush conservation areas, pet-friendly policies, and a range of social clubs and nature trails that invite residents to live life to the fullest.
Levies here are designed to simplify life, covering everything from exterior maintenance and fibre optic WiFi to refuse removal and 24/7 security, ensuring that residents can focus on what truly matters: living well. Furthermore, the estate’s newest release features 16 exclusive two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments starting from R1 595 000, each with a garage or undercover parking. Spacious (96-108m²) and wheelchair-friendly, these units are designed for comfort, light, and easy living.
Despite a focus on single retirees, you can always settle down in a Hills apartment with your forever partner too! Find out more:
