The NSW Retirement Living Forum.

September – particularly from the 11th – 14th – was a busy couple of days for Ellis Jones staff, with both Rhod and David jetting across the country to speak at various aged care and retirement living conferences.

Here, we look at Rhod’s presentation to the Property Council of NSW’s Retirement Living forum.

Rhod’s presentation aimed to counter increasingly popular notions about a grim future for retirement living, arguing that there is ample opportunity on the horizon. The presentation (which is available below) focused on a concept of sector evolution, not revolution. Key takeaways included:

  • Demand for retirement living and aged care services is increasing, but older Australians are savvier researchers than their predecessors, and research shows they want more from their retirement.
  • There are many different living options for older Australians, from living with family, or accessing in-home care, to retirement living. For those interested in retirement living, they’re looking for quality accommodation and purpose-built facilities, and an experience that’s hard to find in other kinds of accommodation; from the safety and security of community living, an established and welcoming social scene, and access to care.
  • A revitalised and modern retirement living model will see increased opportunities for residents to take advantage of the social and economic trends other generations are leveraging, from co-working and volunteering opportunities within and outside the village (including seniorpreneurship opportunities).
  • Co-design – the process of designing something with the people that will use or deliver it – has a significant place in the present and future of retirement living. Older Australians want more than just ‘a say’ in their retirement living situation, they want the chance to help businesses create it.

Download the presentation.