How your home could help you live well for longer

Home and health are becoming increasingly intertwined as more people invest in saunas, spas and home gyms to help themselves feel better each day and easily build wellness routines into their everyday lives. 

In fact, a 2023 report states that one in seven Australians live in a house with a swimming pool or spa, up 13 per cent since Roy Morgan undertook its last round of research in 2018.  

Modern retirees are also demanding a lifestyle that focuses on wellbeing, says Kado Group chief executive Mark Bindon, an experienced retirement living developer. 

“The wellness real estate sector has experienced a significant resurgence,” he says. “While this trend has primarily targeted millennials, there’s an immense opportunity to bring these wellness amenities into retirement communities.

“A focus on wellness built into retirement communities tailored to the needs and preferences of older Australians can have a lasting impact on a retiree.”  

In a bid to meet the growing demand for modern retirement living options in Australia, Kado Group has committed to building several new-age retirement communities that focus on wellness in Coffs Harbour and Anna Bay (Port Stephens) in NSW, and Palm Beach in Queensland. 

These residences will include amenities such as hyperbaric chambers, cryotherapy treatments, infrared saunas, red-light therapy, salt rooms and mineral pools.

“Wellness and self-improvement are deeply personal journeys, but are so important in your retirement years, which is why we’ve invested in a specific on-site wellness centre just for residents looking to invest in their health without going to gyms and spas in their local area,” Bindon says. “Our hope is that by including on-site wellness amenities and removing the barriers [we will] make it easy for residents to incorporate healthy habits into their daily routines.” 

Building a like-minded community

A focus on wellness doesn’t end with physical health. “Building a community is an important step in feeling connected and supported, which becomes increasingly valuable in retirement years,” says Aged and Community Care Providers Association chief executive Tom Symondson.

The association’s research shows that being part of a community in retirement enables retirees to live confidently, pursue their passions and embrace new opportunities. Retirement village residents rate their wellness as being better when they have safety, companionship and access to support.  

“A community around you can create a sense of belonging and purpose, offering not just a home, but a vibrant environment where people can truly flourish,” Symondson says.

Bindon agrees, saying Kado Group is seeking to reimagine what retirement looks like for modern Australians. Kado’s developments at Coffs Harbour and Palm Beach have a village atmosphere, with just 28 and 25 boutique residences, respectively. 

“Retirement village living offers more than just a comfortable lifestyle,” he says. “It comes with robust legal protections designed to safeguard your rights and interests.” 

The Retirement Villages Act 1999 ensures transparency, fairness and security for all residents and, Bindon says, “specifically caters to long-term residents and prohibits short-term leasing arrangements, maintaining the stable community environment that is essential to retirement village living“. 

“We’re bringing the soul back into retirement living,” he adds. “Rather than outsourcing operations, every stage is handled by Kado Group, ensuring that residents live their best lives.” 

To learn more, visit kadogroup.com.au