Why retiring near family can give you a new lease of life

Families are now more geographically distant

Just a couple of generations ago, most families lived close to the majority of their relatives – often family members lived in the same street.  When the younger members of the family married, they’d move away from home but, generally, not more than a few miles. 

Things have changed dramatically over the last 80 years and now families are spread out across the country. Young people go away to college or university and, after graduating, may stay in the university town.  If they’re offered a new job or a promotion, they may have to relocate miles away.  If they meet a partner who lives in another area, the likelihood is that they’ll move.

Retirement:  a time of change and choices

When you retire, you are, perhaps for the first time in your adult life, able to choose where you live.  You no longer have to buy a home near work or the children’s schools.  You can relocate to a place of your choosing – including somewhere close to family. 

One recent Beechcroft buyer didn’t intend moving closer to family but fell in love with a development less than ½ mile from her son and his family – and she is delighted that she has done so.  Like all Beechcroft buyers, with a home that’s more energy efficient and easier to maintain, she’s able to spend time doing things that she really enjoys - and her grandchildren are able to pop in and visit her on their way home from school.

How to make new friends, find new hobbies and gain a new lease of life in retirement

It’s easy to make friends in childhood but, in adulthood, it can be far more difficult.  You’re generally far too busy with work and family to develop close friendships.  Retirement, however, is a different matter.  Once you’ve met potential friends, you’ve got more time to cement the friendship over morning coffee, lunches and afternoon teas, to share visits to the theatre, the cinema or the local museum or art gallery. 

Moving to a new retirement community makes meeting new people so much easier.  You’ll have a lovely home along with your privacy and independence but with the possibility of a new social life.  

Retirement communities such as Beechcroft developments attract like minded people.  If the development has a communal lounge, it soon becomes a social hub, hosting coffee mornings, quizzes, fitness classes, meetings and events.  The beautifully landscaped gardens are delightful places to sit and chat with neighbours.

One Beechcroft homeowner commented that he’d chatted to more people in a week on his new development than he had in the nine years he’d spent in his former home.  On several developments, homeowners walk dogs together and some even holiday together.

How to build a social circle in the wider community

With retirement communities like Beechcroft’s, close to attractive villages and market towns, there’s so much you can do to make friends in the wider area, if you choose to do so.

• Join a club. Common interests help form strong friendships – and, in retirement, you’ll want to find friends with the same interests so you can enjoy them together.  There’s a whole host of sports enjoyed by the over 55s including golf, tennis, bowls, walking, cycling and rowing.  Local village halls host clubs, societies and fitness classes and most areas have a local choir or amateur dramatics society.  If you don’t enjoy the stage, amateur dramatics societies also appreciate help backstage.  To find a local walking group, visit ramblers.org.uk or for cycling clubs www.cyclinguk.org.
• Learn something new – or make a start on a novel or your memoirs! The University of The Third Age is a great place to start with book clubs, lessons in creative writing, crafts, languages and fitness.
• For women, there’s the Women’s Institute. As the largest women’s organization in the UK, the WI is a trusted place for women of all generations to share experiences and learn from each other. You’ll be able to meet women in your local area, make friends and make a difference in the community.
• Adopt a dog. If you and your dog are friendly, you’ll naturally start chatting to other dog owners – and dog training classes are a great place to meet friends.
• From local charity shops to stately homes, volunteers are always welcomed.  Making new friends, working in amazing places and knowing that you’re helping a great cause are three fabulous reasons to get volunteering.  The National Trust offers volunteer opportunities as room guides, rangers, admin support, buggy drivers, gardeners and more.  Visit www.myvounteering.nationaltrust.org.uk to find out what’s available.
• Head to the local church. Local churches welcome new members and there will be coffee mornings and events to attend.  Many churches appreciate help with flowers or special services – and there may be a chance to join the choir or become a bell ringer.