The upside to downsizing for over 60s

With more than half of those aged over 60 interested in downsizing, an open day in Worcester could help older people and their families consider their options.

Many of those surveyed by think tank Demos said they were considering moving to somewhere more suitable, that’s easy to maintain with fewer stairs and one in four said they would think about buying a retirement property.

But in its ‘Top of the Ladder’ report, Demos added that a lack of understanding about retirement housing and the lifestyle it offers could be discouraging people from moving.

With that in mind Aspen Retirement is encouraging those with older relatives to help them plan for their future and to show them how downsizing can be an aspirational move that leads to a more active retirement.

Children and grandchildren are invited to visit Eastbank Court in Eastbank Drive this Saturday (October 12) with their parents or grandparents to experience the five-star lifestyle that many older people in Worcester are already enjoying.

Liz Herring, sales and marketing manager for Aspen says, “The Demos research echoes many of our findings from speaking to our homeowners and their families. Many initially feel an emotional tie to their old home and that moving could be too much for them, but they soon realise that there’s so much to gain by downsizing from not having to worry about the cost of keeping warm in the winter to making new friends. During our open day visitors will be able to speak to people already living at Eastbank Court and see how their mum, dad or grandparent could retain their independence for longer. Seamless Relocation will be there to explain how they can make moving easier, while Bloomsbury Care will be on hand to talk about the support available.”

Eastbank Court in Eastbank Drive, Worcester, offers a choice of one and two-bedroom apartments, with prices from £192,000 to £299,950.

Purchasers have all the independence and privacy of owning their own home but can tap in to a host of benefits previously not available to them.

For example, an on-site restaurant means a hot, nutritious meal is never far away. Plus, with a host of other communal facilities including a, main lounge, piano room with licensed bar, library, activities room and hair salon and treatment room, it’s no surprise Eastbank Court has been compared to a luxury hotel.

Ninety minutes of regular domestic help a week is included in a monthly service charge and there’s the option to add extra support if and when it’s needed.

To sample life at Eastbank Court, visit the development from 11am to 3pm this Saturday (October 12).

For more information see the website aspenretirement.co.uk.