Positive experiences for village residents

Research assistant and PhD student at Australian National University, Dimity Crisp, hopes research into the social benefits of older people residing in retirement villages will assist some aged care providers on ways to create “positive experiences” for its residents.

The Transitions in Later Life (TRAILLs) project began in 2009 and examines two important later life transitions, which include residential relocation and retirement from the workforce.

According to Ms Crisp, a better understanding of the factors that influence the success of retirement and relocation transitions has the “potential” to inform government policy, as well as the development of interventions designed to assist older adults in adapting successfully to changes commonly experienced later in life.

With aims to investigate changes in physical health, social relationships and the personal well-being that people aged 55 years of age and older experience before and after retiring from the workforce, Ms Crisp tells DPS News a main finding of the research so far shows people are reportedly “less lonely”.

“There also tends to be more retirees and a greater proportion of retirement village residents who are widowed. By learning more about people’s experiences, we hope to identify factors that might help people maximize positive aspects of their retirement experience.

Researchers use a ‘daily diary’ which involves a series of short day-to-day assessments which can be completed online by residents. A range of questions relating to health, well-being and personality are asked and then participants will complete a series of additional shorter assessments – one per day over a seven-day period.

These shorter assessments include brief tests of memory and thinking, and questions about both positive and stressful experiences.

Researchers say using a daily diary designed to review the thoughts of residents will allow them to gain a “complete picture” of day-to-day changes in behaviour, mood and health.

“We hope the information we obtain about people’s experiences around the time of moving from their existing place of residence into a retirement village will help aged care providers continue to improve the services they offer their clients, and inform policy-makers regarding the housing needs of older Australians,” she says.

Research will continue until mid-next year as Ms Crisp says they are still investigating whether residents become less lonely after entering a village due to the “community environment” offered by many villages.

“The fact people are in closer proximity to their neighbours and the social interaction and also incidental contacts within a retirement community, this may contribute to residents being less lonely,” she says.

How do you think the sector can provide a “positive experience” for retirement village and aged care residents? Share your suggestions in the comment box below.