As Australia braces for a “silver tsunami,” more and more older Australians are asking the same question: Where do I want to live as I age? For some, the answer is staying at home for as long as possible. For others, the pull of retirement villages — with their sense of security, ready-made community, and “lock-up-and-leave” convenience — is strong.
A new survey of more than 15,000 Australians, including 3,711 residents of retirement communities, has revealed a complex but fascinating picture of what life is really like inside these villages. The Catalyst Retirement Communities Report 2025 finds that overall satisfaction is holding steady at 72 percent. In fact, seven out of ten residents say they are happy with their community.
But scratch beneath the surface, and the responses tell a more nuanced story.
The Good Life
For many residents, moving into a retirement community is about freedom. No lawns to mow. No gutters to clear. No worries when it comes time to take a long holiday.
One resident summed it up simply: “It’s great to not have the responsibility of caring for a yard.”
Others spoke about the sense of connection and safety they found: “You can be as involved as you want with activities. We feel very safe.”
And with half of all residents being single, the chance to make new friends is a major drawcard: “There is always something to do or someone to talk to.”
The Concerns
Yet, residents also made it clear that community living isn’t without frustrations. Rising fees, maintenance issues, and a perceived lack of visibility from head office were recurring themes. Fewer than half said they were satisfied with communication around maintenance.
As Catalyst notes: “On-site and head office management at many sites need to up their game to be more visible, responsive and to give a better picture of what residents are getting for their monthly fees.”
For prospective residents, some warnings were blunt:
- “There is a certain loss of control. If that would bother you then village life may not be suitable.”
- “Sales people will offer you ‘the dream life’. Get everything in writing.
Why People Move
The reasons for choosing community living are as varied as the people themselves. Some were prompted by loneliness after losing a partner. Others by practical needs, such as avoiding stairs or leaving behind a home that was becoming too much to manage.
Catalyst’s respondents offered deeply personal insights:
- “My husband died – I was lonely.”
- “Criminal activity where I’m living now.”
- “I wanted to lock up for a long holiday.”
Looking Ahead
The Catalyst survey also highlighted an emerging shift: the blending of retirement villages with aged care facilities. While many older Australians say they would welcome the security of having a nursing home nearby, others fear it could change the atmosphere.
One respondent put it plainly: “I moved to a lifestyle village, I don’t really want the place to look like an aged care facility.”
Beyond retirement villages, most Australians still prefer to remain at home as long as possible. But as aged care beds become scarce and home care costs rise, more will inevitably look to community living as a middle ground.
Small Joys, Big Decisions
Despite challenges, many retirement village residents remain enthusiastic about the lifestyle. They treasure the bowling greens, community rooms, and libraries. And as lifestyles evolve, newer requests — like EV chargers, cafés, and pickleball courts — are gaining popularity.
Perhaps one comment captured the spirit best: “It’s a lifestyle decision for us, not an investment. I wished we had moved earlier to take advantage of all the facilities when we were younger.”
As Australia prepares for its ageing population, the voices of residents themselves — sometimes funny, sometimes sad, always candid — will be essential in shaping the future of retirement living.
