Some people construct large houses in remote areas thinking that, once they “Hang Up The Boots” they can live a happy and peaceful life.

Many seniors wish to live amidst nature and in picturesque surroundings like mountains, hills, beaches, lakes etc.

While it is good to live in peaceful, serene and pollution free locations, however one needs to understand the practical aspects of these places.

Many people get swayed by idealistic and philosophical desires in life, due to which they invest their hard earned money in constructing large multi-storied houses. Big houses have their own advantages however as we grow older the same houses becomes difficult to maintain.

Many seniors build homes in off-beat locations which gives them happiness in their young-old age (65-75), unfortunately as they become oldest-old (85+) they tend to regret their decision.

The larger point of debate is, how important is site location w.r.t retirement homes? In my opinion, location is the most important element in the overall planning for retirement living.

As the world is facing the brunt of climate change, it is becoming even more critical that senior living facilities should be planned keeping a few key factors into consideration, i.e.;

1) The Golden Hour Rule 

Retirement community or independent houses should be close to a multi-speciality hospital or a Nursing Home. If medical attention is not received within an hour then precious time will be lost.

2) Disaster Preparedness

Site should not be in low lying areas, or very close to riverbeds/lakes and should not be too high up in the mountains. Incase of floods, fire, earthquake etc elders take longer time to be evacuated.

3) Transportation 

Since children may visit only for a few days in a year hence accessibility to airport, railway station and/or bus stand becomes important.

4) Cultural & Social Interactions 

Peaceful surroundings are good but too much peace and isolation can be detrimental. Ensure that there are entertainment centres and market places in the nearby vicinity.

5) Staff Availability

Idealism will not help in sourcing domestic support services. If the location is remote and inaccessible then getting qualified manpower will become a challenge.

These are some of the basic site planning/identification features in my experience. 

When I retire, I will go on holidays to the mountains, beaches etc but live in habitable places which have medical, transport, health, social, staff and recreational support.

Pankaj Mehrotra