On ‘International Day for Older People’ My Future Living highlights how renting in retirement can benefit the over 60s

International Day for Older People[i] on 1 October celebrates older people while raising awareness of the challenges they face. Housing is often a concern in later life and My Future Living, the UK’s leading retirement rental brand, is using this day to highlight how renting in a retirement community is a safe, secure, and sociable housing option for retired people.

As more retirement developments are emerging in town centres, as a result of vacant retail and office spaces being transformed into homes for over-65s[ii], Joanne Couch, Managing Director at My Future Living, explains that renting in a retirement community is not only a smart financial choice but opens the door to a more active and connected lifestyle.

Joanne Couch said: “Choosing where to live in later life can be a big decision, but some older people are finding that renting in a retirement community brings real benefits. It’s not just about having a place to live—it provides security, reduces the financial strain of homeownership, and can free up capital.

“These communities provide a vibrant social life, with communal spaces and organised activities that help people stay connected. With more retirement developments being built in town centres, older people can enjoy the convenience and buzz of city living, while still being part of a supportive community.”

One resident who has benefited from renting in a retirement development is 67-year-old Trevor Worrell. After taking early retirement from London Underground, Trevor relocated from Clapham to a one-bedroom apartment in a retirement community in Croydon.

Trevor said: “There are 24 of us at the development and we all know each other very well, which means there’s always a friendly face around and I feel like we’ve got our very own little community. There’s plenty going on and I never feel like I live here on my own. We have film night and fish and chip night in the communal lounge every Friday.”

Trevor also appreciates the convenience of his location as there is a doctor’s surgery next door, a barbershop two doors down, and a supermarket just opposite. Trevor adds: “I don’t have any plans to leave as I feel happy and settled. This place ticks every box for me plus I feel like I have my friends around me and the communal lounge is a lovely welcoming place to sit and chat to whoever is passing.”

My Future Living has several town centre rental apartments available, including:

• Montgomery Court: A one bedroom apartment in Warwick is £950 per calendar month. Warwick is steeped in history and well known for its castle.  The town centre is also packed with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, parks and gardens and has excellent transport links.
• Brampton Court: A one bedroom apartment in historic Chichester for £1,050 per calendar month. Chichester is a great a mix of city, coast and countryside. The development is located close to shops and amenities, plus there is easy access to surrounding areas including Portsmouth, Worthing and Brighton.
• Homespa House: A two bedroom apartment in Cheltenham for £1,075 per calendar month. One of England’s most attractive and elegant spa towns, Cheltenham is famed for its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere including its Annual Arts festivals and the Gold Cup.

Most of our developments have communal lounges, gardens, a lift, guest suites and an onsite manager, plus there is a 24-hour careline in the majority of apartments for out of hour’s emergencies. Most My Future Living properties are available on long term assured tenancies.

For more information visit www.myfutureliving.co.uk.

[i] https://ageing-better.org.uk/international-day-older-people-1-october-2024

[ii] https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/may/24/how-retirement-villages-are-becoming-part-of-high-street-life-in-the-uk