The leader of one of Western Australia’s leading not-for-profit retirement village providers, Bethanie, has recently shared his best advice for ageing Australians in a personal effort to inform seniors of the importance of planning for the future when it comes to retirement.

Chris How is not only the CEO of Bethanie Group, but also the President, and emphasized in a recent interview that too often he sees ‘families rush to service providers after a particular event, for example, an accident, a dementia diagnosis or the death of a spouse.’

While his primary advice is to initially consult with family and friends together about important topics such as health care and lifestyle changes later in life, his largest and most important top tip for living arrangements encourages Australia’s over 55’s population to try before they buy.  

“Go in (to a retirement village) for a few weeks and see if you like it – speak with providers and residents, and even attend some resident functions – choose the right village to suit your lifestyle,” he says.

“It’s a big shift, so make sure you are going to be happy.”

Mr How says that encouraging people of all ages to consider what they are looking for when it comes to retirement is most beneficial as he believes that ‘good things come to those who plan.’

“I take pride in my clients feeling like they are 19, not 90. Plus, I like them to feel that life has just truly ‘just begun’. There is a great life to live as you age – plan to make the most of it.”