| | Companies are turning to older workers: StudyNew York: New research has found employers are taking a more positive attitude to hiring and retaining older workers. Monash University researchers surveyed 600 large organizations and found between 40 and 50 percent were positive about workers over 55. But Monash professor Philip Taylor says the research also found a lack of interest in providing training for older workers. "It may be that employers are saying well look we're happy to take on an older worker but we don't see them as a long term prospect for the organization," he said. #134 / 08-24-10 |
 | Credit score stable for 3 Erickson communitiesNew York: Erickson Retirement's bankruptcy should not affect the creditworthiness of three of its communities, says Fitch Ratings. Fitch maintained existing bond ratings on Charlestown and Oak Crest in metro Baltimore and on Greenspring in Virginia. Fitch Ratings currently maintains ratings on three CCRCs - Charlestown Retirement Community (rated 'A' with a stable outlook by Fitch), Oak Crest [sic] Village (rated 'A-' with a stable outlook), both in Maryland, and Greenspring Village (rated 'BBB+' with a stable outlook) in Virginia. Planning USA #133 / 10-27-09 |
 | Housing for seniors gets a makeover in CrozetCrozet: Federal and local officials have announced a $7.9 million project that will bring additional affordable housing for the elderly and the handicapped to western Albemarle County. More than 50 people were on hand at The Meadows, an apartment complex for the elderly in Crozet, to celebrate expansion plans that will increase the complex by 38 one-bed apartments and renovate the existing 28 apartments. Construction on the project began in August and is scheduled to be completed in December 2010. Half Day Trends #132 / 02-03-10 |
 | Tentative deal reached for home care workersSalem: A tentative agreement has been reached for home-care workers covered by the Service Employees International Union Local 503. The new contract would cover up to 11 percent of health care premium increases in the first year of the contract and 10 percent in the second. State contributions ultimately will increase $1,826 a year. Live-in care providers earn $4.55 an hour and will now be able to take 12-hour increments of paid leave rather than a full day. Care providers on an hourly schedule will earn $10.20 an hour. Planning USA #131 / 10-06-09 |
 | Retirement chain seeks fresh cash infusionBalimore: One of the biggest developers of compre- hensive retirement communities in the U.S. is seeking much-needed new capital. Erickson Retirement Communities is struggling both with a heavy debt load taken on during its boom-time expansion and increasing numbers of retirees who can no longer afford to move into its facilities. Erickson's chairman and founder, John C. Erickson, said in a letter to the company's 23,000 residents last week that he had signed a letter of intent with a prospective investor. 15 Business Ideas #130 / 10-06-09 |
 | Waves of new fund cuts imperil US nursing homeHARTFORD: The nation's nursing homes are perilously close to laying off workers, cutting services, possibly even closing, because of a perfect storm wallop from the recession and deep federal and state government spending cuts, industry experts say. A Medicare rate adjustment that cuts an estimated $16 billion in nursing home funding over the next 10 years was enacted at week's end by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, on top of state-level cuts or flat-funding that already had the industry reeling. Half Day Trends #129 / 10-05-09 |
 | Sweden moves closer to nursing homes for gaysStockholm: Elderly homosexuals in Stockholm are hopeful that the idea of having a nursing home of their own may soon become a reality. While the idea of creating an elderly-living facility catering specifically to members of Stockholm’s GLBT communities has been around for more than a decade, plans are finally starting to move forward in earnest. Christer Fällman, a project leader for the planned Regnbågen (‘Rainbow’) nursing home, says many gays are interested in spending their final years in an environment suited to their particular needs. Trends #128 / 07-27-09 |
 | Age apartheid estates doomed everywhereNew York: The over 50s housing sector is doomed to a low / no growth phase even when the current financial tsunami passes. The only candidates for age restricted estates is a small portion of the veteran generation. Their places in CCRC / purpose built active adult communities will not be taken in the passage of time by boomers. They are a one generation product. Whoever gets stuck with these properties in 10 years plus, will not be able to fill the beds... even for no fees. Trends #127 / 07-28-09 |
 | Seniors housing complex set to close in AugustSt. Louis: Clayton on the Park luxury apartments for seniors plans to close in August, and the project's developer has laid off employees. Craig Saur, CEO of Conrad Properties said his firm has had layoffs in recent weeks due to the down economy. Conrad Properties laid off 10 employees this month and now has nine employees, Saur said. Sunrise Senior Living, a McLean, Va.-based senior living community operator, said Clayton on the Park will suspend operations indefinitely starting Aug 17. Planning USA #126 / 07-28-09 |
 | ILF planning to exit US seniors housing sector?McLean, VA: The ING Real Estate Community Living Group (ASX:ILF) has cut a last gasp deal with its USA lenders to avoid the ‘knackers yard’. The baying lender wanted $US15.5 million by Wednesday last week (17 June 2009). ILF skinned by with an offer of $US7.5 million immediately and $8 million in monthly installments over 12 months. ILF recently sold two US student housing assets in Richmond, Virginia and is looking to exit capital intensive development joint ventures in its home base of Australia. 15 Business Ideas #125 / 07-28-09 |
 | Sunrise 'fired' from management contractsMcLean, VA: Sunrise Senior Living Inc. continues to lurch from crisis to disaster. HCP Inc., whose real estate holdings include hundreds of senior communities, is firing Sunrise from more than a dozen of its properties. Long Beach-based HCP said it has terminated management contracts at 15 communities operated by Sunrise for failing to meet performance goals. HCP acquired 101 Sunrise properties as part of its acquisition of CNL Retirement Property Inc. In 2008, it terminated Sunrise contracts at 11 of those properties. Trends #124 / 07-28-09 |
 | Luxury seniors housing market may be thawingNew York: Toll Brothers has reported higher orders in its fiscal second quarter and offered a glimmer of hope that the US luxury house market is beginning to thaw. But according to the builder, the housing market is not out of the woods, having reported a 51 per cent revenue decline to $US398.3 million ($510.6 million) for the quarter ended on April 30. Another gloomy sign was that the dollar amount of Toll's backlog, or houses that are in the pipeline to be built, fell about 9 per cent from the previous quarter as sales remained weak. Planning USA #123 / 07-28-09 |
 | National builder sought for Memphis projectMemphis: Developer Walnut Grove Properties LLC wants to hook up with a major national corporation to undertake an 800 unit retirement village in Memphis. The 101 acre Canale Grove project will have 521,000 square feet of retail space. "There's no Wal-Mart going in there. It's going to be quaint," Bob Dalhoff said. "Restaurants, shops, maybe a little grocery store." Dalhoff said the residential part of the project will include some lofts over the retail space. Half Day Trends #122 / 07-28-09 |
 | China again promises more care for the elderlyBeijing: China will place 2.2 million more beds in service centers for the elderly in rural areas by 2010, said the National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2009-2010), released Monday by the Information Office of China's State Council. The state will continue pushing forward the construction of old-age service facilities, the plan said. China will plan to establish an integrated service system for the elderly, with home-based care as the basis, community care as support, and nursing homes as supplement. 15 Business Ideas #121 / 07-28-09 |
 | Recession now hits jobs in nursing homesNew York: Employment in health care, the only major industry outside the federal government still adding jobs, is succumbing to the recession. In the latest sign, the president of New York City Health & Hospitals Corp. wrote on Friday to community organizations as well as employees and unions at its 11 hospitals and four nursing homes, saying the agency will lay off more workers even after slashing 400 jobs last month. "We now project that HHC's deficits will worsen, even if we are spared further state cuts," said Alan Aviles. Trends #120 / 07-28-09 |
 | Integrated tourism / retiree zone in PhilippinesSubic: The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) has forged agreements with tourism industry players in four major tourist destinations in the Philippines. PRA chairman Edgardo B. Aglipay said that memorandum of agreements have been signed by PRA with industry players in Baguio, Boracay, Cebu and Subic. Aglipay said that hotels, resorts, spas, and hospitals within 15 minutes from each other agreed to cooperate and work with one another to create a semblance of an integrated retirement village. Half Day Trends #119 / 07-28-09 |
 | Planning USA to list all new +50s housing projectsLos Angeles: The weekly news service Planning USA lists all new projects in the over 50s housing sector. The service covers all nursing homes, dementia developments, continuous care retirement communities (CCRC), assisted living, respite, palliative, hospice, retirement villages/communities, HUD/tax credit projects, self-forming enclaves, active adult and multi-generational communities. The data is sent electronically each week. Go to Planning USA #118 / 07-28-09 |
 | Nursing homes need new markets to growNew York: Nursing homes will increasingly have to find new specialist markets if they are to survive. The trend toward the apartment for life, the growth of Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) and better home help from hotel service entities, when meshed with the desire to stay at home, will cut large chunks out of the nursing home business. The new business opportunities for nursing homes include specialising in brain acquired injury, mental illness, addictions, aspergers, and adult disabilities. Trends #117 / 07-28-09 |
 | +50s underpin Costa Rica's second home marketGuanacaste: Costa Rica continues to grow as a source of second homes for the USA over 50s market. The growth trend has been underpinned by a softening in prices, after 6 years of skyrocketing valuations. Most interest is still focused on the driest province of Guanacaste, which is outside the hurricane zone. The draw remains the combined appeal of living in an alternative culture, the buying value of the US dollar, low land prices ($60,000 lots in Tamarindo), negligible land taxes and the beach / jungle environment. Trends #116 / 07-28-09 |
 | Over 50s housing slow to develop in East AsiaLahore: The 'joint family system' in Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh has militated against the growth of the over 50s housing sector. But work migration is starting to break down the self supporting multi-generational family compounds concept, as increasing numbers of 20 to 50 year olds are lured to developed countries in pursuit of better pay and conditions. Competition for labour has triggered the relaxing of family repatriation rules in most first world countries, and this is altering patterns of co-habitation in East Asia. Trends #115 / 07-28-09 |
 | Sunrise may have to file for bankruptcyMaclean: Sunrise Senior Living Inc may have to reorganize under bankruptcy protection if it cannot reach agreements with lenders to restructure debt, the company said in a regulatory filing. It has sufficient cash balances to meet obligations until March 31. Sunrise said in the filing that the economic downturn had caused its stock price to decline, and that credit was tight. "I believe (this sector) is going to be the next wave of companies needing restructuring," said Dominic DiNapoli, chief operating officer of FTI Consulting Inc. Trends #114 / 07-28-09 |
 | Malaysia draws legal distinctions over housingKuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Government treats over 50s housing as two distinct legal categories. Independent houses, villas apartments and the emerging (but embryonic) retirement village concept remain free of government regulation and supervision. But any housing containing a modicum of Rumah Seri Kenangan ("Old Folks Home") nursing homes, assisted living, homecare / daycare falls under the care centres act 1993. The over 50s housing market is being targeted by Mulpha and its Australian partner FKP Ltd (ASX:FKP). Trends #113 / 07-28-09 |
 | Shopping mall needs offices / housing to growNew York: The regional enclosed shopping mall needs to become a community centre with day care facilities, a seniors hotel, offices and multi generational residential components above and surrounding the complex if it is to prosper and grow. The mortgage meltdown, shifting demographics and a growing antipathy towards suburban sprawl is finally triggering a move towards Austrian born Victor Gruen's original mall concept. 19% of the 2000 malls in the US says PricewaterhouseCoopers are suitable for "greyfields" development. Trends #112 / 07-28-09 |
 | Dutch claim small-scale aged care home betterAmsterdam: A study conducted by the left wing Dutch Daily De Volkskrant shows elderly people no longer able to live independently do better when placed in smaller (less than 30 residents) residential care units. De Volkskrant based its conclusions on an analysis of 1400 surveys supplied to the Netherlands Public Health Ministry. The best nursing home is De Naber in Rotterdam. The best residential care home is Menno Simons in Amsterdam. De Volkskrant says the differences between the various "homes" are significant. Trends #111 / 07-28-09 |
 | Emirates to push home care over hospital stayRas Al Khaimah: Elderly Emiratis will receive health services at home reducing the need to go hospitals or medical centres. In an initiative launched by the Ministry of Health, it was announced that the service would start immediately in Ras Al Khaimah and be launched later in the other emirates. The relatives will also be trained on how to look after their elderly parents. Dr Ali Shakar, Director-General of the Ministry of Health said the ministry aims to provide the aged with a comfortable life. Trends #110 / 07-28-09 |
 | Economy slump cuts older Americans spendingWashington D.C: The recession is hitting older Americans hard, forcing many to cut back on contributions to retirement accounts and extras like entertainment and restaurant meals American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) officials report. A survey of Americans aged 45+ conducted for the AARP, found many had suffered savings and investment losses, are having trouble paying for essentials such as food, gas and medicine and are planning to postpone retirement. "Our members have been hit hard," said AARP CEO Bill Novelli. Trends #109 / 07-28-09 |
 | Apartment size does matter even in Asia marketSingapore: The Singapore Housing Board (HDB) has discovered that the over 50s housing market on the island state prefers a four room apartment minimum versus its latest 2 room flat offering. Chesterton Suntec International research director Colin Tan says Singaporeans are not yet ready for the tight spaces of Hong Kong, and the depressed demand for small flats affirms that view. But the HDB intends to forge ahead with building more small flats, punting on the elderly wanting to monetize their assets for retirement needs. Trends #108 / 07-28-09 |
 | New model of care required says USA expertBoston: American medicine is already in a crisis mode when it comes to geriatric care, and the problem will only become worse unless new approaches are found says Dr. Atul Gawande, a surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and associate professor at the Harvard School of Public Health. "Those who work in geriatric care are among the worst paid in the health care system," he said. "We must also keep aging patients as healthy as possible and living independently as long as possible." Trends #107 / 07-28-09 |
 | Funding retirement tougher in credit crunchNew York: The 68 percent of over 65s who own their own homes have had their retirement plans torpedoed by the twin attacks on property values and retirement savings. Whilst the over 65s are not wiped out, the dent to their net worth has however precluded them from access to assisted living / CCRC / retirement community options. The fallout will result in a boost to Homecare. The facilities are trying to fight back using 'payment holiday' incentives, but it is a band-aid. Homecare is an entrenched trend. Trends #106 / 07-28-09 |
 | New era of frugality to impact on housingNew York: The credit crunch and the resultant asset value wipe out has triggered two significant social changes. The over 50s generation has put off retirement indefinitely and there is a return to frugalism. The economic meltdown has sped up an over 50s trend to re-evaluate attitudes to consumerism. Over 50s are seeking a return to the simple life and a renewed emphasis on wellness and housing which reflects previously nascent interests. The post 50 period is diametrically different from the first life (Years 1 - 49) Trends #105 / 07-28-09 |
 | Credit crunch kills off boomer retiree plansNew York: The credit crunch has killed off retirement plans for the boomer generation. Whilst significant numbers of boomers never intended retiring, the option always offered choice. The collapse of the housing market, coupled with a 40 per cent reversal in stock market values, will trigger significant social change. The developers of age apartheid estates, already in trouble with falling sales, will be finished as boomers 'stay put'. Further falls in house price and equity markets are expected in 2009. CCRC markets are also 'in stress'. Trends #104 / 07-28-09 |
 | Ageing priests emerge as niche housing marketKampala: A new housing complex for ageing clerics has opened in Kampala in Uganda. The Nasambya Priests Centre has been created in the Morning Star Covent compound. It was opened by Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala. The housing trend follows a plan by a Canadian developer to seed a 1500 person retirement village with an "Oxford Cloisters" core for retired religious of all denominations. The 'Cloister Heart' contains a walking area, pray rooms, chapel, meditation area, liberay, contemplation area, and living quarters on the second storey. Trends #103 / 07-28-09 |
 | Non-residents win right to buy land in VietnamHanoi: Non-Vietnamese residents have won the right to buy dwellings in Vietnam. The National Assembly gave approval at its May-June plenary session. But Vietnam's land use law will limit the purchases to apartments. Houses, villas and country retreats are still on the banned list. Even the apartment window has not been universally acclaimed in Vietnam. The nation is still divided on the issue. But the move now gives Vietnam a platform to compete with its Asian neighbors (Philippines / Malaysia) for international retirees. Trends #102 / 07-28-09 |
 | South Korea fails to plan for aging populationSeoul: South Korea only introduced a basic old-age pension scheme on January 1st, 2008 to help low income elderly. Its nursing home / assisted living infrastructure is non existant. There are 5 million South Koreans aged 65 or older. Last year 210,000 applied for long term health care services. Only 126,000 could be helped. There is a chronic shortage of nursing homes, management, operational systems and qualified care givers. 11 per cent of South Koreans will be over 65 by 2010. Trends #101 / 07-28-09 |
 | Design which reminds us of age inhibits salesNew York: Clunky design, like steel grab bars appended to a dozen walls, are the single biggest impediment to the growth of the over 50s home modification / renovations market. The baby boomer market and increasingly the lower end of the veteran market (65-75) disavow age. The self image is of someone perienally aged 31. So any design which reaffirms an older age is simply not processed by the boomer brain. Hotels have solved the dilemma of servicing all generations by astute design. Trends #100 / 07-28-09 |
 | US fund to develop retiree villages in IndiaMumbai: U.S.-based Franklin Templeton Real Estate Advisors is looking to launch a retirement village development fund in India and China. Jack Foster, head of global real estate at Franklin Templeton said he was keen on Indian and Chinese housing and building retirement communities for a fast-ageing Japanese population. Private equity funds specialising in Asian property are lapping up money from Western investors to take stakes in projects and sometimes companies in India and China. Trends #99 / 07-28-09 |
 | Retirement flats built into sports stadiumBasle: 107 retirement flats have been built into a sports stadium complex in Basle, Switzerland. The 40,000 seat stadium is known affectionately as the Joggeli and forms part of a €139m 'Experience' park which includes a 30 shop commercial centre and the over 50s housing. The Swiss development is part of an increasing trend to incorporate seniors housing into sporting stadia. A New Zealand retirement village has a viewing platform atop it to allow residents to watch horse racing. Trends #98 / 07-28-09 |
 | Over 50s green village to last for 500 years?New York: A new village design paradigm obviates the focus on cars and what people make, sell or buy. Instead there is a focus on sustainable livability. It is built on permanent infrastructure which is planned and financed for the long term, and interwoven with technical systems and farmland. It is the first comprehensive attempt to invent a town for today. The town actually functions in harmony with nature, like a living organism and known technology makes its creation possible now. Trends #97 / 07-28-09 |
 | Over 50s US/Canadians target Loreto to liveLoreto: Loreto in Mexico has become the new focal point for US/Canadian over 50s seeking a 'new experience'. The post 50s migration trend of first world citizens seeking an alternative lifestyle in the second half of their lives is now an ingrained boomer trend. The Brits go to Canada, Malta, Spain, France, Australia and New Zealand. The Germans are into Turkey, the Japanese into the Philippines and Thailand, the Australians into Bali and New Zealanders have propped up Fiji. Trends #96 / 07-28-09 |
 | US fund to underpin Japanese retiree villagesNew York: The US-based Franklin Templeton Real Estate Advisory Group is to launch an investment fund focused on building retirement communities for the fast aging Japanese population. The fund will be headed up by Jack Foster. "We'll have it up within 12 months," he said. Foster said he was also keen on Indian and Chinese communities. Franklin Templeton is part of U.S. mutual fund giant Franklin Resources Inc. and has around $6 billion in assets under management. Trends #95 / 07-28-09 |
 | Historic building refashioned into Jewish enclavePrague: A 100 year old historic hospice in Prague has been recrafted into a modern residential facility for the Jewish community. It is the largest project ever undertaken in 100 years in the Prague Jewish community. The building was a 'Restitution Gift'. The restoration has taken 9 years and soaked up 200 million crowns. The barrier free residential centre has 46 flats for 60 people. The Hagibor in Vinohradska street is historically connected with the life of Prague Jews. Trends #94 / 07-28-09 |
 | Over 50s condos to be build above shopping mallsAuckland, N.Z.: Two over 50s apartment developments are proposed on top of shopping malls in New Zealand. The NZ Property Retail Group is in consultation with North Shore City Council over two 200 unit apartment towers above the Highbury and Milford shopping malls. The apartments willl be a mix of retirement homes and serviced apartments. "The council is to make district plan changes to accommodate higher density living," said the developer. Trends #93 / 07-28-09 |
 | UAE seeks over 50s housing joint venture partnersAbu Dhabi: The Minister of Social Affairs Maryam Al Roumi admitted at an Abu Dhabi Aging Conference in April that his country only had one centre providing specialist care for the elderly. "And the centre is not a home" he added."Rather it is a medical facility that houses elderly patients who require medical attention," he stressed. There is a market niche in the UAE for an ethnically / culturally sensitive seniors housing developer to joint venture continuous care retirement communities. Trends #92 / 07-28-09 |
 | Hong Kong finally addresses housing for elderlyHong Kong: Plans to develop a Hong Kong Island site under the Senior Citizen Residence Scheme are being formulated between the Housing Society and Transport & Housing Bureau. The society is also studying the feasibility of providing private flats and elderly units with a service hub in the same development at urban renewal sites in Shau Kei Wan and Sham Shui Po. The Government says it has granted two sites in Tseung Kwan O and Jordan Valley to the society for the residence scheme on a pilot lease-for-life basis. Trends #91 / 07-28-09 |
 | Barbadian companies now control retiree resortSt. Peter: Two Barbadian companies are now full owners of The Lakes Resort in Mount Brevitor, St Peter. Barbadian construction magnate Sir Charles Williams, and Rotherley Construction Inc. have bought out the British investors and now control the lifestyle retiree resort. The strategic direction of the new owners for The Lakes is that of a lifestyle resort embracing wellness tourism, said Sir Charles Williams. Half of the units in Phase 1 have been sold to international citizens. Trends #90 / 07-28-09 |
 | Malaysia lifts its pitch for off shore retireesPasir Gudang: An upscale continuous care retirement community (CCRC) is being built in Iskandar Malaysia. The Platinum Residencies will be a luxury retirement home with 24 hour room service and nursing care 'upon request'. The Lakehill Regency Lake Enclave will include the 6 star Lakehill All Suites Resort and Convention Hotel, A medical / healthcare / surgical centre, resort club and golf village. The company behind the development is Malaysia Pacific Corp. BHD (MPC). The MPC chief executive officer is Bill Ch`ng. Trends #89 / 07-28-09 |
 | Money worries to postpone retirement indefinitelyNew York: The credit crunch, the Dow Jones retreat and the fall in house prices / pension fund returns has guaranteed the boomer generation will not retire. The +60 generation is also being encouraged to stay on because of tight labor markets. Those that can afford to retire (25 per cent) are choosing new careers and activities. This changing social trend will have an impact on housing choices. Boomers are increasingly seeking to live in experiential dwellings. Trends #88 / 07-28-09 |
 | Over 50s buying second homeMelbourne: The Melbourne based Casey Group has opened the hotel component of its resort retirement compound at Torquay in Victoria, Australia. The development is made up of 84 dual key investment resort apartments trading as Crowne Plaza (IHG), 45 owner occupier apartments / penthouses and 50 beach villas. Over 60s are not retiring but are seeking two homes. One remains in the city of choice and the second is on the water within a 2 hour drive from the principal residence. Trends #87 / 07-28-09 |
 | Over 65s want technology to help stay at homeWashington DC: An AARP Foundation study has found over 65s are willing to try technology like sensors to detect falls and devices to regulate temperature, lights, and appliances, but cost, perception, and technical issues remain challenges. These are the conclusions of two new reports, one from AARP and the other from the Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). Trends #86 / 07-28-09 |
 | Over 50s housing consultancy for developersNew York: A day long consultancy briefing for over 50s housing developers will be conducted in late July. The briefing (strictly limited to five) will focus on providing an ‘on the spot’ plan for unused land banks. “The recession / credit crunch has not affected specialist / niche over 50s housing projects,” said International Over 50s Housing Trends authority Esmonde Crawley. Mainstream developers have been seriously hurt in the current financial maelstrom. But clever boxers are obtaining maximum profits from this sector. Developers / Consultancy #85 / 03-25-08 |
 | Korean retirees focus on moving to PhlippinesSeoul: The Philippines government has lifted its guest retiree target to 6000 in 2008. Koreans will make up 60 per cent of the retirees, followed by the Chinese and the Americans. Each international guest is estimated to generate four jobs per principal retiree. One Korean firm will construct a 550 room condotel in Cebu. The economic initiative is being orchestrated by the Philippine Retirement Authority under chairman Gen. Edgardo Aglipay. Trends #84 / 07-28-09 |
 | Lease buyback scheme to benefit Asian elderlySingapore: Some 25,000 households - or 70 per cent of elderly two and three-room flat owners - will qualify for the Housing and Development Board's (HDB) new Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) that kicks off next year. The HDB will buy back the tail end of the flat's lease from elderly owners at market value, so that they can "unlock" the value of their flat. The lessee would be left with just 30 years of lease to his or her flat. Details of the LBS were unveiled in Parliament by National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan. Trends #83 / 07-28-09 |
 | China vows to promote home care for elderlyBEIJING: China will develop support services for home care for the elderly over the next three years, given that those above 60 account for more than 11 percent of the 1.3 billion population. All urban communities would be required to offer care services for the aged by the end of 2010 under a work plan released by 10 government departments, including the China National Committee on Aging (CNCA) and the National Development and Reform Commission. About 80 percent of rural towns are to establish comprehensive service centers. Trends #82 / 07-28-09 |
 | Nursing home Green House concept taking rootALBANY, N.Y: Green House nursing homes are starting to proliferate in the U.S.A. In traditional nursing homes, residents must adhere to the schedule for meals, activities and medicine times. In a Green House, residents are empowered to live as they would at home. The small pods encourage community living under the guidance of a Shahbaz (a certified nursing assistant, who has received additional training in food service, activity leadership, housekeeping and person-centred caregiving). The concept is the brainchild of Dr. Bill Thomas. Trends #81 / 07-28-09 |
 | Condominium complex planned for gay retireesSurprise, AZ: A resort community is being built for the gay community in Surprise, Arizona. The development is being created under the auspices of Out Properties LLC. The proclivity of aging gays to congregate in safe havens is growing. RainbowVision has completed its Santa Fe project and is planning gay estates in Palm Springs, San Francisco and Vancouver. Veronica St. Clair, Chief Executive Officer of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Retiring Persons Inc, is pushing for a similar development in Palm Springs, California. Trends #80 / 07-28-09 |
 | High rise eco-tower planned for retireesSouthport: An Australian developer is planning to take retirement to new heights with an $85M eco-friendly tower for the over-55s. Sunrise Southport will harness wind and solar energy for its power needs and tap into underground sources for water. Developer Trimglint is aiming for a five-star Green Star rating by including vertical turbine windmills, photovoltaic fuel cells, water recycling, solar-powered water heaters and water tanks. Each apartment will feature smart-home automation including thumbprint and touchpad technology. Trends #76 / 07-28-09 |
 | Indonesia opens its first retirement resortBali: Several Asian countries are stepping up marketing campaigns to attract investments from retirees. Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia are now the leading contenders for European, USA and Japanese retirees. Malaysia is winning the numbers (11, 000 retirees in 15 years) by offering a package which includes freehold property ownership, 10 year renewable multiple entry visas, tax exemption on pensions and permission to import domestic staff. Over 50s Housing Trends Seminar #75 / 07-28-09 |
 | Concern over farmland loss to developersCape town: Thousands of acres of South African farmland are being subsumed for retirement village development. The loss of farmland to developers is of concern to sugarcane growers said Tongaat Hulett C.E.O. Peter Staude. The attraction is the exchange rate. Returning expats get R7 for each US$1,? said S.A banker Klaus Tiderman. Over 50 retirement village projects have been started in the past 12 months. The most novel is a fishermen's village surrounded by a reserve and farming area on the Struisbaai coast. Trends #74 / 07-28-09 |
 | North Americans fix on Belize for retirementBelmopan: A consortium of Canadian and South African businessmen is to undertake a second retirement resort in Belize. The Alberta based group is to build a private ocean front villa complex at Hopkins Bay. The project will be completed in 2011. The development is being orchestrated by a Belizean real estate company, Hopkins Harbor Ltd. The project is being pitched at U.S, and Canadians wanting to buy a second home in an English speaking ?experience? country. The developers first retirement resort was the Belizean Dreams. Trends #73 / 07-28-09 |
 | IndiaJaipur: Real estate company Ashiana Group is building a Rs.1 billion retirement resort in Jaipur. Ahiana Utsav is being built with joint venture partner Manglam Builders. The project is spread over 27 acres, of which 2.3 acres are landscaped parks. "The target audience for the development, are expats returning to India to retire, or desirous of aquiring a second home as a cultural base." said Vishal Gupta, joint managing director of Manglam Builders. The retiree flats will be priced between Rs.1.4m and Rs.2.2m. Trends #72 / 07-28-09 |
 | Chinese govt. encourages private investors in careBeijing: The Chinese govt. is now encouraging private capital to invest in services for the elderly. The signal was given at a national symposium on senior care this week. "It's a shortcut to promote the rapid development of senior care because of China's underdeveloped economy and limited financial input in the public sector," said Zhang Mingliang, director of the Social Welfare and Social Affairs Department of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. China now has 40,000 senior care institutions with about 1.7 million beds for its population of 145m over 60. Trends #71 / 07-28-09 |
 | Condotel to be marketed to Chinese retireesSubic Bay: The Chinese company Sunshine Corp. plans to build a $200m condotel near the SM Mall of Asia in the Philippines to cater for Chinese retirees. A memorandum of agreement over the project has been signed with the SM Group. Construction is set to begin in August. The 100 room project will take three years to complete. Two more condotels are in the pipeline. A Korean company is to build a 550 room condotel in Cebu. The Philippines will allow 6000 foreign retirees in this year, up from 2620 in 2007. (Over 50s Housing Trends Seminar) #70 / 07-28-09 |
 | Daycare hotels to be built in shopping centresNew York: A major non US headquartered shopping centre developer has prepared plans to build a dual grandparents/child daycare hotel in a mega shopping mall. The initiative reflects both the societal perception that the shopping centre is now the major socialization centre in the community, and the need by the time pressed Sandwich Generation to 'one-drop' two generations each day for care. This trend is one of 100 new over 50s housing/initiatives starting to gain traction in the USA. Over 50s Housing Trends Seminar #69 / 07-28-09 |
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 | New retirement enclaves being built in IndiaCoimbatore: Col. Sridharan's Covai Property Centre is behind three retirement village projects in the Indian city of Coimbatore. "One project is now complete," said Col. Sridharan, "but all houses and apartments in the remaining two have been pre-booked." The gated communities include a clubhouse, library, festivals activity room, open air theater and a reverse osmosis water treatment plant. The average house measures between 1,785sq.ft and 2,900sq.ft. An apartment is in the 1,260sq.ft - 1,700sq.ft range. Trends #68 / 07-28-09 |
 | Retirement village set for casino precinct?Pasay City, Phillippines: State-owned gaming firm Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. is finalizing the issuance of gaming licenses to two foreign operators that have expressed plans to put up casinos within the 800-hectare Pagcor City in Pasay City. Pagcor chairman Ephraim Genuino said that Japanese investors were interested in developing a retirement village within the precinct. The project which is estimated to cost between $10 Billion and $20 billion, will be developed in three phases. Over 50s Housing Trends #67 / 07-28-09 |
 | Swaziland gets first upscale retirement villageMbabane: Plans for the first retirement village in Swaziland have been unveiled. The upscale gated community will be built in Ezulwini, an affluent suburb in the capital Mbabane. The project represents a break from the Swazi tradition of keeping elders as a revered constituency within the existing home structure. 1.14m live in the small land locked nation nestled between South Africa and Mozambique. 40% of GDP comes from the Coca Cola Company. The principle languages spoken are Swati (Bantu) & English. +50s Housing Trends #66 / 07-28-09 |
 | Singaporean government gets serious over ageingSingapore: The Singaporean government convened a Silver Industry Conference this month to promote the development of products, goods and services to enhance the quality of living for the elderly. The Singaporean government wants to build an export market into the rest of Asia. The government has also set itself four over 50s goals. It wants to encourage everyone post 50 to work beyond retirement, ageing-in-place is paramount, healthcare must be holistic, and everyone over 50 must stay active. Over 50s Housing Trends #65 / 07-28-09 |
 | China finally starting to address +50s housingBeijing: The China Association of Social Workers (CASW), a non-governmental organization, has launched a seniors housing prototype. The focus of the agency is to build a nursing care / rehabilitation unit. CASW is planning to roll out 20 complexes over 5 to 8 years. "This will be the first purpose built senior citizens housing project," claim CASW vice-president Zhou Tienong. The number of Chinese aged over 60 in 2008 is 149 million. This represents 11.3 per cent of the population says the China Elderly Work Committee Office. Over 50s Housing Trends #64 / 07-28-09 |
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 | Seniors housing to revive historic buildingKIMMEYTOWN, DE, USA: Over 50's housing and up to 17 shops will be tapped to fund the restoration of an historic neighbourhood in Kimmeytown. A century ago Georgetown was home to canneries, manufacturers and the railroad. The Indian Riverland Co. is behind the retirement condo initative on 5 acres in the Infill / historic precinct. Photo: The Historic Georgetown Association rescued the first Georgetown Fire Co. building from the wrecking ball. The 1903 building will be restored and moved back to the center of town near the newly renovated train station. #63 / 03-21-07 |
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| | Over 50s to take housing back to 19th century?Nimbin, Australia: Investor and developer Nigel Reid is about to start the first stage of Rivendell Village, a 51-dwelling project that aims to mimic a 19th century village of small, relatively low-cost housing with large, shared communal facilities. The concept goes back to the idea of a village common - that the surrounding landscape is providing for your sustenance. The houses will each have courtyards whose walls provide privacy and are shared with the adjoining house, a bit like "Cs nestled against each other" #62 / 03-14-07 |
 | Architect to design cheaper retiree home?Adelaide, Australia: Architect designed homes will soon be within reach of retirees operating on a low budget. Max Pritchard has teamed up with the Hickinbotham Group to produce a series of standard houses that will combine the principles of energy efficient, sustainable design in a range of affordable houses priced from as low as US$67,000. The partnership has allowed Mr Pritchard to realise a long-held goal of improving on the aesthetic and energy efficiency of houses at the lower end of the market. #61 / 02-28-07 |
 | Seniors Housing market in Israel grows 8% p.a.TEL AVIV: According to the Dun & Bradstreet Israel annual survey of the country's leading senior housing complexes, the number of protected senior housing units in 2006 grew by 8%. The survey found that the five leading senior housing communities are in the process of adding another 700 units, which will increase the current number of housing units by 12%. D&B Israel, estimates that the senior community living sector will continue to grow through a growing demographic and higher quality living standards. Photo: Cohen Shimon, CEO, Mishan Ltd. #60 / 02-25-07 |
 | High Rise CCRC retiree trend in USA emergesPORTLAND, USA: Pacific Retirement Services Inc. (PRS) is the second USA based company to kick start a Vertical Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). The 30 storey will contain 224 independent living units, 16 assisted living apartments, 20 skilled nursing rooms and 21 memory support units. Sunrise Seniors Living is behind a similar project called 'The Clare' currently under construction in downtown Chicago. Photo: Architectural outline of the 325 foot tall, 507,300 sq. ft. Mirabella development being built in Portland #59 / 02-22-07 |
 | Seniors apartments to form part of U.K. high riseLeeds, U.K.: U.K. developer Kevin Linfoot is set to integrate 12 floors of purpose-built 13ft x 18ft studio flats for 180 'young at heart' seniors into his Lumiere high-rise in Leeds city centre. The Prime pads have cut back on space to achieve affordability (£ 75,000 v £ 120,000 for a standard Leeds inner-city apartment). The landmark building will be one of the tallest residential development in Europe. Photo: Shows mockup of Leeds Lumiere / Seniors Housing 52 storey proposed high rise #58 / 02-19-07 |
 | Scandinavians seek retirement in ThailandPATTAYA, THAILAND: Three Swedish oriented retirement homes are being developed in Pattaya, a resort enclave in Thailand. The second home acquisition trend is being encouraged by Thai Government's Board of Investment waivers that permit 100 per cent foreign ownership. The age restricted communities (+50) require residents to speak a Scandinavian language, buy a US$ 143,000 condo and pony up a US$325 monthly service fee minimum. The main buying drivers are sunshine, extended daylight and advanced medical care. #56 / 02-19-07 |
 | US-style retirement takes off in IsraelHOD HASHARON: Israel is moving towards American-style retirement communities. Although old-age homes have always existed in Israel for those who cannot care for themselves, it is only in recent years that the American idea of retiring to a comfortable community of seniors has taken off. Luxury aged care provider AD 120's development at Hod Hasharon is a case in point, with its seven-story glass-roofed lobby with greenery hanging from the balconies. It was the second AD 120 home. It is constructing a third, building in Ramat Hahayal. #48 / 01-02-07 |
 | Barbados to follow APEC lead on retirement homesBRIDGETOWN: Barbados is looking to emulate the success of Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) countries in building retirement villages to cater to growing numbers of North American and European visitors. APEC countries such as Singapore and the Philippines have used retirement villages to add to their strong tourism industries. Dr Carlisle Boyce, an executive director of 3M Asia-Pacific, said Barbados' tourism sector can expect strong competition from the Asia-Pacific region. #42 / 12-08-06 |
 | Retirement village part of UAE mega-resortUMM AL-QUWAIN: Emirates Sunland Group, the company behind Australia's Palazzo Versace Resort, has launched White Bay, a Dh8 billion ($2.17 billion) master-planned community on the shores of Umm Al Quwain near Dubai. Australian-based Sunland Group Limited and Emirates International Holdings will build a retirement village as part of the development to cater to expatriates and Gulf nationals alike. White Bay will be built around two man-made islands and along the natural shoreline. #41 / 12-06-06 |
 | Philippines allows 100% foreign village ownershipMANILA: Retirement villages in the Philippines can now be 100 per cent foreign-owned as the country seeks to encourage more direct foreign investment. Countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam are now leaning towards allowing properties such as retirement villages to be fully foreign-owned. Kumar Tharmalingam, chairman of Hall Chadwick Asia, said: "We need a place where foreigners can come in and trade and feel they are in a comfort zone". #40 / 11-30-06 |
 | First high rise retirement village in AustraliaGOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA: The 25 level purpose built retiree hotel will be the first high rise retirement village built in the southern hemisphere. The project will be aimed at wealthy retirees with prices ranging from A$ 380,000 for a single bedroom apartment up to $1.7m for a penthouse. The 171 apartment tower, overlooking the Gold Coast Broadwater, highlights a fundamental shift in the aged care sector, which has been traditionally defined by cheap accommodation in outer-suburban locations. ?The model will be replicated and eventually developed right throughout lifestyle precinct Australia over the next five to ten years but is genesis rightly should come from the Gold Coast, the retirement heartland,? said City Pacific chief executive Phil Sullivan. City Pacific said it had also acquired development sites in Victoria and New Zealand with plans for similarly priced retirement resorts. All the retirement developments would be undertaken in a 50-50 joint venture with Hallmount, which is associated with Gold Coast developer David Cherry and New Zealand group Protac Investments. Protac was the developer of a prestige medium-rise retirement village in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo: a mock-up image of the retiree hotel being built in the Gold Cost in Australia by a consortium which involves the publicly listed entity City Pacific, David Cherry and the New Zealand based Protac Investments. #39 / 12-07-06 |
 | Retirement Communities in growth spurt in IndiaBHIWADI: Ashiana Utsav, a 640 unit retirement community is being built at Bhiwadi, two hours south of Delhi. The freehold service apartments (50) and flats (590) are targeted at the over 55 market. A three-bedroom unit is 1480 sq. ft in size. The Gymkhana club is still under construction and future plans include a shopping and community center and a medical center. The complex accepts its first residents this month. Photo: living area in a demonstration service apartment at the Ashiana Utsav Retirement Community. #38 / 10-03-06 |
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 | Shipping Container Construction Reduces CostsMELBOURNE: An Australian based architect is set to revolutionise low cost seniors housing with his patented pre-fabricated Shipping Container Living. The containers can be delivered via ships, trains and trucks to any site in the world. When constructed the buildings look and feel like normally constructed dwellings. Buildings can be erected as high as 9 stories. For more information email nnew@bigpond.net.au Photo: Affordable Manufactured Housing using containers as basis of Pre-Fab Construction. #37 / 09-05-06 |
 | Retirement Living Project Mooted for JamaicaMONTEGO BAY: The National Housing Trust (NHT) has partnered with two private mortgage providers on a new company. NHT, Jamaica National Building Society & Victoria Mutual Building Society have formed Lifestyle Villages of Jamaica, whose first project will be a 450-acre retirement village on the outskirts of Montego Bay. The state housing agency contributes land for the developments, while the 2 building societies are responsible for getting the houses developed. Lifestyle Villages' target market is returning residents from the UK, USA, Canada and the Cayman Isld. Photo: Earl Samuels, managing director of the NHT. #36 / 08-11-06 |
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 | Activists design a new retirement communityABINGDON, VIRGINIA: When Dene Peterson retired in 1991 she called up her friends. They all agreed they wanted to continue the work they had begun decades earlier. The first bona fide experiment in US Seniors Co-Housing was born. The Elderspirit Community was designed by women who have known each other for five decades. The final phase of development will be completed in late July '06. Photo: (top) View of owner units from the Virginia Creeper Trail / Jan2006. (left) Dene Peterson, the progenitor of the Elderspirit Community in Abingdon, Virginia. #35 / 07-18-06 |
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 | Baby Boomers snap up riverfront apartmentsPERTH, AUSTRALIA: Boomers took 36 hours to pony-up $100m for 37 riverfront apartments in Perth, Australia. The off the plan sell-out is further evidence of the sea change boomer wanting real estate overlooking water. Prices ranged from $1.9m to $4.6m for properties nearest the river. Average price was $2.6m. Photo: The 37 riverfront apartment complex will include a wine merchant, New York style deli and a cafe bar. The 'Steve's Hotel' development abuts the Swan river at Nedlands in Perth, Western Australia. #34 / 07-17-06 |
 | Assisted living pushing into skilled nursing areaWASHINGTON DC: The assisted living sector in the USA has become so adroit in its marketing, so practised in its standards delivery, so clever in the way that it has used advances in technology (safety systems/monitoring and medicine dispensing) and so effective in staff and sales training that it is eating into the lower end of the moribund skilled nursing sector. Photo: Paul J Klaassen, the Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Executing Officer of the Sunrise Senior Living Group. #33 / 07-12-06 |
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 | Over 50s Housing Trends Seminar for LondonLONDON, UK: Architects, developers and seniors housing executives are being invited to the London seminar. Only eight attendees will be permitted to participate. The event will be conducted at the Milestone Hotel & Apartments at No. 1 Kensington Court, London on Wed. 20 December 2006 from 9am to 4pm. CLICK HERE for further details and booking form. Photo: The 24 Hour Concierge Serviced Retirement Community at St. George's Park set in 250 acres CIRCA 12 miles from Brighton. #32 / 07-10-06 |
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 | Intentional Communities emerging as new trendCONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE: Intentional Communities embrace any type of living situation which fosters connections between residents. They are tightly packed neighborhoods with small personal dwellings, shared kitchens/gardens and lots of room for group activities. The Fowlers vision is to create a combination senior centre, commune and boarding house for 8-10 people in their 1883 vintage homestead for $700-900 per month per person. Photo: Pat & Steve Fowler, restored their Concord, New Hampshire farmstead into a community centre for the +70s. #31 / 07-07-06 |
 | Old hotels being recycled into seniors housingSAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Old hotels in the USA are increasingly being recycled into affordable housing for the over 65s. Two years ago Seasons at The Hoover in Whittier, CA recreated a seniors enclave from the detritus of an Art Deco Hotel. Now the trend is well underway. A $28.8m remodelling of the International Hotel in San Francisco now houses 104 seniors. Purpose built hotels for seniors are now on the drawing board in Dallas and San Jose. Photo: International Hotel Senior Housing in San Francisco. #30 / 07-07-06 |
 | Australia to 'adopt' Scandinavian housing modelCANBERRA, AUSTRALIA: Goodwin Aged Care Services is to introduce the Scandinavian Apartment for Life Concept into its retirement village at Farrer in Feb 2007. "It's the first time that such units have been built for retirement villages in Australia", said Goodwin CEO Bruce McKenzie. The two, three and four story independent living units will be open plan, have high ceilings, full size windows and sliding walls to increase space. Photo: Bruce McKenzie, CEO Goodwin Aged Care and the head of builder Capezio & Co. #29 / 07-06-06 |
 | University linked retirement villages growingNEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS: A building frenzy is taking shape at colleges and universities across the U.S., much as it did 40 years ago, when baby boomers first began to swell class sizes. This time the schools aren't adding desks. They're developing elaborate university-linked retirement villages. The goal is to lure back empty-nest alumni who want to live in a collegiate environment. Photo: Banners at Lasell Village, Newton, MA. A trend setting continuing care retirement community that boasts a first-in-the-nation learning requirement of 450 hours a year of active, dean-supervised study by residents. #28 / 07-03-06 |
 | Call to develop retirement villages in BarbadosBARBADOS, WEST INDIES: Prime Minister Owen Arthur is urging Barbadians to work towards developing their properties instead of selling off the raw land to foreign investors. Two retirement villages are currently under construction in Black Bess and Mt. Brevitor. A special development act has now been passed to assist the growth of joint ventures between traditional land owners and foreign capital. $1m has been allocated to foster business in the Speightstown area. Photo: Owen Arthur, Prime Minister of Barbados #27 / 06-30-06 |
 | CCRC fastest growing housing trend for +70'sPALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA: The Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is the fastest growing housing trend for the over 70's in the USA. The Hyatt Hotel Group's Classic Residence division now has 8 with continuing care health services. This $370 m development has 388 apartments and assisted living as well as skilled nursing / Alzheimer floors. 400 have moved into the complex within 12 months. Photo: Palo Alto Classic Residence by Hyatt, opened in June '05, situated on 22.5 acres of Stanford University land. #26 / 06-27-06 |
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 | Seniors housing boosts retail developmentsCOLUMBIA, MARYLAND: An emerging trend is to overlay seniors housing above, in or around existing retail precincts. Residents benefit from being close to the retail, entertainment and restaurants. Retailers benefit from having a 'captive audience'. This trend is also underway in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Evergreens at Columbia town center is a luxury 150 unit Active Adult / Market Rate apartment building for seniors built on 6 acres across from the mall (architect Ed Hord of Hord Coplan Macht). #25 / 06-22-06 |
 | Boomers buying second and third homeWASHINGTON DC: Vacation, investment and second homes now account for 4 out of 10 residential transactions in the U.S. market, says the National Association of Realtors. The market share of second homes rose from 36 per cent to 40 per cent in 2005. "Baby boomers are driving second home sales", says David Lereah, chief economist at the National Association of realtors. "They're at the peak of their earnings, interest rates remain historically low and boomers want to diversify investments," Lereah said. #24 / 06-21-06 |
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| | Gay seniors fuel unique housing marketSANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Rainbow Vision has just completed its 146 unit retirement condo/assisted living complex in Santa Fe in New Mexico. It was designed with the comfort of graying gays and lesbians in mind. Builders have found a market in a segment of the gay population that worries getting old will mean going back in the closet. There are now about a dozen specialized senior developments across the USA under development. Photo: Rainbow Vision, Santa Fe Club Condos. #23 / 06-20-06 |
 | Singapore government sets aside retirement landSINGAPORE: The Singaporean government has set aside the first piece of land for retirement housing on the island nation. But developers are concerned over the short lease period of 30 years. One of them, Mr. Daniel Teo (pictured left) is keen to start the first active retiree community. National development minister Mah Bow Tan said, "there will be supportive planning guidelines that will favor retirement housing". "If a 30 year lease is to be acceptable to developers, there will need to be an option to renew", countered Mr. Teo. #22 / 06-19-06 |
| | Assisted living is growth sector in IsraelJERUSALEM: 700,000 persons aged 65 or over currently live in Israel. An estimated 8000 - 9000 seniors live in assisted living. "Apartments range from 52 to 100 sq. meters", says Ilan Tamir, CEO of the Ahuzot Rubenstein chain and chairman of the Association of Assisted Living Facilities in Israel. An un-furnished two room apartment will attract a 'deposit' of $150,000 - $200,000 plus a monthly management fee of $1,000 to $1,500. "A project needs 200 - 300 units to make a profit", said Mr. Tamir. #21 / 06-16-06 |
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| | 6000 in U.K. retirement village sectorLONDON: There are 6000 individual homes now in various retirement communities around the United Kingdom (UK) and there has been a 33 per cent increase since 1998 of those who are planning to move to these villages. The low base is starting to attract developers from countries with a strong retirement village legacy. Cliff Cook has sold up his New Zealand retirement village assets to focus on the emerging U.K. market. Photo: 83 units in Blagdon Village in Middleway, Taunton will open in early 2007. #20 / 06-13-06 |
 | Seminars on trends in Over 50's HousingLOS ANGELES: Day long seminars evaluating Over 50's Housing will be held in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington and New York in late July. The detailed workshops will only admit a maximum of 8 participants. The briefing will cover all the sub-trends in independent living as well as all the permutations in the semi-dependant and the dependant sectors. The day long event is aimed at builders, developers, financiers, architects and seniors housing executives. To enquire email - sales@seniorshousing.us #19 / 06-05-06 |
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| | New design for seniors affordable housingSAN DIEGO: San Diego architect Teddy Cruz (of Estudio Teddy Cruz) is working on his newest design for affordable housing and community center schemes. Cruz takes a critical approach to trends in new urbanism, which he says ?only address aesthetics, creating a fake façade of difference without without considering the lifestyle of the community?. His ?Living Rooms at the Border? is a mixed use, high density plan embracing senior housing, childcare housing units, community garden and a central market. #18 / 06-02-06 |
| | U.K. retirement village demand study publishedLONDON: A United Kingdom retirement village study has been completed by Karen Croucher, a research fellow at the Center for Housing Policy at the University of York. The study focused on how retirement villages can be made affordable to the over 50?s with different levels of income. The study was undertaken for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The research found evidence that UK retirement villages boosted living choices, bolstered local communities and underpinned a cost reduction for acute hospital trusts. #17 / 06-01-06 |
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| | Urban Lofts targeted at over 50?sBALTIMORE, USA: The promise of an urban lifestyle is luring thousands of over 50?s to new loft developments in pedestrian friendly neighbourhoods. An example is the Hord Coplan Macht designed Village Lofts in Baltimore. It has structured parking, 68 luxury condos with open floor plans, nine foot ceilings, large windows and balconies. It embraces a charming streetscape, wide sidewalks and 12,000 square feet of ground floor retail which extends the neighborhood's well trafficed commercial district. #16 / 05-31-06 |
 | Jamaica to induce retirees to settle?KINGSTON: "Jamaica needs to diversify its economy and focus on developing service sectors" said opposition spokesman on finance Audley Shaw this week. "Agri-business, light manufacturing, health tourism, retirement villages and business process outsourcing are areas in which Jamaica possesses a competitive advantage", he added. Mr. Shaw was making a budget presentation in parliament. #15 / 05-30-06 |
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| | New Study on retirement villages in New ZealandAUCKLAND, N.Z.: Sally Robyn Greenbrook has published a 150 page study into the Changing Role of Retirement Villages in New Zealand's Ageing Society. The thesis formed part of her Master of Arts Degree at the University of Auckland. A new retirement policy and research center headed up by senior lecturer Dr. Susan St. John, has also opened at the University of Auckland Business School. Photo: White Isle +50's Apartments in Whakhatane in New Zealand. #14 / 05-29-06 |
 | Philippines retirement villages developers namedMANILA: The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) has tapped the country?s big five property developers ? Ayala Land, SM, Robinsons, Megaworld and Filinvest ? to invest in the development of retirement villages that would promote the country as a world-class retirement haven. Retired police director-general Edgar B. Aglipay, who is just on his 6th month as chairman of PRA, said the big five developers are retooling themselves to provide not only housing but total retirement service package. #13 / 03-02-06 |
 | Minister clarifies retirement homes commentsSINGAPORE: His recent comments on creating retirement villages in neighbouring countries have caused a mini-controversy, but Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said he was misquoted. "My comment on retirement was completely incidental. Now it has blown up into a big story and there is so much misunderstanding and accusation (that) Khaw Boon Wan is proposing that we dump our parents in Batam", said Mr Khaw. #12 / 02-23-06 |
 | American-style retirement village for U.K. city?PETERBOROUGH, UK: Retirement could become an even more attractive prospect after Peterborough City Council gave the thumbs-up to investigating the merits of bringing an American-style retirement village to the city. Councillors Graham Murphy and John Holdich have been looking into the concept and after making a presentation to the city council's community well-being overview committee they were given the go-ahead to investigate the idea further. #11 / 02-17-06 |
 | 'Smart' houses for home security and elder-care under developmentPALMERSTON NORTH, NEW ZEALAND: Researchers from the Massey University's Institute of Information Sciences and Technology are collaborating with the Institute for Infocomm Research in Singapore to design and build 'smart-rooms'. The new technology is designed to monitor the movements of people in a house, without the use of invasive video cameras, and has applications for home-security systems and the care of the elderly. Massey's Dr Liyanage De Silva says one of the main requirements for elder-care is the provision of an independent home-life, but with on-call health provision. Essentially, this requires automated monitoring that is sophisticated enough to accurately assess distress or acute change in the client, while remaining entirely non-invasive and unobtrusive. He says the design of human-tracking systems without cameras is a step forward for smart-room systems monitoring the elderly in their homes as part of their care. The current system they are fine-tuning allows the remote tracking of a person's movements in a house via multiple low-power sensors with the use of a photodiode acting as the `eye' for the circuit. The system's audio sensors detect noises such as shouts, coughs and the sound of someone falling down. Infrared sensors or carbon dioxide sensors can be used to detect motion and magnetic sensors can be used to detect the opening and closing of doors. Illumination sensors detect changes in illumination occurring when light reflects off a person as they pass a lighted surface. Currently under trial in a laboratory environment in the Singaporean institute, the prototype system integrates the multi-modal information from the various sensors to detect events such as falling, walking, standing and shouting. The researchers plan to extend the detectors to be both audio and light sensitive, enabling the system to trigger an alarm in a central monitoring station in cases of unusual behaviour. #10 / 02-12-06 |
 | Nine new DVDs on Seniors Housing releasedLOS ANGELES, USA: Nine new Seniors Housing DVDs were released this week (March 3 2006). All nine were shot in the USA and form part of the 2006 Award Winning series. Four of the 30-minute/5-facilities DVDs focus on active adult communities, two deal with continuous care retirement communities, one with seniors housing rental accommodation, one with lifecare communities and one with assisted living and memory support. All nine have now been added to the catalogue (Nos 39/40/41/42/43/44/46&47). #9 / 01-28-06 |
 | 25-storey purpose-designed retiree apartment tower to be builtGOLD COAST, Australia: The needs of the ageing baby boomer generation are driving plans for a 25-storey purpose-designed tower at Southport. The project is planned to meet the rising demand for upmarket aged care accommodation and is earmarked for a site that already has Gold Coast City Council approval for a 25-level residential tower. Facilities will include a stand-alone restaurant on the ground level that will be open to the public, offices, a hair salon, doctor's surgery, dining room, library, recreation decks on level 16 and a roof-top observatory. An elevated walkway will connect the tower to a two-storey residents' recreation building fronting Marshall Lane with pool, bar, billiards room, home theatre, gym, chapel and multi-purpose rooms. The project's total gross floor area is 11,672.69sqm. Outside facilities will include a pool, barbecue area and a landscaped plaza that will be accessible to the public and operated in conjunction with the restaurant. The best new designs in Australia are contained on DVD No. 14. #8 / 12-20-05 |
 | Sunrise broadens its new independent senior living modelDALLAS, USA: Sunrise Senior Living Inc has received approval from the Dallas City Council to develop a condominium project for people aged 60 and over at 3511 North Hall Street. This luxury residence designed for seniors is expected to be complete in early 2008. The planned 23-floor building will feature more than 140 one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums. (The Sunrise story/Assisted Living/DVD 27 & DVD 28). #7 / 12-15-05 |
 | 1st World to 3rd World Retirement Housing AmbitionLORETO, Mexico: More Brits in Spain, Germans into Turkey, Japanese into Philippines and USA/Canada retirees are going to live in Mexico. Loreto Bay Co is a real estate developer based in Scottsdale, a magnet for retirees from all over the US. So you might expect the company to be working on a project nearby. Instead, this small firm has its sights trained further south, about 700 miles from the US border, in Baja California. Teaming up with FONATUR, Mexico's tourism development agency, Loreto Bay is developing a seaside town, with plans for 6000 units ranging from $280,000 condos to $1 million custom-built beach houses. The company has taken orders for 554 homes and has 200 under construction. #6 / 12-11-05 |
 | USA undisputed leader in independent living designWASHINGTON DC, USA: The USA leads the world in the design and building of independent living clusters and estates. The DVD catalogue focus on independent living includes traditional retirement estates, new all-season active adult communities (up to 2000 residents), multi-family, resorts, golf communities and up-scale communities. The DVD's emphasis is on architecture, design, layout, and fixtures and fittings. (See Catalogue No. 31) #5 / 12-06-05 |
 | Apartment for Life concept gaining ground worldwideROTTERDAM, The Netherlands: The European aged care management model (otherwise known as the Apartment for Life) has been perfected by Dr Hans Becker in the Netherlands. This 45-minute DVD focuses on developing a human habitat where all services are delivered to the apartment regardless of the state of your health. Each apartment high-rise is a total and complete living environment. The experiment is now gaining a life in other countries. (See Catalogue No. 16) #4 / 12-06-05 |
 | Award winning community centre features/trends DVDCHICAGO, USA: Our film crew spent six months touring the length and breadth of the United States filming the best/newest designs, layouts and features of community centres in 16 states. All 23 retirement community/active adult estates won various awards for design/architecture/inclusions/features in the past 12 months. This DVD will give you a visual brief on how the trends are evolving. (See Catalogue No. 24) #3 / 12-05-05 |
 | Australia now world leader in skilled nursing facility designMELBOURNE, Australia: Australia now leads the world in skilled nursing/nursing home design. The rise of the private sector operator has driven architecture standards/design/layout to a new benchmark. Nursing homes now have a hotel/resort feel, with porte-cochere water features, Balinese statues/fountains, broken lines/copious natural light and emphasise pod living. This six-part series is the best example of stand-alone nursing homes anywhere in the world. (See Catalogue Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6) #2 / 12-05-06 |
 | Trend to place retirement housing in existing retail precinctsNEW YORK, USA: This DVD focuses on the emerging trend to build seniors housing into existing retail precincts. The life support network is already in place and the retirement housing developer doesn't have to spend any costs on infrastructure development. (Case Study DVD - see Catalogue No. 30 #1 / 12-05-05 |