News
03 April 2017, 01:00
Social scene is key to retirement location according to the over 50s
- One in three over 50s think a good social scene is important for retirement location
- Good healthcare provision, transport links, low crime rate and friendly neighbours are also desirable
- Seven in ten people would recommend their hometown as a good place to live in retirement
A Saga Home Insurance poll of 8,000 reveals that a third of over 50s want to live somewhere in retirement that has a good social scene and one in ten think it’s extremely important to live close to good pubs.
While people want to enjoy living in the countryside (72%) or by the sea (43%), it’s clear that putting their feet up and resting is the last thing on peoples’ minds when they give up their day job.
As well as filling their days and evenings socialising with friends and family, two-fifths want access to leisure facilities so they can stay active and look after themselves after they retire. Other key factors that make a retirement location more desirable are good healthcare provision (87%), strong transport links (78%), friendly neighbours (77%) and a low crime rate (73%).
In addition, people want to live close enough to shopping facilities, museums and art galleries so they can visit them hassle free, as well as being able to enjoy a night out at the theatre or see the latest films at the cinema.
The research suggests that over 50s are predominantly happy with where they currently live as seven in ten would recommend their hometown to those looking for a new abode in retirement.
Roger Ramsden, Chief Executive of Saga Services, commented: “People are retiring much later these days but it doesn’t mean they sit back and put their feet up. We know many of our customers live full and active lives, whether visiting museums and art galleries, trying new sports or travelling. While living close to family and friends is important to most people, so is living somewhere that has an active social scene so people can keep doing the things they enjoy and make the most of their retirement. Whatever people get up to it’s important to have insurance in place for belongings in and out of the home so they can get on with enjoying themselves without having to worry.”
Those who are retired and enjoying days out or engaging in sporting activities should make sure they have personal belongings cover to protect the items they take with them from loss, damage or theft.
Saga Home Insurance customers who are enjoying an active retirement can choose personal belongings cover up to £10,000 to make sure items such as cameras, smartphones, jewellery, fitness trackers and expensive sporting equipment are covered wherever they are in the world.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
*Populus interviewed 8,161 people aged 50 over, online between 19th and 25th July 2016. Populus is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
About Saga Home Insurance
Saga is the leading specialist insurance provider for people aged 50 and over. Saga Home Insurance covers more than one million people and is Defaqto 5 Star rated, as is their specialist Landlord Insurance and TailorMade cover, for those who need a higher sum insured. Plus Saga also provides holiday home insurance, giving peace of mind to those with property abroad. For more information, visit Saga Home Insurance website or call 0800 001 5892.