If you’re coming up to retirement and live away from your children and grandchildren, you may be trying to decide whether to settle down close to family. Here are a few reasons why you may want to make the move to be nearer to your loved ones when you retire.

Spending time together
One of the biggest benefits of retiring in fairly close proximity to your family is that there’ll be plenty of opportunities to spend time together. While Skype and other communication platforms do a great job of keeping families connected, it’s not quite the same as in-person interactions. Sharing the same city means you’ll be able to enjoy family braais and celebrations or simply pop in for a cup of tea when you’re in the area.

Getting to know your grandkids
You’ll also be able to spend lots of time with your grandchildren and watch them grow up. Which leads to our next point…

Lending a helping hand when you can
From occasional babysitting to picking up the grandkids from school, there may be times when your children will need to call on you for help. Living nearby means you can easily lend a hand, which will not only be a huge help for your family members but will also allow you to take part in their day-to-day life – and this can provide a sense of purpose and meaning. Remember to set boundaries, though, to maintain healthy family relationships.

And getting help when you need it
Whether you need an extra pair of hands to help with the grocery shopping or someone to assist you in setting up your online accounts, having family nearby can make difficult chores that much easier. And although you may not need their help all that often, there is a sense of security that comes with knowing you can turn to them when you need support.

Thinking of making a move when you retire? Have a look at our award-winning retirement villages, which are situated in some of the most beautiful parts of the country. For more information, contact us on 011 467 7097 (JHB) or 021 702 3200 (CT) or email us at info@evergreenlifestyle.co.za.