Deep roots to the garden slow 1 in 4 retirees from moving home

A new study by Riverstone has found that retirees take an average of approximately 3.5 years from starting to think about downsizing to taking the plunge.
The research showed that the emotional significance of starting a new chapter is largely responsible for holding the majority of older adults back (30%).
Almost a quarter of participants (23%), said being uprooted from a much-loved garden made them stall their decision to move to a new property.
With over half (57%) expressing that gardening is one of their biggest and most therapeutic hobbies, it plays a hugely important role in the lives of retirees. 63% felt that their green spaces have played a special role in creating memories with the family, especially in creating a bond with children and grandchildren.
Three-quarters (75%) of women surveyed also viewed it as an opportunity to be out in the fresh air being physically active, while one in five said the concern of not having this in a new property put inertia on their decision-making.
Riverstone’s retirement residences in Kensington and Fulham include gardens and outside spaces, providing residents with the opportunity to continue their hobby and engage in social activities with others.
Riverstone CEO, Martin Earp, said: “Moving home later in life doesn’t have to mean you have to give up your love of gardening. In fact, anything but!”
“Our study shows that an overwhelming three-quarters (77%) of retirees say their lawns and flower beds have cultivated positive mental and physical health benefits over the years. Yet, with a quarter not moving because of their garden, many run the risk of leaving it too late to move and not being able to fully enjoy their outdoor space.”
“To ensure longevity and continuity of a close connection with a garden even when you move, we have experts and gardeners on hand to offer support and new inspiration for private outdoor spaces.”
“The abundant herb gardens and communal green spaces at Riverstone Kensington & Fulham have been designed to be an extension of resident’s homes, ready to use as and when they please.”
Jekka McVicar, organic gardening and herb expert, author, and broadcaster – and Riverstone’s gardening partner – said: “There’s a social side to gardening and the great thing about Riverstone is you can create a gardening club and you can compare notes and swap seeds.”
“Of course, the best thing of all is getting outside. Fresh air is essential, feeling the sun on your face.”
Riverstone’s research found that retirees go through a series of stages when contemplating later life moves, which generally follow a pattern of denial, procrastination, acceptance, and positivity.
Fear of the unknown (23%) played a huge part in the decision-making process, while 22% actively stalled because of the mammoth task of decluttering. At least 1 in 5 baulked at having to fix things that had been tolerated for years.
The research comes at a time when Google Trends has witnessed a 110% uplift year-on-year (March 2023) in searches for ‘downsizing home’, which suggests that more people are still looking into the possibility but still being put off by some of the factors highlighted in Riverstone’s study.
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