Why Churchill Retirement Living will continue to be the UK's fastest growing privately owned retirement housebuilder

At present there are only approximately 50,000 private sheltered housing units in the UK which is insufficient to meet demand.

By 2020 it is estimated that 12.02 million (19.3%) of the UK population will be over 65 - 28.4% increase on the current 9.36 million people of that age. With the projected growth in the elderly population, we predict demand for this type of housing will increase by a minimum of 35,000 homes by 2020. Assuming the rate of demand remains constant there will be a shortage of 62,500 units by 2020 if the rate of provision does not increase.

The paucity of supply is illustrated by the fact that nearly 40% of prospective Owners are having difficulties in finding suitable private sheltered housing.

By moving into private sheltered housing, elderly people are taking an active decision to secure their quality of life and independent living. Without more private sheltered housing, a generation of old people will be deprived of the opportunity to do likewise.

Benefits of Retirement living

There are many key benefits for those seeking retirement housing. The three key advantages are security, proximity to shops and size of property, which are all vital components of independent living. Other benefits include:

• Helps reduce anxieties and worries experienced by many elderly people by providing safety, security and reducing management and maintenance concerns
• Provides companionship and a community which helps to reduce isolation and loneliness
• Can be well located in relation to shops and other essential services, being within easy walking distance which can reduce the worry of depending on a car
• Helps maintain an independent lifestyle; and
• Helps maintain health and general well-being

Residents in private sheltered housing perceive themselves as benefiting from improved health, less responsibilities and greater freedom than had they remained in ordinary housing. Compared with others of their age, they are also perceived as healthier.