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Questions to Ask on a Retirement Village Tour

A good retirement village tour should leave you with clear answers in three areas: daily life and community (what an ordinary week actually looks like), the financial and contract terms (entry payment, weekly fees, exit costs), and future care (what happens if your needs change).

The best approach is to write your questions down before you arrive, ask the same questions at every village you visit, and request everything in writing rather than relying on memory afterwards.

At The Botanic Hibiscus Coast, prospective residents are welcome to bring this list along to the Rimu Apartment Open Evening on Saturday 27 June (4pm to 6.30pm) or the Spring Open Weekend from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September, and the sales team will work through every question with you in detail.

Introduction: Why the Right Questions Matter More Than the Brochure

By the time you book a retirement village tour, you have probably already done a fair amount of homework online. You have read the website, looked at the floor plans, and perhaps compared a few villages on paper. But the tour itself is where the real decision-making happens, because this is where you get to ask direct questions and see how honestly and thoroughly they are answered.

This matters more than people sometimes expect. A retirement village is not a short-term decision. More than 53,000 people currently live in retirement villages throughout New Zealand, and most are planning to stay for a decade or longer. Getting clear, specific answers before you commit is one of the most important things you can do to feel confident in your choice.

Yet many people find that once they are standing in a beautifully presented show home, with a friendly sales manager and a tempting morning tea on offer, it’s easy to forget the practical questions they meant to ask. That is completely normal; it happens to almost everyone. The solution is simple: write your questions down in advance, bring the list with you, and ask the same questions at every village on your shortlist so you can compare the answers fairly.

This guide sets out the questions worth asking in three key areas, plus a printable checklist you can take with you on tour. We will also tell you exactly how The Botanic Hibiscus Coast answers each of these questions, and how you can put these questions directly to the sales team at one of two upcoming open events: the Rimu Apartment Open Evening on Saturday 27 June, 4pm to 6.30pm, or the Spring Open Weekend, Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September.

Section 1: Daily Living and Community Questions

This is where most people start, and for good reason. Day-to-day life is what you will actually be experiencing, so it deserves the most attention on your tour.

What does a typical week look like for residents?

Ask the sales manager to walk you through an actual weekly activities calendar, not a generic description. Are there clubs and groups that residents themselves have started? Is participation optional, or does it feel like there is pressure to join in?

At The Botanic, the activities programme is largely resident-led. The Hub hosts regular sessions including art classes, a Ukulele Group, a Travel Club, card and board games such as Bridge, 500, and Mahjong, and a variety of exercise groups – from Armchair Yoga to Strength, Balance and Agility and Dance Fitness classes. The Clubhouse Cafe runs Tuesday@Two events featuring guest speakers on topics ranging from health to travel and history. A wide range of social events in The Clubhouse are put on by residents, including regular events such as the Whiskey Appreciation Group and Housie. Ask to see the current month’s calendar; if a village cannot produce one readily, that tells you something.

Can I talk to current residents, without a staff member present?

This is one of the most telling questions you can ask. A village that is confident in the experience it offers will have no hesitation in letting you speak to residents directly, ideally without a sales representative hovering nearby. You’ll find residents are actually the people who meet, greet and show you around at The Botanic, with Sales team members available to chat to in each of the showhomes.

At The Botanic, The Clubhouse Cafe is open to the public seven days a week from 8am. This means you do not need to schedule a formal appointment to experience the atmosphere; you can simply visit, have a coffee, and observe how residents and staff interact naturally.

Studies show that sharing meals doesn’t just address issues of loneliness; it may also help to increase nutritional intake, so it’s worth asking whether communal dining is available and, if so, whether you can try it during your visit. The Botanic has an official village communal table on Saturday evenings, so book in for dinner and ask if you’re able to join!

What are the floor plans actually like, and how do they compare?

Ask to see a genuine range of floor plans, not just the show home. Pay attention to storage, natural light, indoor-outdoor flow, and whether the bathroom and kitchen are designed with future mobility needs in mind.

At The Botanic, homes include one, two, and three-bedroom single-level duplex villas with internally accessed garages, and one, two, and three-bedroom Rimu apartments. If you are touring during the Rimu Apartment Open Evening on 27 June, you will be able to walk through the apartment floor plans in person and ask detailed questions about layout, finishes, and specifications on the spot. You may wish to make some changes to a villa or apartment – for example, creating a painted or wallpapered feature wall, changing two dish drawers to one larger dishwasher, or adding a wine fridge or changing a cupboard’s layout etc. Village management staff welcome efforts to make your villa or apartment your own, and are very accommodating of these at The Botanic, but be sure to talk them through with the Sales team.

What security and safety measures are in place?

Ask specifically about 24-hour emergency call systems, after-hours contact arrangements, and how the village handles things like a resident not answering a wellness check. Is there overnight security personnel on hand, is the village gated or secured somehow from vehicles or non-residents walking around?

Are pets welcome?

For many people, this is a non-negotiable. Ask about any restrictions on type, size, or number of pets, and whether there are facilities like a dog walking area.

Can family and grandchildren visit and stay?

Ask whether overnight guest accommodation is available, and whether there are any restrictions on visitors, including grandchildren staying over school holidays. At The Botanic we are often asked, ‘are they allowed to use the pool?!’ The answer of course, is yes!

Section 2: Financial and Contract Questions

This is the section where it pays to be the most thorough, and where the answers you receive can vary significantly from village to village. Every registered retirement village in New Zealand operates under the Retirement Villages Act 2003, but the specific financial terms within that framework differ considerably between operators.

What is the entry payment, and what exactly does it include?

Ask for a clear, itemised breakdown rather than a single headline figure. The exact fees and inclusions vary between villages, so it is worth asking the sales manager for a breakdown of what is covered.

What is the weekly fee, and is it fixed for life or variable?

This is one of the single most important financial questions you can ask, because it has a direct and ongoing impact on your budget for as long as you live in the village. Weekly fees are required to increase with proper notice if the village’s terms allow for increases, so it is worth establishing upfront whether your fee is fixed or can change.

Ask specifically whether the weekly fee covers interior maintenance of your home, or only the exterior and grounds. Weekly fees typically go towards costs like insurance, rates, and exterior home maintenance, as well as amenities, staff wages, and other village services, but the exact inclusions vary between villages.

At The Botanic, the weekly Village Fee is $185 per week (discounted from $215 while the Manuka Care Centre which will offer hospital-level, rest-home and memory care is under construction) and is fixed for life. It includes rates, water rates, building insurance, upkeep of the grounds, both internal and external maintenance of your home, upkeep of all communal facilities, rubbish removal, security, and the salaries of all staff who deliver village services. Even a 20% discount at The Clubhouse Café is built into the fee.

What is the Deferred Management Fee, and is there a cap?

Ask for the exact percentage charged per year, the maximum cap, and whether there are any additional exit costs such as refurbishment or marketing fees on top of the DMF. Industry guarantees vary – so make sure you understand the terms of the DMF and what this will mean for you and your loved ones in the future.

At The Botanic, the DMF is calculated at 10% per year for three years, capped at a maximum of 30% of the entry payment. There are no refurbishment charges on exit, excluding wilful damage or deterioration beyond fair wear and tear.

What happens if I want to leave shortly after moving in?

Ask whether there is a money-back guarantee period, and exactly what conditions apply. At The Botanic, a 90-day money-back guarantee applies: if a resident decides within 90 days that the village is not the right fit for them socially, they receive a full refund with no DMF charged.

How long would it take to receive a refund if I left the village?

Ask about the typical timeframe for resale and refund. This is an area currently under review by government. The Retirement Villages Amendment Bill is expected to be introduced into Parliament by mid-2026, with proposed changes including a maximum repayment timeframe to give residents greater certainty.

Am I exposed to any capital loss, and do I share in any capital gain?

Under a standard Occupation Right Agreement, the village operator is responsible for costs such as rates, insurance, and exterior maintenance, and typically retains the capital gain when a unit is resold. Ask directly whether any capital gain-sharing arrangement applies, and under what conditions.

Is the village registered, and who is the Statutory Supervisor?

The Retirement Villages Act requires all retirement villages to be registered with the Registrar of Retirement Villages, and residents are not protected by the Act if they are living in an unregistered village. You can verify a village’s registration directly at the Companies Office retirement villages register. Ask who the Statutory Supervisor is and what role they play in protecting your interests.

Am I required to get independent legal advice?

Yes, this is a legal requirement, not an optional extra. The Retirement Villages Act requires lawyers to provide advice to intending residents on the general effect of the agreement before you sign. Ask whether the village facilitates this process and whether you will be given a disclosure statement to take to your lawyer well in advance of signing.

Section 3: Future Care and Support Questions

This is the area many people are reluctant to think about during a tour, but it is one of the most important to address upfront. Choosing a village that can support you well into the future avoids the stress and disruption of needing to move again later on.

Does the village offer a continuum of care?

A key consideration when comparing villages is whether they provide several levels of care so that residents do not need to move elsewhere if their needs change. Ask specifically whether resthome, hospital-level, and dementia or memory care are available on site, or only at a separate facility.

At The Botanic, a future Manuka Care Centre on-site with an aged care home with hospital-level care and specialist memory care suites is in development, aiming to be completed in 2028. This means residents who choose The Botanic can plan with confidence, knowing that a higher level of care will be available within the same familiar community if it is ever needed.

Is there a registered nurse or clinical support on site now?

Ask whether there is qualified clinical support available day to day, separate from any future care facility. At The Botanic, an on-site Registered Nurse with more than 20 years of hospital and community nursing experience is available for appointments and general health queries. She can see you in her clinic at The Botanic, or visit you in your home.

Sales Manager Michelle talking to prospective residents — Our Sales Manager Michelle provides guided tours

What home-based support services are available?

Residents who are assessed as needing care can typically receive home-based support in almost every village, but the scope and cost of this support varies. Ask what services are available, how they are arranged, and what the additional costs would be.

How does the village handle changing mobility needs within a home?

Ask whether homes are designed with features like step-free access, wider doorways, or adaptable bathrooms, and whether modifications can be made later if needed.

What is the process if my partner needs a higher level of care than I do?

This is a sensitive but important question for couples. Ask specifically how the village supports couples where one partner’s needs change before the other’s, and whether they can remain close to one another within the same community.

Section 4: Printable Tour Question List

Print this list, or save it to your phone, and bring it with you to every village you visit. Asking the same questions everywhere makes it far easier to compare your options fairly afterwards.

Daily living and community

What does a typical weekly activities calendar look like?
Can I speak to current residents without a staff member present?
Is communal dining available, and can I try it during my visit?
What security and emergency call systems are in place?
Are pets welcome, and are there any restrictions?
Can family stay overnight, and are there restrictions on visitors?
What floor plans are available, and how do storage and natural light compare across unit types?

Financial and contract

What is the exact entry payment for the home I am considering, and what does it include?
Is the weekly fee fixed for life, CPI-linked, or variable at the operator’s discretion?
Does the weekly fee include interior maintenance, or only exterior and grounds?
What is the Deferred Management Fee percentage and the maximum cap?
Are there any additional exit costs beyond the DMF?
Is there a money-back guarantee period, and what conditions apply?
What is the typical timeframe for resale and refund after I leave?
Do I share in any capital gain, or am I exposed to capital loss?
Is the village registered with the Companies Office, and who is the Statutory Supervisor?
Will I be required to get independent legal advice before signing?

Future care and support

Does the village offer a continuum of care on site?
Is there a registered nurse or clinical support available now?
What home-based support services are available, and what do they cost?
How are mobility needs accommodated within the home design?
What happens for couples if one partner needs a higher level of care before the other?

Download: If you would like a print-friendly version of this list, please click the link below, and you will be able to download and print our list of questions to ask on a retirement village tour, wherever you plan to visit.

Free Download – Questions to Ask on a Retirement Village Tour

Bring This List to The Botanic Hibiscus Coast

There are two upcoming opportunities to put these questions directly to The Botanic’s sales team and see the answers for yourself.

Rimu Apartment Open Evening: Saturday 27 June, 4pm to 6.30pm. This is a focused opportunity to walk through the Rimu apartment floor plans in detail, ask specific questions about layout and finishes, and meet the team in a relaxed evening setting.

Spring Open Weekend: Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September. This larger event gives you the chance to tour the full village, including the villas, the amenities, and the wider grounds, and to speak with current residents about life at The Botanic. Special offers are often available exclusively over open weekends, so it is worth asking the sales team what is currently on offer.

At both events, Michelle and Kathryn will be on hand to work through every question on your list in as much detail as you need, with no pressure and no rush. Independent legal and financial advice is actively encouraged before any commitment is made, and the $5,000 hold deposit required to secure a home is fully refundable if you choose not to proceed.

To register for either event or to arrange a private tour at another time, call 0508 268 264 or visit the contact page at thebotanic.co.nz. The Botanic is located at 17 Small Road, Silverdale, Auckland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important question to ask on a retirement village tour?

There is no single most important question, but if you only had time for a few, focus on whether the weekly fee is fixed for life, what the Deferred Management Fee structure and cap are, and what level of care is available now and in the future. These three areas have the biggest long-term impact on your financial position and your peace of mind.

Should I bring someone with me on a retirement village tour?

Yes, this is strongly recommended. Bringing a family member or trusted friend means you have a second set of ears, and someone to discuss your impressions with afterwards. It is always useful to discuss your options and decision with your immediate family, other relatives and friends before making a final choice.

How many villages should I visit before making a decision?

There is no fixed number, but most guidance suggests visiting several villages, ideally more than once each, and at different times of day, before narrowing down your shortlist. Asking the same set of questions at each one is the best way to compare your options on equal terms.

Can I attend an open day or open evening without committing to anything?

Yes. Open days and open evenings, including The Botanic’s upcoming Rimu Apartment Open Evening and Spring Open Weekend, are designed to be a relaxed, no-obligation opportunity to explore the village, ask questions, and get a genuine feel for the community. There is no expectation that you will make a decision on the day.

What should I ask the sales manager about fees specifically?

Ask for a complete, itemised breakdown of the entry payment, the weekly fee and what it includes, the Deferred Management Fee structure and cap, and any additional costs that might apply on exit. A good sales manager will be able to answer all of these clearly and provide written documentation to take away.

Is it normal to feel pressured during a retirement village tour?

No, and if you feel pressured, that is worth taking seriously as a signal. A reputable village will give you time to think, encourage you to visit more than once, and actively support you in seeking independent legal and financial advice before you commit to anything.

What documents should I ask for before I leave a village tour?

Ask for a disclosure statement, a copy of the village rules, a written breakdown of all fees and costs, and a sample Occupation Right Agreement to take to your lawyer. At The Botanic, this documentation is provided as standard as part of the sales process.

To register for the Rimu Apartment Open Evening on Saturday 27 June or the Spring Open Weekend on Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September, call Michelle or Kathryn on 0508 268 264 or visit thebotanic.co.nz/contact-us. The Botanic is located at 17 Small Road, Silverdale, Auckland.

Published 23 June 2026

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Autumn Open Weekend: Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May 2026

Would you like to find out more about luxury retirement living on the beautiful Hibiscus Coast? Mark your calendars for The Botanic Hibiscus Coast’s Autumn Open Weekend on between 10am – 3pm from Friday 1st until Sunday, 3rd May 2026. Come along to our showhomes at 12 Bronzewater Drive, 3 Sage Close and 205 Rimu in the Rimu Apartment building on Evergreen Drive and see first-hand what makes The Botanic the Hibiscus Coast’s premier, luxury retirement village. Autumn Open Weekend LIMITED TIME Offer!Over the Autumn Open Weekend you can benefit from a 50% share in future capital gain on your new home. Terms and conditions apply.Pop along to our Open Weekend between 10am-3pm. We recommend you start at The Clubhouse Café, it’s at the heart of our community and will give you a real feel for life here. Brand New Villas They’re selling fast, our brand new two and three-bedroom villas are something quite unique to the market – if you haven’t seen one yet we urge you to come through for a look! From premium finishes to seamless access and sun-filled outlooks, every detail has been designed with lifestyle in mind, and now it’s yours to see! Step inside our new, single-level duplex villas, and you’ll find stylish, light-filled interiors with generous storage and a layout that makes everyday living easy. Each home includes an internally accessed garage and enjoys easy access to all the village’s luxury amenities. Elegant Apartments The Rimu Apartments at The Botanic If apartment living is more your style, our two-bedroom Rimu apartments are a must-see. Each residence combines contemporary design with generous proportions, offering two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious open-plan layout that flows seamlessly to your private balcony. It’s the perfect blend of privacy and connection, with the added bonus of having all of The Botanic’s luxury amenities right at your doorstep. 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Tour Our Stunning New Two and Three-Bedroom Villas Meet our fabulous sales team, Michelle and Kathryn in our Show Homes as they guide you through our luxury, light-filled retirement homes with high-spec finishings, fabulous indoor-outdoor flow, and the very best in modern retirement living. 2. Learn About Life at The Botanic Meet some of our Residents and hear their stories about retiring, village life, and making the move here. Whether it’s walking through The Botanic’s community gardens or finding out more about The Botanic’s resident-led social activities, you’ll gain a true sense of what life is like here. 3. Explore World-Class Amenities You are free to walk through our village, or we can drive you in one of our golf carts. While here, be sure to check out our Wellness Centre, which includes a 20m lap pool, spa, sauna, steam room, and a fully equipped gym. And if you’re feeling peckish, make sure you visit The Clubhouse Café and grab a coffee and a sweet treat on us! 4. 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Fitness Facilities and Programmes at The Botanic

The Botanic’s fitness facilities and programmes are designed specifically for older adults, so it becomes easier to stay strong, mobile and confident with exercise options within the village, just a few minutes’ walk from home. With a 20-metre indoor heated pool, spa, sauna, steam room, fully equipped gym and a range of land and water-based classes, residents can meet global activity guidelines in a way that feels enjoyable, social and tailored to their needs. Fitness that fits real life Staying active is one of the most powerful things you can do to protect your health and independence as you age. The World Health Organization, the American Heart Association and the CDC all recommend that adults, including older adults, aim for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week, plus muscle strengthening on at least two days. For many people, the challenge is not knowing that movement matters; it is finding somewhere that feels welcoming, convenient and designed with their body in mind. The poolhouse includes a 20m heated swimming pool, sauna, spa, and gym. At The Botanic on Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast, the answer is a collection of beautiful, age-aware fitness facilities and programmes just a short walk from your front door. Instead of a crowded public gym or a chilly outdoor pool, you have a warm, resort style Poolhouse, a thoughtfully equipped, spacious gym and a calendar of classes created for real people at different stages of fitness. It is about bringing movement into everyday life in a way that feels both achievable and enjoyable. On top of these world-class facilities, we are also situated in beautifully landscaped grounds, providing peaceful and relaxing walking routes to help our residents to hit their daily step goals, whilst encouraging social walking with friends and neighbours. The Clubhouse Café is adjacent to the Poolhouse and Fitness Centre, making coffee or a healthy bite to eat after your workout an incentive to make fitness part of your weekly routine! Inside the Poolhouse and gym The Poolhouse is where many residents begin their fitness journey at The Botanic. Here you will find a 20-metre indoor heated pool, spa, sauna and steam room, all with calming views over the gardens and three rink bowling green. The warm water and controlled environment make it ideal for lane swimming, gentle laps, hydrotherapy-style exercise and low-impact Aquacise classes for joint-friendly cardio. Weekly aquacise class Aquatic exercise is particularly helpful for people with arthritis or past injuries. Studies have shown that exercising in water reduces joint load, supports pain relief and improves mobility, making it easier to keep up regular activity without aggravating sore areas. For residents who have not been in a pool for years, the combination of warm water, easy access and friendly instructors provides a comfortable way to start moving again. Beside the pool sits a sizeable, fully equipped gym, laid out specifically with older adults in mind. You can expect a mix of cardio equipment such as bikes and treadmills, resistance machines that support safe strength training and space for stretching, balance and floor-based work. Guidelines from organisations like the NHS and CDC highlight the importance of strength, balance and flexibility work at least two days per week for adults over 65, alongside regular aerobic activity. The gym at The Botanic makes it easy to tick all three in one place. Some residents come in for independent sessions, while others prefer supervised group classes or informal “gym dates” with neighbours. Over time, many build a weekly routine that might include two strength sessions, a couple of pool visits and a walk with friends, comfortably exceeding minimum activity recommendations without it ever feeling like a chore. Structured fitness classes and resident-led programmes Alongside the facilities themselves, The Botanic offers an evolving mix of structured classes and resident-led sessions that cater to different fitness levels, interests and confidence levels. Aquacise: Water-based exercise in the heated pool that uses the natural resistance and buoyancy of water for a low impact but effective cardiovascular and strength workout. Water aerobics has been shown to reduce joint pain and support cardiovascular health in older adults, making it ideal for those managing arthritis or past injuries. Yoga and Armchair Yoga: Gentle yoga classes focus on flexibility, balance and breath, with Armchair Yoga providing seated and supported options for those who prefer or need less weight-bearing work. Balance and strength training of this kind is strongly associated with fewer falls and better mobility in later life. Strength & Balance classes: Specifically tailored to older adults, these sessions combine targeted strength exercises with balance drills shown in research to help reduce fall risk. Studies of multimodal strength and balance programmes in older populations have demonstrated meaningful reductions in falls and improvements in confidence when moving around the home and community. Tai Chi: Often held in the Clubhouse or outdoor spaces, Tai Chi offers slow, flowing movements that challenge balance and coordination while also encouraging relaxation and focus. Tai Chi based interventions are widely recognised as an evidence backed option for improving balance and reducing falls among older adults. Some classes are facilitated by qualified instructors, while others are initiated and sustained by residents themselves in spaces like The Hub or the Poolhouse. A new resident might start with a single Armchair Yoga class each week, then gradually add Aquacise or Strength & Balance sessions as confidence grows. Over time, they may become a regular, the person who greets newcomers at the door and helps to keep the group thriving. This peer-led dimension is an important part of The Botanic’s approach. Research into active ageing emphasises not only physical activity but participation and social connection as key to wellbeing in later life. When residents are co-creating the programme, classes feel more like meeting a group of friends than attending a formal lesson, which makes it easier to keep showing up week after week. Everyday movement – bowling green, walkways and gardens Formal exercise is only one part of the picture. The Botanic’s three rink bowling green, tree lined walkways and Community Gardens all contribute to what might be called “everyday movement” – the steps, stretches and lifts you accumulate through a normal, enjoyable day. Lawn bowls is a classic example of gentle, social exercise. It involves walking, bending and controlled throwing, all of which support joint mobility and balance, while the social aspect helps to maintain connection and purpose. Regular social activity has been linked in multiple studies to better mental health and lower risk of depression and cognitive decline in older adults, so a weekly bowls game can benefit both body and mind. The garden lined paths and landscaped walkways of The Botanic provide safe, attractive routes for daily walks, whether you are aiming for the familiar benchmark of 30 minutes a day or simply adding a short loop after lunch. Even light intensity movement, such as slow walking, has been associated with health benefits in older age when it replaces prolonged sitting. The Botanic Striders meet every Saturday morning for walks around local tracks and parks, while The Botanic Pedallers meet fortnightly on Fridays for cycling adventures locally and further afield together. In the Community Gardens, tending plants involves squatting, reaching, lifting light tools and spending time in fresh air and natural light. Gardening has been associated with improved mood, reduced stress and better physical function in older adults, making it a valuable complement to more structured exercise. Fitness for every ability level A common worry for people considering village fitness facilities is “I am not fit enough yet” or “What if I slow everyone down?” At The Botanic, programmes are deliberately designed to meet you where you are, with options, modifications and progressions available in each class. Seated or supported formats like Armchair Yoga and gentle Aquacise provide an accessible on-ramp if you are managing an old injury, a recent operation or simply have not exercised in a long time. Instructors and resident leaders encourage everyone to work at their own pace, taking breaks as needed and gradually building up duration or intensity over time. Evidence-based guidelines highlight that “some activity is better than none” and that benefits are seen even when people move from being largely inactive to doing small amounts of moderate activity. In practice, that might look like attending a 20-minute class once a week, adding a short daily walk and spending an hour in the gardens at the weekend. Over months, these small steps can contribute to measurable improvements in strength, balance and energy. Peer support and small class sizes also play a role. Many residents find that they stay more consistent when friends are expecting to see them at Aquacise on Tuesday or Tai Chi on Thursday, turning exercise into a social appointment they genuinely look forward to. Looking ahead – evolving wellness amenities The Botanic’s commitment to active ageing includes continuous investment in its wellness infrastructure. Alongside the existing Poolhouse, gym, bowling green and walkways, the village is developing additional amenities that will create even more ways to move. Planned additions include a golf simulator, which will allow residents to practise their swing, coordination and balance in a safe, indoor environment regardless of the weather. With a putting green also in the development plan, golfers at The Botanic will have no excuses the next time they step out on the course! The addition of a pétanque and croquet court will also expand the options available to residents on top of the existing bowling green and the billiard room will provide indoor opportunities. Expanded wellness offerings and future care amenities will further strengthen the link between daily movement, long-term health and the reassurance of support if needs change over time. This future-focused approach means that the fitness environment you move into today will continue to grow with you, offering new activities, programmes and technologies that support active ageing at every stage. Conclusion – an easier way to stay active For many people, the hardest part of staying active is logistics: finding the right place, at the right time, that feels welcoming and age-aware. At The Botanic on the Hibiscus Coast, the answer is a wellness-focused village where the pool, gym, walkways and classes are woven into daily life, just a short stroll from home. With facilities and programmes designed specifically for older adults, supported by both qualified instructors and resident-led clubs, it becomes easier to meet and exceed global activity guidelines in a way that feels social, enjoyable and sustainable. If you would like to see the Poolhouse, gym and bowling green in person, the team would be delighted to show you around, talk through fitness options and connect you with current residents who can share what an active week at The Botanic looks like for them. Frequently asked questions about fitness at The Botanic How much exercise do I really need at my age? Major health bodies, including the World Health Organization, recommend adults aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week, plus muscle strengthening on at least two days, with additional balance work for older adults. At The Botanic, the combination of pool sessions, gym visits, classes, walking and gardening makes it much easier to reach those targets in a way that feels achievable. What if I have arthritis or joint pain? Water-based activities like Aquacise in the heated pool are particularly suitable, as the buoyancy of water reduces joint stress while still providing effective resistance. Research has shown that aquatic exercise can ease pain, improve mobility and help people with arthritis stay active without worsening their symptoms. I have not exercised in years. Will I be able to keep up? Yes. Many residents start with very gentle options such as Armchair Yoga, slow Aquacise or short walks on the boardwalk, then gradually add more as confidence grows. Classes include modifications and seated options, and instructors encourage everyone to work at their own pace rather than keeping up with a set standard. Are the classes supervised by professionals? Some sessions, particularly those in the Poolhouse and gym, are supported by qualified instructors who understand the needs of older adults. Others are resident-led, which adds a peer support element; together, they create a varied programme that is both safe and socially engaging. Is there anything for people who prefer outdoor activity? Absolutely. The three-rink bowling green, landscaped walkways, tree-lined boardwalk and Community Gardens all encourage outdoor movement in beautiful surroundings. Whether you enjoy a game of bowls, a stroll with a friend or tending plants in the gardens, you can build more steps and stretches into your day without ever feeling like you are “going to the gym”.