Features Senior Citizens Should Check Out Before Buying A Home

Most businesses in modern times chase the youth. The youth are, after all, a growing population with an every-increasing purchasing power, a will to pay to get the best in life, and are driven by the concept of aspiration living. The real estate in India is no exception; it too chases the youth. Going through a developer's brochure, one finds them flaunt a gymnasium or a Jacuzzi or a swimming pool --- all this to attract the young minds .

However, the fact is that India also has an ageing population, with its specific needs. For a senior citizen, who is planning to buy a home after retirement, standard urban living may not work. A look at what to look for while buying a home to retire in peace.

Affordability

Thanks to a credit-driven economy modern India works on, buying a home these days is easy. Taking a home loan is a popular concept. However, for a senior citizen, this is not going to be of much help. You may have to bank on your lifetime savings to purchase a home.

Buying bigger homes is also not advisable, as these will be tough to maintain for senior citizens; a compact home with necessary amenities will fit your budget and meet other requirements, too. Also, buildings that require repairing may not be a good idea for the elderly lot.

Gardens & Parks

After retirement, one spends most of the time at home. Look for an apartment in India that has gardens and parks nearby. This gives senior citizens a platform for walks and socialise, too.

How about pets?

It is necessary for the building to allow and accommodate pets, especially dogs. Pet ownership is increasing and a number of retired citizens are contributing to this trend.

Elevators

This is probably the most important amenity that a building that houses senior citizens, requires. Without elevators, you will have to be restricted to the ground floor of the building only.

Enhanced security

Senior citizens have often been the targets of criminal activities. It is crucial to have a security system in place, with burglar alarms, a thorough inspection process of visitors and emergency response systems in buildings. Video camera-based recognition could be another smart way of ensuring safety.

Safe designs 

Some buildings provide safe housing such as handle bars across halls and bathrooms to ensure that fewer accidents happen within homes. Your apartment should be designed to fit these amenities, as these cannot be done across properties. Looks for a home that allows such design changes.

Easy transport

Your apartment should be located in areas that have good public transportation system. A bus stop or cab stand should also be within walking distance of the property.

Accessibility to medical care

Do ensure that the project has a hospital or a clinic close-by. Going for remote areas with peaceful surrounding could be a good idea, as long as you have ready access to diagnostic centers, medical shops and other utilities.

(Katya Naidu has been working as a business journalist for the last nine years, and has covered beats across banking, pharma, healthcare, telecom, technology, power, infrastructure, shipping and commodities.)