That is why a new accreditation scheme – the Lifemark Village Scheme – has been developed for retirement village owners and developers.

The scheme ensures retirement village operators are accountable and responsive to residents, and gives residents confidence that their village is being managed ethically and professionally.

Unlike aged care, where accreditation is compulsory and regulated, retirement village accreditation is voluntary and entirely industry-driven – evidence of providers’ commitment to excellence.

Lifemark goes beyond an operator’s legal obligations. The new scheme contains the highest standards of any accreditation program in the industry’s history. It measures the most important aspects of village life including services, respect of dignity and safety.

Lifemark recognises that consumers and governments expect human-service industries to have high operational standards and it covers all aspects of the retirement village experience, including the performance of staff, the quality of the food and catering, security and even social activities.

With Canberra’s cohort of people who are 65-plus tipped to make up nearly 15 per cent of the population by 2023, it makes sense that we should have complete confidence in our future housing choices. What better time to live it up!

Catherine Carter is ACT executive director of the Property Council of Australia