What makes Golden Sunset Resorts viable?

Based on my observations and discussions within the group of senior citizens, I had visualised the concept of Golden Sunset Resorts. Two important aspects missed or misunderstood by present entrepreneurs in schemes for housing for Senior Citizens, are according to me :

1. Senior Citizens are vary of schemes where they have to outright purchase the property. They have lost money in the past as such projects were not completed or were of inferior construction.
2. Senior Citizens in Group 2 [see post: The Golden Sunset Resorts] are not bothered where the resort is located. They would opt for it if facilities provided are good and expenses are within their budgets.

The project can be viable if it is situated outside the city limits where land rates are still lower. A larger plot should be purchased as it would facilitate expansion/other usage in near future.The construction should be prefabricated, which can be dismantled and shifted when necessary. It should be near an urban center where medical facilities are available within a reasonable distance. Like all resorts the project should be on occupancy bases i.e. rental basis. Special packages can be offered for monthly bookings for rooms/services availed. Guests should have the option to walk out if they are not satisfied.

The layout and construction would be different for Sunset resort. Golden resort should have both rooms and dormitory. My feeling is that Senior Citizens would finally prefer the dormitory as privacy looses its priority as age advances. Being together would be most prefered option. This could bring down the cost substantially. All structures should be single storey with a wide veranda all around. Nothing can replace sitting/lying in the sun, weather permitting.

Apart from normal Spa services in the Sunset Resort, especial provision of services liked/required by Senior Citizens should also be planned for. These can be like simple oil massage in the sun, physio-therapy type body massages/baths. After all guests of Golden Resort would be regular customers of the Sunset Resort. Young persons from the neighbouring villages can be encouraged, in their spare time, to be with the guests for odd jobs and earn some pocket money.

Both resorts should be beautifully landscaped, have a common meditation cum praying center, areas for playing/entertainment. At the planning stage itself provision for expansion and alteration should be incorporated. Once the nearby urban area engulfs the resort area and land prices sky-rocket, the resorts can be relocated outside the city limits and the investor can go for the kill. The concept has the potential of becoming a national and international brand chain.

In India the natural urge to leave property/assests to children is very strong. This normally overlooks the treatment child had melted out to the parents. Even reverse mortgage would take time to become acceptable in our country. By providing an option on rental basis, we can attract a larger group who can sell their property and invest the money. Their monthly expenses can be met from the investment income. The amount invested goes to the children after both have commenced their final journey.

The beauty of this proposal is that resorts support each other. Main customers of Sunset Resort would be the residents of Golden Resorts-for some facilities if not all. Likewise children, friends and relatives of residents of Golden Resorts will have a place to stay in Sunset Resorts and hence can conveniently visit them as well as have a holiday them self. A win win situation all round.

Golden Sunset Resorts

Yes we are talking about two resorts in one. Golden Resorts for Senior Citizens only, Sunset Resorts for others. Senior Citizen also consist of two groups-Group 1 upto 70 years and Group 2 above 70 years. In fact Group 2 includes all senior citizens who feel like over 70 years irrespective of their actual age. Group 1 would like to enjoy their new found freedom to the hilt, hence stay in cities and towns and laterally paint the CITY RED.



It is wonderful to realise that more and more parents have planned for their retirement and independent life. They have surplus income and created a ''nuclear family'' of their own. But unfortunately this phase lasts only till their health permits. Finally they also need support for their balance life span. This is the only reason for creating two groups which ultimately merge into one. At this stage Working Couples/NRI children are totally at a loss as to how to look after their parents. This is where the Golden Resort comes in.



Old Homes, run by charity or government is not a viable option. Customer (senior citizen) would like the surroundings and services to be up to the standards he can afford to pay. Since this customer can pay well, a resort can definitely be built for them. Cost of land would be the biggest huddle which can be managed if the resort is situated away from the city. Only ground floor level construction is required hence prefabricated or local material can be used provided it protects the 'customer' from the elements. My suggestions have to keep in mind that this resort is for group 2 SC who have already lost all fascination/interest for city life.



What role does Sunset Resorts play in this scheme of things? Apart from improving the financial viability of the twin project, it also serves a very vital need. Children, relatives and friends of resident senior citizens, local and NRI, can enjoy a vacation at Sunset Resort and also bring untold happiness to the resident of the Golden Resort. In fact Sunset Resort should be planned as a health resort for all. I would not be surprised if maxium business of Sunset Resorts came from relatives and residents of Golden Resorts.



Lots of exclusive schemes for senior citizens are coming in the market. These schemes are proving to be very popular and waiting list for entry is getting longer. The focus of existing schemes is outright purchase of property by the senior citizen which in turn is sold to another senior citizen once the owner proceeds on his heavenly journey. Indian psyche is not comfortable in selling the existing property and ultimately leaving cash for the children. Also a big chunk of 'surplus income' of SCs comes from investments income. Mortage schemes are yet to catch on. Readjusting this income may not be a practical option. In my module these issues do not arise as no capital expenses are involved only running expenses. You can simply check out of the resort with no hassle's of 'selling the property' in existing schemes, whenever better options come in the market.



This project has prospects of growing as a chain. For promoters of my scheme the icing on the cake is the land itself. All cities/towns are expanding outwards. This expansion would reach the resort in some time frame. Land utilisation can be re-engineered to book the potential profits and in the meanwhile serve the society in their hour of need. The entire scheme can be replicated at a new location.

Hi There

This is my first post. In fact, this is the first time I am really using the Internet. Will get my bearings and start blogging soon. What about? This that and everything. I have a lot of crazy ideas which I hope somebody someday will be able to convert to reality. Until then, as my blog title says, this is all loud thinking. Anybody listening?