Yes, unfortunately, I am of the same opinion with regard to these retirement villages. I can see the benefits for people who enjoy the facilities etc but they are such a rip off.
Although it's been many years since my mother passed away, and I do believe things have improved slightly, having to deal with the retirement village for the sale of her unit was a nightmare.
Even though they sold it in just under 3 months, they took over 8 months before they paid out, I don't recall what my mother paid, but on the sale(it sold for 45%more than she paid for it) after they deducted selling costs, their exit fee and whatever other costs they dreamed up I received less than 50% of what she paid. Yes less than 50%of the purchase price, not the selling price.
I was extremely grateful for what I received, but absolutely furious that they could do this.
There is no way I would go into one of these places. I have worked hard all my life for what I have and I want this to go to my children and grandies,.not some greedy corporation or church.