Local retirees aren’t letting COVID-19 get in the way of their community spirit! Despite over 70s being hit particularly hard by social restrictions and strong advice not to leave their homes, residents at Drayton Villas Retirement Village are using a little imagination to have fun and stay connected while maintaining social distancing.
Between the ‘Daily Wave’ and 1980s-inspired exercise routines, concerns about residents being isolated and cut off from loved ones during this period of social distancing have been put to rest.
Village Manager Rachael McCarthy says that despite unprecedented challenges facing the community, the residents’ resilience and support for each other has been remarkable.
“The unique challenges presented by the pandemic have also been the inspiration for some innovative solutions, with a range of fun and heart-warming rituals established in our community during lockdown.”
What started as a quick morning loop around the village on her golf cart to check in on her residents has turned into a daily ritual. Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Daily Wave’, each morning at 9am, she is greeted by a chorus of residents waving her through the street, and occasionally, bursting into song.
“One morning, I was doing my usual rounds on the buggy and the whole street surprised me with a spontaneous rendition of ‘You Are My Sunshine’. It nearly brought tears to my eyes!
“There has been an overwhelming desire from our residents to help out others in the village. People have really wanted to stay connected, look after their neighbours and ensure the village is still a fun place to be,” she said.
“With the restrictions in place, many of our residents are missing out on their usual exercise routines. Whether that’s catching up for bowls, going for a dip in the indoor pool or playing a hit of tennis. So we introduced ‘Let’s Get Physical’, a quick and easy street-based exercise program to keep our residents moving while our community facilities are closed. Think Aerobics Oz Style for Seniors, but with the instructors in neon tutus!” said Ms McCarthy.
Village staff have also introduced ‘Wacky Wednesday’, a dedicated day for residents to get creative and release their pent up energy in an explosion of zany themes, including Crazy Sock Day, Wacky Hat Day, Pyjama Day and most recently, a 60s inspired ‘Distancing Disco’ on the street.
RetireAustralia villages like Drayton Villas have been doing their bit to make the lockdown easier for residents, performing regular wellbeing checks, providing assistance to access essential items such as groceries and medications and organising fun social activities which can be carried out at a safe distance.
“We know older Australians are vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, and this can have a detrimental effect on their physical health, leading to sleep disruption, increased cortisol levels and elevated blood pressure. Particularly during this period of social distancing, we’re prioritising our residents’ mental health just as much as their physical wellbeing.
“We would ask everyone in the broader community to keep an eye out for their older neighbours, who might be isolated and lonely. Now’s the time to reach out to them, either with a call, a note, or chat over the fence. Our community is strongest when we work together and support each other,” Ms McCarthy said.
Drayton Villas has been an integral part of the local community for 27 years, and is the longest serving retirement village in Toowoomba. The village is well known for its community-spirited resident group, active social committee and award-winning gardens. The village brought home a ‘Highly Commended’ award in the 2018 Toowoomba Chronicle Garden Competition.
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