Social distancing in action at Boambee Gardens Retirement Village.

2020 has brought unprecedented challenges. Coronavirus has swept across the globe, sparking fear, uncertainty, and isolation for many. We haven’t seen a pandemic like this in our lifetimes, and we don’t know what the ultimate impact will be in Australia.

A new standard of aged care unlike anything seen before on the NSW Central Coast was officially unveiled at the opening of RetireAustralia’s Glengara Care apartments at Tumbi Umbi today.

The $35 million project of 70 apartments offers a premium, bespoke model of tailored care giving older Australians unprecedented choice to live life their way.

The first residents of Glengara Care have moved into their new homes and are experiencing the luxury accommodation and support services.

Central Coast Councillor Jilly Pilon joined RetireAustralia representatives at a launch ceremony and exclusive tour of Glengara Care, which is located within the resort-style Glengara Retirement Village.

RetireAustralia Chief Executive Officer Dr Brett Robinson said Glengara Care was a positive alternative to outdated models that had eroded confidence in the aged care sector.

“Glengara Care is a unique solution. Our apartments are genuine homes, not a hospital-like environment, where residents can enjoy beautiful surroundings and entertain their family and friends.

“Their happiness and independence is paramount. They can stay with a partner, keep a pet and continue to enjoy life’s luxuries – supported by highly trained staff and specialist equipment available for their wellbeing.

“With a personalised care plan for each resident and a structured financial proposal providing peace of mind, support will always be available to residents no matter how their needs change.’’

New resident Phyllis Goswell, who experienced heart troubles recently, moved into Glengara Care for the peace of mind offered by the tailored care.

“There is always someone on hand when you need help,’’ Mrs Goswell said.

“A lot of people think of a nursing home when they think of aged care. Here, it’s nothing like a nursing home.

“You have the freedom to come and go and set your own schedule, without the responsibility of things like grocery shopping.

“And when relatives come to visit, they are surprised by how roomy it is here too.’’

Fellow resident Ron Cottle enjoys interacting with other people and he values the friendly atmosphere at Glengara.

Friday evening “happy hours’’ at the village’s Country Club allow him to meet others and enjoy being part of the community.

“I’m content here. I wouldn’t go anywhere else,’’ said the former Sydneysider.

Dr Robinson said the launch of Glengara Care was a direct response to the changing expectations of Australian families.

“Glengara Care is a fantastic addition to the Glengara community. Now our residents can enjoy their community for longer, even if their care needs change.  We are truly making our communities a home for life for our residents.’’

The spacious apartments offer the privacy of a separate bedroom, lounge area, bathroom and kitchenette, with views to the internal atrium and rural landscape.

Meals are prepared by professional chefs and the care team is on hand 24/7 to meet the needs of residents, including an emergency response team as well as high level day-to-day support and clinical services.

Registered nurses provide medical assistance throughout the night if needed.

Residents will also benefit from access to Glengara’s wide range of existing facilities and activities, including expansive gardens, a bowls green, gym, cafe, private treatment rooms, bar, swimming pool and beauty salon.

RetireAustralia plans to introduce the unique care model in other locations. To find out more about the new Glengara Care offering, phone 1800 955 070 or register your details at www.glenaracare.com.au

ENDS

Exciting new vertical villages such as RetireAustralia’s The Verge at Burleigh G.C. have been specially designed to allow retirees to live their lives to the full and discover a renewed sense of health and wellbeing – sometimes with dramatic results.

RetireAustralia Senior Development Manager Judi Hutchison said The Verge would redefine retirement living on the Gold Coast, creating a lifestyle second to none when its first stage opens in late 2020.

“We know from our own research that people are looking to form friendships and socialise more when they move into a retirement living, which can have a profound effect on their wellbeing and slowing the clock,’’ Ms Hutchison said.

“Indeed, international studies have found that socialising and maintaining meaningful engagement with the world around you generally contributes up to about 20 per cent of a person’s wellbeing.

“There are also plenty of examples within our villages to support the transformations in health and mobility people can make when they have easy access to tailored exercise programs, age-specific gyms and multi-purpose recreational areas.

“The very design and location of the building you live in are important too.

“A safe, secure community and a modern, light-filled home with views and access to everything you need at your doorstep can highlight the difference between living in a carefully designed retirement village and an ordinary apartment or house.’’

Set beside Burleigh Golf Club’s 10^th tee, The Verge offers residents access to a rooftop terrace, bar and Wellness Centre with a gym, consultation rooms for allied health professionals, indoor and outdoor activity areas, salon and café.

The location also offers an exceptional coastal lifestyle, close to the beach and top dining experiences, shopping and entertainment hubs.

Lorelei Bache, the first future resident to register an expression of interest in a home at The Verge, said the village’s prime location and layout “ticked all the boxes’’ for her.

She said it would also allow her to keep busy, forge new friendships, and take advantage of the myriad opportunities to pursue new hobbies and interests.

“I’ve been to several meetings organised by RetireAustralia and the people I’ve met there have always been very nice,’’ she said.

“We all seem to be like-minded, and once the entire complex is developed, I think there will be lots of people who I will be able to mix with.

“The Verge provides the perfect indoor/outdoor lifestyle. The Gold Coast’s prime lifestyle location is between Broadbeach and Burleigh, and from my apartment I will also have a lovely view of the golf course.

“I think having a view like that connects you to the world – I can see people out and about, and it is just a hop, skip and jump to the Wellness Hub to mix with others’’.

Tips for ageing well:

Take control: The freedom to remain independent and live life on your own terms is vital to ageing well. At The Verge, residents make their own choices about how they want to live their lives, with access to flexible independent living options tailored to their needs. When extra support is needed, in-home services including personal and clinical care will be available.

Be Social: Connecting with neighbours, friends and family is an important part of staying happy and healthy. The Verge features plenty of places for residents to mingle, from its Wellness Centre to the rooftop terrace and clubhouse facilities. A busy calendar of social events will be on offer, as well as a community bus offering regular social outings.

In addition to The Verge’s own facilities, there are nine gyms, five health and fitness centres with facilities ranging from tennis to swimming, four massage services, six beauty and day spas, three GPs and three hospitals – all within 500 metres to approximately five kilometres away.

Make life low-maintenance: Village living frees you from mundane household chores to focus on the things that matter most to you, such as meaningful activities, hobbies and interests. Another plus is the security – you can lock up and leave for travelling, knowing that the property will be well maintained in your absence.

Choose the right home: Designed and located well, a home can inspire joy.

Designed to create a connection with the environment, the architect-designed light-filled apartments at The Verge will feature sweeping views over an expanse of greenery that is always well maintained and cannot be built out.

The apartments have also been designed to Livable Housing Australia’s Gold Standard. With wider hallways and openings, step-free shower recesses, and reinforced walls to allow later installation of grab rails, the homes can adapt to the changing needs of residents.

From majestic ocean panoramas to enchanting forest trails, the walks surrounding Erina literally provide mountains of inspiration to lace up and get active.

From June to November every year, our oceanside hilltops provide perfect vantage points for watching humpback whales on their annual journey from Antarctica to the southern Great Barrier Reef.

An abundance of nature reserves meanwhile cater for walkers of all fitness levels, featuring 20-minute circuit tracks to full-day hikes and terrain varying from lush rainforests to ridge-top woodlands.

And when you’ve filled up on your fair share of exercise and sightseeing, continue to soak up the countryside with a relaxing coffee or cuppa. The region is renowned for its many cafes celebrating the beauty of the waterfront or nestled in delightful nooks.

Here’s a selection of what’s on offer:

The Skillion: The climb to the top of The Skillion at Terrigal is short but spectacular. The ocean views are breathtaking. Bustling with sightseers, the headland’s lookouts and elevated sections offer vistas to rival any in the country.

Afterwards, take time out at one of the many beachside cafes or simply sit and sip a coffee while watching the waves roll in.

Tackle The Skillion in the late afternoon and stay on to savour the international street food delights of  the Greedy Guts Markets on the second Friday of the month at Florida Beach Bar at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific.

Kincumber to Davistown: Part of the beauty of coastal life is the abundance of cafes and eateries celebrating the beauty of the waterfront.

Why not make a morning of it by exploring the Kincumber to Davistown pedestrian and cycle path, which starts at the Broadwater park playground.

Learn about the area’s rich shipbuilding history at the same time. Memorial plaques line the flat pathway which runs for approximately three kilometres and ends at The Little Teapot Cafe.

Kincumber Mountain Regional Reserve: Catering for walkers of all fitness levels, tracks are rated from leisurely to challenging.

The Kanning Walk is a short trek showcasing a variety of interesting plants and rock formations, while the Sid Pulsford fire trail offers a longer experience for walkers as well as bike riders.

5 Lands Walk: If you want any more evidence that the Central Coast is a walker’s paradise, look no further than the 5 Lands Walk.

More than 20,000 people were estimated to have attended this year’s event in June, a day-long festival taking in 10 kilometres of beaches, headlands, bush tracks and back roads from McMasters Beach to Terrigal.

Those walking the route were encouraged to enjoy the views, witness Aboriginal ceremonies and ethnic cultural displays along the route as well as catch sight of the whales.

Rumbalara Reserve: Just minutes from Wood Glen, Rumbalara Reserve has numerous walking trails ranging from the 125 metre Bayview Fire Trail.

There’s plenty to see, even if you are just out for a short stroll. Weave through some beautiful scenery on walks such as the Flannel Flower. The Iron Bark Loop takes in Nurrunga Point Lookout.

Katandra Reserve: About 11 kilometres from Erina, the reserve is home to a range of walking tracks through bushland and rainforest.

Check out some of the shorter hikes such as the 1.2 kilometre Waterman Walk which passes through some dramatic transitions in countryside.

The 2.3-kilometre Toomeys Walk meanwhile leads walkers up to St John Lookout, offering panoramic views east towards Matcham Valley and Erina Heights  to Terrigal and the ocean.

Carawah Reserve Walk: A wooden boardwalk winds its way through mangroves, salt marshes and sea grasses on a short circuit about seven kilometres from Erina.

Signage provides visitors with information about the local vegetation and wildlife and there are numerous viewing platforms to take it all in.

For more information about our Central Coast villages, click here.

Not only does retirement living offer a vibrant and rewarding lifestyle, but it comes with intrinsic health benefits that boost mood, energy and participation in activities. Today’s retirement villages are hives of activity where residents stay social and take part in meaningful leisure activities.

Here, we sort fact from fiction when it comes to retirement village living, and address some of the concerns we most commonly hear from residents – before they move in!

Concern #1: “Being surrounded by people my age will encourage me to slow down and lose independence”
On the contrary, we find that residents revel in being part of a new social circle and making new connections, and continue to lead full and rich lives. As resident Ros Oakey explains, “If you hang around people who are really good at being retired, you get really good at being retired.”

She and her husband John moved into Wood Glen Retirement Village on the Central Coast in May 2019. At 67 and 69 respectively, they’re the second youngest residents in the village, but life hasn’t slowed down since they sold their bed and breakfast in Port Macquarie.

Now, they live close enough to Sydney to connect regularly with family, and both volunteer and work in the local community. They also keep busy with sport, with Ros cycling, doing pilates, and going to an outside gym, while John makes use of Wood Glen’s proximity to golf, tennis, and surfing.

“We’re only a 10-15 pushbike ride from Terrigal,” says Ros. “Wood Glen has got absolutely everything. We love it.”

Closer to home, they’ve joined the village’s weekly line dancing classes, and John also plays table tennis and teaches Kelly pool. As Ros points out, “If you’re making a choice to make a change, you might as well make it as rich as you possibly can. That’s what I’m doing.”

Concern #2: “My health and wellbeing will suffer”
Not true! In fact, multiple research studies have shown that your health can actually improve in a retirement village, by reducing isolation and improving mental wellbeing.

Social isolation is a big problem for older Australians, with one in five estimated to suffer from the condition. This can negatively impact one’s mental health and even lead to depression.

Retirement living is specifically designed to counter social isolation, and instead foster a sense of belonging and community. Indeed, research published in The McCrindle Baynes Villages Census Report 2013 showed that 46% of residents reported improved mental health since entering a retirement village.

That’s true for Tarragal Glen resident Gordon Crawford, who says, “Some people look at retirement village living and downsizing as though you’re giving up something, but for us we really feel like it’s given us a better life than we had before. After two years in the village we have a new circle of friends and a very full life both inside and outside of the village.”

It’s a similar story for Carlyle Gardens residents Noel and Judy Bowman. When asked about his favourite memory from living in the village, Noel doesn’t hesitate. “Friendships, in a word,” he says. “This is one of the best moves we’ve ever made.”

As for Judy, she says “all the entertainment has been absolutely first class. It’s the balance. I am happier here and couldn’t recommend it more.”

There are countless ways in which retirement living is good for your health – if you’d like to know more, we’ve come up with the top seven ways in which your wellbeing could flourish.

Concern #3: “I’ll be encouraged to cut ties with the broader community”
When asked to describe their village community, the word we most often hear from residents is “family”. As Anne Stewart at Boambee Gardens describes it, “[the community] is like a family, it’s fabulous. You feel part of a family not only with residents but with the staff.”

But while there’s lots to keep you busy within the village itself, residents also have active and full lives in the broader community, with many volunteering or working part-time. Take our Wood Glen residents, John and Ros. John volunteers at Integrity Living as a bus attendant, while Ros does face-to-face counselling at Lifeline one day a week as well as volunteer administration work at a police office.

Meanwhile, Neville Dunton at Cleveland Manor volunteers as a lollipop man at the local school, is President of the Residents’ Committee and mans the bar at twice-weekly village happy hours.

But no matter how fulfilling and rewarding life is in the broader community, it’s always nice to have a place to call home. As Cleveland Manor resident Nick Caris puts it, “There’s a feeling of belonging. You can’t put a price on it.”

Find out more about retirement village living with Retire Ready, our exclusive guide.

Marianne and Betty (left to right)

Not only did Betty win the over-85s singles, but she teamed up with Marianne Blasberg, whom she beat in the single’s final, to win the women’s over-85s doubles.

“I just won the doubles and the singles, which was most important. I’m the European champion now!,” said Betty.

Having been born in England and moved to Australia in 1974, Betty is eligible to compete in the European, world and Australian championships, and makes the most of this by travelling internationally every year.

Before the latest European championships, Betty’s doubles partner, Marianne, had won the European singles five times in a row. “This time I beat her in three straight sets. She’d won five times at the European championships, that’s 10 years. My daughter looked it up and told me I’d knocked her crown off!,” Betty explained.

While she and Marianne had never previously played doubles together, they already plan to team up at the world championships next year. “She’s going to play with me in the Worlds next year in Bordeaux. Touch wood,” Betty said.

Betty might have to clear more space in her garage at Torrens Grove, which she uses to store her extensive medal collection. She already has her eye on the Australian championships later this year, at which she will play singles, mixed doubles, and women’s doubles.

“I represent South Australia in the over-75s,” said Betty. “We’ve been losing to Victoria but this year we hope to beat them.”

Let’s hope the home ground advantage gives the South Australian team the winning edge!

Chocolate and coveted bragging rights are on offer each week for a regular roster of 10–12 residents, who play nine holes of mini golf before stopping for a tea break and playing the course all over again.

Lincoln Grove’s mini golf course has been designed with residents’ health in mind, including adding suction cups to putters to make it easy for them to pick up balls without straining their backs or knees.

Village Maintenance Manager Bernie Mundy single-handedly installed the course after an idea from Dianne Ottery-Bizewski, Lincoln Grove’s Village Manager.

“I googled a few plans,” Mr Mundy said. “We started off with six holes and, as more people responded, we made it nine holes. It’s now locked in the activities calendar every Wednesday. The laughs and giggles you hear coming down the corridor are unbelievable!”

The stakes of the competition are high, with chocolates on offer to each week’s winner.

“The bragging rights are even higher,” said Harish Bastian, Regional Operations and Sales Manager for South Australia. “A bit of friendly competition is always good for the mind and body.”

Lincoln Grove is Port Lincoln’s premier retirement living, occupying an elevated position that offers sweeping views of Boston Bay. It is located just minutes from town and only 500 metres from Port Lincoln Health and Hospital Service.

“One of the most important things we can do is create an environment where our residents are empowered to live full and vibrant lives,” said Simon Fawssett, Chief Operating Officer at RetireAustralia.

“When they have something new and interesting to discover, such as the ups and downs of mini golf, residents are more engaged with each other, with their community and with the RetireAustralia family.”

Mr Bastian agreed: “What I like about this is that Bernie has ventured out of his lane and thought about how we can better engage our residents. It’s definitely a hole in one in our books!”

As well as cultivating a sense of fun and community, the golf games can be unpredictable. “I try to mix it up every week. I put a lump underneath, so it catches them unaware,” Mr Mundy said.

“Lincoln Grove is a great community. We have great people, a good working team, and you know a lot of people here. It’s friendly and easy going and also comes with a spectacular million-dollar view.

“It’s satisfying to look after people you care about. You aren’t just the maintenance person – you feel part of the community.”

Lincoln Grove has its own restaurant, hairdressing salon and library. It also offers a range of other regular activities for residents, including billiards, darts, carpet bowls and numerous social events such as dinners and happy hours.

Spacious two and three-bedroom independent living villas are currently available, as well as one-bedroom serviced apartments, which provide chef-prepared meals and help with household chores.

For more information on Lincoln Grove, click here.

“If you leave it too late, the decision gets made for you.”

That’s the advice from Gordon Crawford, when asked about his decision to move into retirement living earlier than many friends and family advised.

But with more and more older Australians making the move each year, going into a retirement village has become more a question of ‘when’ than ‘if’ for most.

Around 200,000 Australians aged 65 and over now reside in retirement villages, and in NSW occupancy rates still average 91% even with a steady stream of new and expanded villages coming into market.

The strong demand and limited availability for homes, villas and apartments is a strong driver of this decision but according to Mr Crawford, who resides at Tarragal Glen Retirement Village on the Central Coast, so too is the growing recognition of retirement villages being an attractive lifestyle choice and providing better outcomes for older Australians.

“We were told by friends and family we were too fit and too well to go into retirement living”, said Mr Crawford.

“And we were planning to wait until we were closer to 80, but when we saw the villas and facilities and quality of life that would be available to us, we looked at each other and said ‘why wait?’.”

Mr Crawford and his wife, Sue Kemp, have been living at Tarragal Glen for over two years and though he says the move was at times physically and emotionally demanding, the couple have no regrets.

“We’re so thankful we planned ahead and made the move while we’re fit and well. It’s allowed us to make a lifestyle choice and enjoy what’s on offer rather than having a decision forced on us because we couldn’t cope anymore.

“Some people look at retirement village living and downsizing as though you’re giving up something, but for us we really feel like it’s given us a better life than we had before.”

Indeed, research from around the world provides backing for this feeling. A study from Trinity College Dublin concluded that many of the opportunities found in quality retirement living, like social support and physical exercise, are strongly associated with reduced anxiety and depression.

Another study from the University of Michigan found that socialising regularly is associated with better physical health and a longer lifespan.

“After two years in the village we have a new circle of friends and a very full life both inside and outside of the village.

“I really encourage anyone considering their options to do as we did, and really make the most of their retirement years.”

RetireAustralia, a leading provider of retirement villages, has recently re-published their Retire Ready Guide to help older Australians plan ahead and know what to expect in retirement village living.

Image for illustrative purposes only

Mojito Marinade for Chargrilled Cuban Chicken
Makes 2½ cups

Ingredients

¼ cup chopped garlic
½ cup chopped onion
2 cups fresh orange juice
½ cup fresh lime juice
½ cup olive oil
4 tsp sea salt
1 tbs cracked black pepper
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cayenne (optional for a bit of kick)
1 tbs fresh chopped coriander
1 tbs fresh chopped mint
6 chicken thighs

Method

1. Mix together garlic, onions, orange juice and lime juice in a bowl.

2. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan until just smoking.

3. Carefully slide the mixture from the bowl to the hot oil and simmer for five minutes to soften garlic and onion.

4. Season the marinade with the remaining ingredients and stir through to release flavours.

5. Transfer to a blender and pulse three times to combine.

6. Pour into a plastic container to cool.

7. Marinate chicken thighs in sauce. Keep in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour up to 8 hours before chargrilling on the barbecue.

Mango, Black Bean & Corn Salsa

Ingredients

3 large, diced mangoes
400g tinned black beans, drained and rinsed
425g tined sweet corn kernels, drained
¼ cup diced Spanish onion
2 limes juiced
½ cup coriander

Method

1. Mix together mangoes, black beans, sweet corn and lime juice in a large bowl, then sprinkle coriander over mixture and toss to combine.

2. Dollop salsa over chargrilled chicken and serve with wedges of lime and fresh coriander leaves.

Meet RetireAustralia’s chefs:

For more information about Tarragal Glen Retirement Village, click here.

Each of the company’s new retirement villages—two in south-east Queensland and another on the Central Coast—is designed around an ethos and standards that go beyond bricks and mortar.

RetireAustralia’s development ethos is underpinned by five pillars.

1. PLACEMAKING

Placemaking is all about developing a home for residents, a place that’s integrated within the surrounding neighbourhood and makes it easy to maintain connections beyond the village.

To do this, RetireAustralia chooses locations that are walkable and close to transport and services—like The Rise at Wood Glen, which is just minutes from a major shopping centre, cafés and bus stops.

2. BUILDING DESIGN CRITERIA

The place you live should be visually appealing and highly livable.

RetireAustralia’s communities are purpose-built for older residents, so they take every aspect of living into account.

This means a beautiful built form, great resident facilities and secure spaces, as well as subtle touches to ensure your home suits you for many years to come. RetireAustralia’s first Gold Coast retirement community, The Verge at Burleigh GC, is the perfect example, offering expertly designed apartments within a stunning environment.

Each new project meets comprehensive design criteria that has been informed by best practice standards, like the Australian Housing Livable Guidelines.

3. CARE SERVICES

Care services are a core component of RetireAustralia’s new communities, ensuring all residents have peace of mind that their support needs can be met within their home.

All new villages will offer RetireAustralia’s home care services, which are flexible and tailored to meet residents’ individual needs.

The Verge at Burleigh GC will also offer care apartments in addition to independent living.

4. TECHNOLOGY

Today’s seniors are more tech-savvy than ever, so their communities come equipped with the latest technologies.

Features like app-activated lights, blinds and shutters, underfloor heating and car park sensors can help make residents’ daily lives easier.

5. SUSTAINABILITY

RetireAustralia is a member of the Green Building Council of Australia and is prioritising sustainability in all new communities.

Energy and water-efficient appliances, low-impact building materials and solar panels are just some of the features you can expect.

To register for updates about RetireAustralia’s new projects, visit retireaustralia.com.au/new-communities

Images: The Verge at Burleigh GC, The Rise at Wood Glen. All images are architectural concepts.