RETIREMENT LIVING

TEEING off in a major golf tournament in the US is just one of many activities on pro golfer Glenn Joyner’s list for 2022.

Another life-changing event will be moving into his new home at GemLife Pacific Paradise’ over 50s lifestyle resort with wife Carolyn.

“We are planning to move in around August-September and, to be honest, it’s a great new adventure for us and we can’t wait,” he said.

Mr Joyner has spent most of his life since the 1980s jetting around Australia and the world to play in major golf tournaments against the sport’s greats including Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus. Along the way he has amassed an impressive 141 wins worldwide.

“I played for 20 years before taking on a coaching position at Yarra Yarra Golf Club in Melbourne for five years. Then, at the age of 47, I joined the professional seniors golf tour and life is just as hectic as ever, but I’m loving it,” he said.

Carolyn often accompanies him on the golf circuit. She not only caddies for him but is an accomplished golfer herself with a handicap of six.

They are excited about moving into GemLife Pacific Paradise, saying the outstanding facilities, quality homes, security, and friendly environment had them hooked.

“I am still travelling a lot as a golf pro and when Carolyn isn’t with me, I will Glenn and Carolyn Joyner know she will be in a comfortable and safe environment, which is important,” said Mr Joyner, who also loves facilities such as the resort’s golf simulator.

“The simulator is fantastic and having played on some of the courses it displays on screen, I can say it is very life-like and great for anyone wanting a few lessons or to practice and understand more about the game.”

GemLife resorts, including GemLife Pacific Paradise, Maroochy Quays and Palmwoods on the Sunshine Coast, offer exceptional recreational facilities and beautifully designed, low-maintenance homes created for the over 50s. Call 1800 317 393 or visit gemlife.com.au

HELEN TAKES STEPS TO STAY AT HOME

AN 82-year-old Alexandra Hills resident isn’t letting age stand in her way and is determined to remain independent for as long as possible.

Helen Darby raised three children and built more than four decades of memories in her two-storey home, but now finds it increasingly difficult to navigate the stairs.

Her children have encouraged her to move closer to them so they can help but she prefers to be at home. Her decision to install a stair lift has made that possible.

She’s one of countless Queenslanders accessing support services so they can remain independent in their family home.

Simplex Elevators director, Maika Ter Horst, said demand for stair lifts had surged following the Aged Care Royal Commission’s decision to prioritise and fund in-home care services.

“After building decades of memories in their homes, it’s understandable people don’t want to leave as their needs change,” Maika said. “Stair lifts like Helen’s are affordable and easy to install.”

Visit simplexelevators.com.au OZCARE continues to set a standard for retirement living for older Australians with a quality final expansion planned for its boutique Currimundi Gardens retirement village.

Within reach of beaches and close to shops and parks, the not-for-profit retirement and aged care provider has designed 15 new homes that complement the beauty of its surrounds.

It is next to Ozcare’s Caroline Chisolm aged care facility which provides certainty for those who want to move into a small, friendly retirement village with the resources of the aged care facility close by.

The new $440,000 two-bedroom, two-bathroom units, which are petfriendly, have flexible entry prices.

“Retirees can access Ozcare’s community care services within their homes at exclusive rates to help them live independently for as long as they can and if the time comes that they need to move into aged care it is in a familiar environment with friends close by,” Ozcare village manager Tania Bell said. “It is a tight-knit community, and everyone looks out for one another.”

The village now has just 37 independent units in manicured gardens, and the expansion will be the last to ensure the grounds remain spacious. It will include a new clubhouse for residents and guests.

“We understand that everyone has diverse interests and needs; however, we see our role as making sure that our residents look forward to every day,” Ms Bell said. “We value watching friendships grow among our residents and look forward to adding new faces without ever losing our village feel.” Call Tania 1800 692 273.

SIMPLE WAYS TO STAY FIT

WHILE many of us set health goals with the best intentions, if they’re not enjoyable and achievable, you are doomed to fail.

But regardless of age, stage of life, and fitness level, doing small things consistently can have a significant positive impact on health, wellbeing and enjoyment of life.

The secret is to find an activity you enjoy, start small, and build on it. Keep it simple, achievable and consistent and you will feel better and be motivated to do more—and it will get easier.

Here are ideas to stay fit in retirement:

Walking: There are endless possibilities for the daily walk. Add variety by changing the route, even if it’s just walking on the other side of the road or circling the block in the opposite direction. Vary the time of day you head out, as the world looks quite different at dawn and dusk.

Include a trip further afield to explore a new place once a week or every month.

Walking in nature – near a lake, in the bush or on the beach – will add to enjoyment and can boost your mood.

Swimming: When it comes to low impact but effective activities, swimming is a great choice and doesn’t have to be restricted to a repetitive routine like laps.

Take a class such as water aerobics or vary your strokes. Walking through water will strengthen muscles and you’ll burn more calories than on land.

If you have your own pool or live in a retirement community, use it.

Seek advice to find what works for you and go for it. The benefits to health, lifestyle and state of mind are worth it.

Before starting any type of exercise, discuss individual needs with your doctor. Visit tricare.com.au or call 3360 9000.