6 minute read
RETIREMENT LIVING
KEEPING active is a common goal among homeowners at GemLife over-50s lifestyle resorts on the Sunshine Coast and for Sel Sullivan there is nothing better than grabbing a longboard and catching a wave as part of an early morning exercise ritual.
The GemLife Pacific Paradise homeowner lists nearby Mudjimba Beach, Coolum, and Noosa beaches as his top surfing spots on the Sunshine Coast and he can be found riding the waves at one of them almost every day of the year.
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“I probably surf at nearby Mudjimba Beach 80 per cent of the time,” the fit 70-year-old said.
Surfing, he says, is an activity enjoyed by all ages including many active over 50s.
In the 1970s, then New Zealand-based Sel spent 12 months living at Newquay in Cornwall, where he continued his love for surfing. That’s also where he met the DOUG Frazer reignited his love of cars through Lego almost 70 years after his love of the automotive industry began.
Ahead of his 94th birthday celebrations next month, Doug has completed multiple imaginative and impressive Lego projects.
Since moving to Ozcare at Currimundi Gardens with his wife Judy last year, Ozcare’s community has loved watching Doug explore and develop his imaginative and creative side. Since setting about on his Lego mission late last year, Doug has built a VW Kombi van, a replica White House and a five-storey English village.
As one of the mechanics at one of Australia’s first VW factories, Doug said the Kombi van he built with son John’s help was his favourite.
“I worked at Volkswagen in Glen Innes after World War II, and we worked on the Kombis – it was the only vehicle of its kind that was available. While I was
GemLife Pacific Paradise residents Sel and Judy Sullivan
love of his life Judy. They were married 40 years ago next month.
Homes in Stage Two at GemLife Pacific Paradise over 50s lifestyle resort are now selling. Other resorts on the Sunshine Coast include GemLife Maroochy Quays and GemLife Palmwoods. All offer premium recreational facilities and beautifully designed, low maintenance homes, created exclusively for the over-50s. Call 1800 317 393 or gemlife.com.au
RAY SIGNS UP FOR GOOD HEALTH
THERE’S a good reason Ray Chatterton is moving to Stockland’s B by Halcyon at Buderim.
“I have a blood disorder. I’m fine, but it needs to be monitored and I need to be careful about my lifestyle,” Ray says. “You have to make sure that your diet is right, your exercise is right and your wellbeing is right when you’ve got what I’ve got. If you don’t keep the exercise up or you don’t eat the right food, it can encourage it to come back.”
Ray’s health will be in excellent hands at B by Halcyon, which is home to a new five-star Wellness Pavilion, the Sunshine Coast’s largest private day spa.
Spanning 2663m, the Wellness Pavilion has an array of state-of-the art facilities and dedicated practitioners to assist homeowners achieve a balanced lifestyle.
Ray was drawn to B by Halcyon by the Wellness Pavilion. Having spent time at Living Valley in Kin Kin, considered the best health retreat in Australia, he knew what he was looking for.
“Because B by Halcyon has been setup with this Wellness Pavilion in there, it has all the facilities for healthy activities Living Valley had,” he said.
“On top of that, it has a beautiful gym for exercising with everybody, and a wonderful magnesium pool, which is better than a chlorine pool. It has the massage area, which is very good for you as well.”
Ray said that most of all, he was looking forward to settling in and starting a new chapter of his life as he focuses on healthy living.
“For my own mental health and wellbeing, I felt I needed community around me, people my own age, so it gives you that connection,” he said.
“Being able to walk down the street and wave to somebody – or duck and hide from somebody,” he added with a laugh.
“The simple fact of resettling myself in my own home, it’s about a fresh start for me.” Visit lifebeginsathalcyon.com.au
- Judy, daughter of Bribie Cove resident. - Judy, daughter of Bribie Cove resident. there, we were the first manufacturer to make a million cars,” he says. “We fitted out big fleets of Kombi vans with ladders for the Postmaster General and Telecom.”
Ozcare Currimundi Gardens believes in fostering and welcoming their community to live their best lives by keeping their minds active – retirement simply allows more time to see how many new adventures await. Visit ozcare.org.au
DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE MAKING THE MOVE
WHEN considering moving to a retirement community, research is essential and a big part is separating the myths from the facts. Here are some of the common misconceptions:
Retirement living is the same as aged care – While some communities are co-located with aged care residences, they are entirely different in purpose and how they are set up and run. Retirement communities are designed for active over 65s looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle that offers freedom and opportunity to enjoy life.
Aged Care is suited to those who require 24-hour care due to health concerns. Residences are staffed 24/7 with dedicated professionals. Clinical and facility managers, registered nurses, qualified carers, and lifestyle coordinators support residents with daily tasks.
Retirement communities are too expensive – While the cost varies between communities depending on multiple factors, it’s not as expensive as you think. Before moving, seek expert financial advice on personal circumstances and gather information on costs involved. Don’t forget upfront, ongoing and exit fees to ensure you have a complete picture.
Consider the long-term view when comparing costs, too. Even if you own your home, there are still many ongoing bills such as rates, gardening and possibly repairs or renovations depending on the age of your existing home.
You are restricted in what you can and can’t do – This is not the case. You’re free to spend your days as you wish, enjoying your favourite hobbies and activities just as you did while living in the family home. In fact, residents often discover new passions and skills.
Dig a little deeper to uncover the facts – It pays to conduct your own independent research, rather than going by what others say. Be sure to physically visit any retirement communities you are considering to help decide if it’s a good fit. Call 3360 9000 or visit tricare.com.au
All the staff have
They make each resident feel worthy Our Local Aged Care Residences:
Bribie Cove | Bongaree 199–213 Goodwin Drive Glasshouse Views | Beerwah Our Victorian Residences:96–104 Peachester Road Buderim Views | Buderim 383 Mooloolaba Road
441 Waterfall Gully Road, RosebudThe Ormsby | Buderim 33 Newmans Road, Templestowe 112 Burnett Street 1 Innisfallen Avenue, Templestowe CapellaBay | Capalaba 260 Old Cleveland Rd East Seaton Place | Cleveland 111 Smith Street Seabrook | Deception Bay 15 - 29 Bonton Ave
