Life is fun with ‘young at heart’ neighbours
RETIREMENT living might, might for some, some conjure up images of older people sitting around sipping tea and reminiscing.
Though there is nothing wrong with that, it’s a far cry from the lifestyle that retirement developments actually provide for their apartment owners.
If you visit one, don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a Zumba fitness class, Elvis tribute event or even a cocktail-making session in the owners’ lounge.
A good development prides itself on the lifestyle that it offers owners, ensuring that retirement certainly isn’t about sitting around feeling isolated.
In fact, owners are warmly encouraged to get involved in some of the many regular events provided. A dedicated lifestyle and events manager co-ordinates a programme of fun and social events throughout the year.
This can include anything from cheese and winetasting to fashion shows, cocktail mixology classes and even performances from Michael Buble tribute acts and the like.
A lot of developments also run group fitness classes offering everything from aerobics to yoga and tai chi.
Each summer, there are garden parties and fund raisers for good causes, such as coffee mornings for Macmillan.
Many developments also take part in national events such as VE day, providing owners with plenty of scope to get involved in as much or as little as they like.
Owners also organise their own group activities such as gardening, chess and bridge, to name a few.
You’d be hard pushed to find an unhappy owner — they are all involved in activities as and when they want to be.
There is no pressure to take part, but most say it’s nice to know they can join in whenever they feel like it.
Retirement to them is more than bricks and mortar.
It’s about being with likeminded, ‘ young- at- heart’ people in a safe, secure environment that enables them to have the fulfilling lifestyle they deserve, doing the things they enjoy.
It’s that simple!