Retirement living redefined

FORGET bowling greens and dance halls. Today’s over-50s want yoga studios, resort-style pools, and bars – features more suited to a luxury country club, according to a leading developer. GemLife director and CEO Adrian Puljich said new lifestyle resorts such as its $200m development in Pimpama, were being designed to suit the growing interests of a younger and more active demographic.

More than 50 per cent of buyers in its northern Gold Coast development are aged under 65, and Mr Puljich said the average age of residents across its communities continues to drop.

“The bowling green and dance hall of the past doesn’t cut it anymore,” Mr Puljich said.

“While we still have those at GemLife Gold Coast we also have three pools, including a roof-top infinity pool with cabanas, sunken lounges and a bar; a three-level Country Club; yoga studio; fitness centre; and a golf simulator, among other things.

“Our residents are healthier and more active than before, with the age of homeowners steadily reducing since we launched our first community at Bribie Island in late 2016.”

More than $60m worth of homes have sold off-the-plan in GemLife Gold Coast, with stage one sold out along with more than 70 per cent of the 88 homes released in stage two.

It will feature a total 365 homes across a 46-hectare site, with views from North Stradbroke to Burleigh.

Mr Puljich said people were no longer waiting until they were older to move into these communities, preferring to enjoy a more relaxed yet active lifestyle, which is low maintenance and allows them to travel at an earlier stage of life.

Retirees Karen Warcaba, 66, and Brian Wherrett, 72, (pictured right) are among those embracing the trend, having purchased a two-bedroom, home off-theplan in GemLife Gold Coast, which they will move into once completed in mid-2023.

Initially moving to an acreage block in Murwillumbah from Sydney, they said their life is consumed by home maintenance, lawn mowing and pool cleaning.

“When I started researching, I realised over-50s resorts aren’t retirement villages, they’re lifestyle communities – and we wanted to move to one while we can enjoy the facilities,” Ms Warcaba said.

“When you’re downsizing, you want more time and Brian is going to enjoy the residents’ workshop and social club, while I’m looking forward to Zumba, aqua aerobics and the magnificent pools.

“We’ve already met people who will be our neighbours, who are moving for the same reasons.”

The couple said buying new in a fastgrowing location was also appealing.

“Pimpama ticked all the boxes on a number of fronts,” Ms Warcaba said.