Be you, with Bupa
At Bupa, it’s not just about the peace of mind of village life, it’s the great friends you meet along the way.
Here, community is everything. And with a range of clubs, events, gatherings and get-togethers, you can be as social as you like. Whether you’re a crafter, a gardener, a sporty type or you simply enjoy catching up over a cuppa, there’s a place for everyone.
Just ask e-bike fanatic Phil Barnes. Phil and his wife Sydnee moved into Christchurch’s Bupa Ashford Retirement Village about six months ago, and since then, Phil’s had plenty of new friends join him on the cycle trails.
“People would see me out and about on the bike, and before long, we had a nice group together,” he says. “I ride the bike every day and clock up about 20 kilometres each time, which is easily 7000 kilometres a year. There are so many great bike tracks nearby, and we make sure we always stop at a café.”
For Phil and Sydnee, choosing the Bupa life was easy. After visiting a number of different villages, they quickly fell in love with the spacious grounds, range of living options and friendly atmosphere at Bupa Ashford in Prebbleton.
“You feel as though you’re in the country here, it’s so relaxed,” Phil says. “Before we moved, we barely saw our neighbours but at the village, everyone says good morning. There’s a common area where we often go to socialise, people are welcoming and we’re loving it. And it’s great to have someone else mow the lawn!”
Bupa retirement villages are vibrant communities with a range of activities, from indoor bowls and dancing, to competitions and concerts.
Shared lounges and green spaces are often the hub of village life, and with added conveniences like outdoor home maintenance taken care of, you’ll have more time to do the things you most enjoy. With all the independence and privacy you choose, plus a social calendar to dip into as you please, it’s the best of both worlds.
For John Marshall at Bupa Cashmere View Retirement Village in Christchurch, tinkering in the garden is his happy place. As a keen member of the village garden club, John and several green-thumbed friends have built raised vegetable beds, while a fellow gardener has transformed an empty patch with new shrubs and plantings.
“There’s at least 15 of us gardeners at the village,” John says, “and it’s a lovely community. I’ve got a farming background so I think I’ve just always had a love for the land. Vegetables are my favourite thing to grow, and when you can pick your own fresh lettuce or radishes right by your front door, there’s nothing better.”
In these turbulent times, John says the supportive environment of the village has made all the difference. “The team here are great, they always kept us well-informed during Covid lockdowns. We all have an alarm we can use if we need assistance. There’s certainly that feeling of being safe and secure.”
And when he’s not getting his hands dirty in the vege patch, you’ll find John and his wife Avril making the most of all their village has to offer. “There’s always something going on here, like films, talks or games afternoons in the shared lounges. We all have lots of fun.”