WHETHER its djembe drumming or deep sea fishing that rocks your boat, residents of retirement villages and lifestyle communities are keeping busy with a raft of different activities.
Living alongside other retirees doesn’t have to mean your only options are bowls and bingo.
Recent figures from the Property Council’s Retirement Census show retirement village residents like to be active. Just over 90 per cent of villages in Australia have a community centre, while 84 per cent have organised activities and outings. There are pool and gym facilities at 41 per cent.
The 2017 census also shows that 65 per cent of independent living units in retirement villages are occupied by a single resident, and 57 per cent of residents are female.
Which is why group activities and social clubs are a vital part of village life.
At RCA Villages’ Martha Cove Village on the Mornington Peninsula, a group of between 30 and 40 residents regularly head out to sea with their fishing club.
Convenor, resident Beth Hamill, said the group heads out about twice a week – and many members have never fished before.
“We generally catch flathead and whiting,” she said. “The catch is shared between the fishers.
“You lose yourself out on the water and we see seals, dolphins and lots of wildlife. It’s great for clearing the head.”
In the ACT, social engagement and activity is a top priority for residents at The Grove Ngunnawal.
The Lendlease village recently opened its new $3.9 million clubhouse, with amenities including an indoor pool, gym, outdoor bowling green, men’s shed, arts and crafts room, library and lounge.
“Some activities are designed around the resort-style facilities within the village, but residents are also encouraged to develop their own social activities and
various committees within the village help to facilitate this,” a Lendlease spokesman said.
Activities range from tai chi to mah-jong. The fitness activity “ageless grace” is also proving popular. Done seated, it is designed to work on both the brain and body through 21 simple exercise tools.
Many activities are resident designed and organised. One group has organised regular card sessions. A female resident recently sourced a water aerobics instructor for specific fitness classes and a wine appreciation evening is in the process of being established by residents who were previously winemakers.
In Umina on the NSW Central Coast, residents at Peninsula Village and local over-65s have been taking part in an on-site Creative Arts Experience program. Classes offered include music for the soul, djembe drumming, music therapy and dance therapy.