The benefits of retirement living
Ready to enjoy a lifestyle that's built around you? Here’s how retirement living can help you make the most of your next chapter.
Village amenities encourage residents to stay active and fit
Thursday, 23 January 2025
Explore how our gyms and wellbeing amenities across most of our villages empower residents to lead active, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Staying active in later years can be incredibly rewarding with the right environment and support. Older adults may prefer a more comfortable, welcoming space to exercise, where they feel confident and safe. By providing tailored fitness programs, user-friendly equipment and low-impact options, it becomes easier for everyone to embrace physical activity at their own pace. With encouragement and the right resources, staying active can be an enjoyable and empowering part of daily life.
With a focus on the health and wellbeing of residents, most of our villages have gyms, swimming pools and wellness centres, providing opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Here are a few of the many benefits that our villages can bring to residents' quality of life.
Villages with gyms
Living an active lifestyle is effortless with the gym amenities available in many of our villages. Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just looking to move a little more, our gyms have everything residents need to keep fit and healthy.
At Sherwin Rise, the gym is part of a vibrant wellness hub that also includes a pool, so residents can mix up their workouts. At Kingfisher Grove, the gym is part of an exclusive wellness hub, complete with an indoor heated pool – perfect for those low-impact exercise days.
Annesley Bowral has a great gym too, located in the Lifestyle Centre, where residents can also join Pilates classes and other fitness programs.
As a strong advocate for a fit and healthy lifestyle, Paul, resident at Little Bay Apartments and a practising GP says, "As a strong believer in living a fit and healthy life, I find health and happiness in village life. I am loving it.”
Villages with swimming pools
Swimming is an effective way for older adults to stay active, offering low-impact exercise that’s easy on the joints and helps improve muscle strength, flexibility and balance. Heated pools in some of our villages like Port Phillip Village, Evelyn Ridge and Elliot Gardens mean residents can enjoy a swim year-round, regardless of the weather. For those living in areas such as Northern Queensland or the Sunshine Coast, a dip in the village swimming pool can also mean a welcoming respite from the summer heat.
Ros, resident of Annesley Bowral started using the heated pool at the village after recovering from major surgery. Her daughter, Michaela says, “Mum had major surgery and while she’s no great athlete, she’s been using the pool almost every day. She looks better, she’s walking more confidently and the regular exercise is really helping to strengthen her muscles.”
Whether it’s for fitness, therapy or simply relaxing in the water, our pools provide a wonderful way for residents to stay active, connect with others and enjoy the best of retirement living.
Villages offering exercise classes
There are a variety of classes and activities offered across our villages. The Links at Waterford offers classes designed to encourage residents to stay fit and connected. Anne, an active resident, enjoys Pilates sessions every Tuesday afternoon, which have become a favourite part of her routine. “Pilates has been amazing for my core strength and posture. It’s gentle but so effective and I love the mix of exercise and social connection.” Anne also cycles with the village’s Saturday morning group, enjoying the camaraderie as much as the 16 km ride.
While at Bellflower Retirement Resort, residents Denzil and Julie, both passionate athletes, have found plenty of ways to stay active. Julie enjoys participating in pool sessions, Zumba classes and physiotherapy programs, all of which help maintain her health and energy.
Whether it’s light exercise or a more challenging program, these classes and activities give opportunities for residents to connect, build friendships and enhance their overall wellbeing.
Villages with wellness centres and health and wellbeing coordinators
The wellness centres across some of our villages are transforming how residents stay engaged. With upgraded amenities and equipment and dedicated health and wellbeing coordinators, these spaces are thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of every resident.
At Menzies Malvern, the newly opened wellness centre with James as the health and wellbeing coordinator, offers tailored programs to help residents feel energised and supported. From chair-based yoga sessions that cater to all abilities to personalised gym inductions, residents can confidently navigate their fitness journeys in a welcoming environment.
At Buderim Gardens, residents are embracing the new wellness centre, which offers a fantastic lineup of classes like Ageless Grace, Zumba Gold and yoga. With classes running Monday through Friday, there’s something to suit every fitness level and preference.
At Keperra Sanctuary, the health and wellbeing coordinator, leads a 12-week summer challenge that encourages residents to embrace exercise with enthusiasm. Each week, residents complete guided workouts before heading to the gym to enjoy those feel-good endorphins that exercise brings.
Villages with indoor and outdoor courts
With the various courts available across some of our villages, residents enjoy a variety of sports and activities. From croquet, lawn bowls to Pickleball, these spaces are perfect for fitness, friendly competition and connection.
At Dee Why Gardens, residents are glad to see croquet return to the village with the re-laid lawn ready for action. “We launched croquet at Dee Why Gardens. This project began when one of the residents submitted an application through the Ignite Your Passion Program to have the croquet lawn re-laid and prepared. Residents spent the afternoon honing their skills and enjoying each other’s company," says Louise, the health and wellbeing coordinator.
Over at Waterford Valley Lakes, the village's courts buzzed with energy during the Rowville Pickleballers Challenge. Julie Bathgate, the village manager, shared her excitement, “We successfully launched the challenge with a two-hour coaching session provided by Paul Riley and Luke at Eastern Indoor Courts. A large number of residents joined in the fun, with representation from Waterford Valley Lakes, The Links, Peppertree Hill and Waterford Park.” With Pickleball gaining momentum, Julie plans to start an intervillage social competition at the end of February, “Like the Australian Open 2025, we’re looking for the next Keyton Pickleball champion!”
As a proud sponsor of the Pickleball Association of Australia, Keyton is dedicated to promoting this fast-growing sport while supporting residents’ love for active living. Whether it’s perfecting a croquet shot or playing Pickleball, residents are making the most of the courts while fostering community spirit and connection.
Villages surrounded by nature
Our villages are perfectly located for residents who love to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors. Some of our villages are surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, golf courses, walking and biking trails and even nearby beaches. At The Little Bay Apartments in NSW, residents like Graham Johnson, a former Olympian, is thriving in his retirement. Graham stays active by swimming at Maroubra Beach every morning and playing golf at the nearby Coast Golf Club. “Moving to Little Bay Apartments was the best decision we ever made,” say Graham and his wife, Pauline, who love the convenience and active lifestyle the village offers.
In Rowville, residents from Waterford Valley Lakes, The Links, and Waterford Park recently came together for a combined bike ride along local trails. One of their adventures included a scenic 16 km ride to a café for coffee and toast before heading back. Following the success of their ‘Ride to Work’ initiative last year. These joint events have become highly requested, offering residents a fun and social way to stay fit and connected.
For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or send us an email here.
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