Keyton's biennial Retirement Living Lifestyle Report found some key interesting insights about how retirees are feeling right now. Did you know that 88% of Australians living in retirement villages say they have more time to relax and enjoy life now that they’re not juggling a big house and garden? And that one in four retirees over 55 feel more inclined to enjoy life than they did back in 2021?
Retirement isn’t slowing anyone down, rather it’s opening doors to new experiences. In fact, we’re seeing this every day in our villages, where residents are diving into hobbies they love, picking up new skills, travelling and finding fresh ways to stay active and connected. Here are some of the many stories.
Since retiring a few years ago and moving with his wife to Elliot Gardens, Ross has brought his passion for art to the village, along with his technical skills. After years of working in mental health across various facilities, he found art therapy stood out as the one space where barriers disappeared. In those sessions, there were no labels, just people enjoying the class together. For many, it became the only place they felt truly accepted, at ease and free to do what they loved.
Ross now shares his skills with the residents at Elliot Gardens. He says, “I make sure there’s good music playing in the background and there’s a lot of joking, so people find it very relaxing. It makes a difference.” His popular art classes are changing lives in the village “I love it that 99% of the people I’ve taught here have come to me and said, “Look, I am a bit interested but I have no skill — I’ve never painted, never drawn. I don’t know anything about it.” And their follow up comment is, “I don’t think I am going to be any good at it.” And Ross says to them, “By the time you’ve finished learning, you will be. You’ll be doing lovely paintings, because it’s just about learning the process and anyone can do it.” He begins with an introduction to acrylic paints and brush techniques. "I start off teaching simple scenes — sunset over water, with a few clouds and a bit of land, something very simple in washes. By following the process, anyone can do washes. Then, once people become familiar with the materials, I invite them to try something they are really interested in. They start to bring their own projects along and I support them. I enjoy it. It’s a lot of fun.”
Check out the winners of our village Art Trail Competition, an inspiring initiative where residents showcase their talents by creating artwork around a set theme.
For Lyn, from Henry Kendall Gardens, a trip to Barcelona on a Mediterranean cruise reignited her love of glasswork. She recalls, "It was at the start of Covid—I bought a glass cutter from my old lead lighting teacher. I started fiddling around and watching the videos that are available online. You can just about teach yourself anything from the internet!"
Lyn has always had a creative streak. She used to sew and then later dabbled in painting and drawing. She used to do lead lighting but she developed carpal tunnel in her right hand and had to stop. "When you’re cutting glass, you need a really good strong grip." But Barcelona gave her the courage to try working with glass again in a different way. "I’m not brilliant at anything, I just like to give it a go. Creativity brings you back to nature, back to the things you love and enjoy. And doing different things helps you express yourself in different ways." The piece chosen for the resident art trail was Lyn’s first attempt at glass on glass, a technique she learned at a workshop. She has also added unique touches to her kitchen renovation and now she’s doing the splashbacks in her new bathroom.
Travel remains a passion for Lyn. Living in the village gives her the security to lock up and leave to explore new creative techniques on her adventures. "I’ve visited Bali a few times. I go to an art retreat in Mount Batukaru and train with an Australian lady, who teaches the principles of mandalas. She takes us all around to look at carvings, and there are lots of lotus flowers and water lilies, we’re drawing all different shapes. That’s a really amazing time."
Lyn’s next project is a koi fishpond mosaic tabletop. She says "I have a lot of plans and when you are retired you would think I should have lots of time, but it’s amazing you never have as much time as you think you’ll have. I’ve got a lot of things going on; I go to yoga and I cycle and kayak — I can barely fit in time for doing the washing!"
When 81-year-old James from The Grove Ngunnawal, was instructed to rest after surgery with minimal movement, he was looking for ways to keep himself occupied. He wasn’t sure how he would manage but he definitely wasn't one to stay still. That’s when someone suggested he try building LEGO models. “I couldn’t do anything for a week. It hurt to breathe. All I was allowed to do was look out the window and watch the grass grow! I got sick of that, so someone suggested I get a LEGO kit and have a go. That’s where it all started.”
Having worked as a technician for the Postmaster General, then on photocopy machines and later as a policeman, James has always had an eye for detail. His technical skills came in handy when he started with his first LEGO model — a motor scooter. Since then, James has built an impressive collection at a desk in his bedroom, using a lazy Susan for easy access. His completed models include a Fender guitar, Harry Potter’s owl, complete with potions and bottles, a British Land Rover and an Airbus rescue helicopter. His granddaughter recently gifted him a Mercedes Benz 4WD LEGO set, which now joins his growing collection. Displayed in clear storage boxes around his home, his models are admired by friends, family and especially his five grandchildren.
For James, LEGO has become more than just a pastime, it’s a source of challenge and enjoyment.
In 1958, Mocco embarked on a new chapter, migrating from Cologne, Germany, with a limited grasp of English. Undeterred, her dedication led her to not only learn the language but to master it too. Within a few years, she was weaving poetry in English and her verses mirrored her European roots, expressing deep emotions with a humorous touch.
While living in Keperra Sanctuary, Mocco unveiled her latest masterpiece, 'JuXtapositions: Life and Universe in Poetry', available on Amazon. This collection of her published and prize-winning poems is honest and written straight from the heart. It will take the reader from bustling Australian cities to the Outback, showing her love of her new country. From romantic, deeply personal poems, Mocco shares her feelings and perceptions, including addressing current issues in an everchanging world.
She has published 10 poetry books. Her memoir about her life in Darwin, entitled BLOODY BASTARD BEAUTIFUL was published by the Literary Society of the Northern Territory in 2017.
This article was written by: Fellowship of Australian Writers Qld
Keperra Sanctuary resident Ken values time over money, which is why he chose to retire at only 53. Since then, Ken’s kept busy with volunteer roles, photography and travel. After stepping away from the workforce in 1997, Ken has embraced a life filled with variety, purpose and community. His volunteer work reflects his diverse interests. One morning a week, he heads to Wesley Hospital to help maintain a database of surgical samples — a role he finds both engaging and meaningful. “It’s very interesting. I go in one morning a week and find out what other jobs they have for me.”
Ken’s passion for photography has found new life too. He’s travelled to Europe twice, capturing over 8,000 photos — many of which he’s still sorting through. “I went to France mainly, but also Malta and Italy,” he says. “I go to the same places over and over because I like that you get to know the place well.” Paris and Rome are particular favourites, not just for their beauty but for the simple pleasures they offer. “They’re great places to be in for no other reason than to people-watch, sit in cafés and go to art galleries.” At 71, Ken feels relatively young among the village’s residents. But age, he says, doesn’t matter once you find your place. “When you have things in common, age is something you don’t think about.”
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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