6 June 2020: A new initiative encouraging retirees across Australia to remember and share personal stories of hope and happiness during times of upheaval has been launched today, with the initiative on its way to creating a significant collection of memories to uplift and inspire the nation.

Aptly titled Remember When, the initiative has been born out of the current COVID-19 environment of physical distancing, which has resulted in many older Australians feeling socially isolated and disconnected from loved ones and the broader community.

Remember When has been created to help retirees keep connected and stimulated, having proven popular among Lendlease’s 17,000 retirement living residents and now extended to the broader community of Australian retirees with a story to share.

Following the call out for submissions closing in July, all memories submitted will be compiled into an e-book titled Silver Linings – capturing the spirit of memories made, stories told and things that bring comfort and joy.

Stories are welcome from all Australian retirees and can come in the form of an inspiring one-page story, photo, poem or piece of art that reflects a time gone by.

Residents stories collected so far include photographs, paintings and poems that demonstrate the beauty that can come in life even through adversity.

Lendlease retirement village resident Mocco Wollert from Queensland has shared her story, when her then six-year-old daughter broke through barricades to present the Queen with a posy of flowers in Darwin in 1956 – making headline news.

People are encouraged to participate by making a submission at www.lendleaserememberwhen.com by 3 July 2020.

Quotes attributable to Tony Randello, Managing Director, Retirement Living, Lendlease

"We know that loneliness was the greatest source of personal stress across Australia during April, owing to the social isolation created by the coronavirus pandemic – and there’s no doubt that retirees form a large portion of this group.

“Lendlease Retirement Living has undertaken several initiatives to keep residents connected, including the launch of a new app called Lendlease Together, and village activities such as street yoga and online bingo. Remember When expands on this and is inviting all Australian retirees to be part of our virtual community.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to read the submissions, many of which include some inspiring stories of resilience during tough times.”

Quote attributable to Mocco Wollert, resident in Lendlease’s Keperra Sanctuary Retirement Village

“’A day that I’ll never forget was in 1965, while waiting outside the Casino for a glimpse of the Queen. I thought what the heck and told my daughter Susan to run and run she did – right up to the Queen, handing her a mangled posy.”

About Keyton

With more than 75 villages nationally and 17,000 residents across the country, Keyton is a leading owner and operator of over-55’s living communities in Australia. With over 30 years’ experience in the market and a vast history combined with an ongoing commitment to creating communities and care for residents, Keyton is proudly owned by a consortium made up of Aware Super, APG Asset Management and Lendlease.

New initiative calls for Australia’s retirees to Remember When