Latest news with #retirementvillage
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
I'm 38 and live in a retirement village. My rent is cheap, and my neighbors have taught me how to be a better friend.
After a break-up, I needed a new place to live but was having trouble finding an apartment I loved. My aunt suggested moving to her retirement village, and they accepted my application despite my age. I love living here. My neighbors have changed my perspective on aging. I get mixed reactions every time I tell people I live in a retirement village. Some people just laugh it off because they don't understand how I came to that decision. Some ask, "Isn't that depressing?" while some family members initially thought I was way too young to live around seniors. I get it — it's not typical to find a 30-something in a retirement village. But every Wednesday morning when I join my silver-haired neighbors for a game of bingo, I realize it's the best decision I've ever made. I'm a 38-year-old woman who's independent by all means. My ex and I previously shared a home, but after our long-term relationship ended, it made sense to move out and start fresh. While looking for an apartment that had everything I was looking for that I could afford, I had been living in an Airbnb for two months, which was becoming costly. Then one weekend, I visited one of my favorite aunts in her retirement village and casually explained that I was househunting. She told me that a unit a few minutes from her place had opened up and was actively seeking a tenant. I didn't see how I could get into the retirement village when there was an age stipulation, but she assured me they had made exceptions before. She was confident, and told me the village's homeowners' association reviewed applications on a case-by-case basis. And while I desperately needed an apartment, I thought I would feel out of place in the village. I wasn't sure how I would relate to older neighbors or rules like time limits on guest visitations and quiet hours, as I've never really been a stickler for rules. Still, after a lot of convincing, I submitted the application, which included a short letter explaining my situation, rental history, proof of income, credit report, photo ID, and my aunt's recommendation. Then, we waited to hear back. Six weeks later, I got a call saying I had been approved for the unit. I'm not sure what tipped the scales in my favor; maybe it was my aunt's glowing recommendation, or the fact that I expressed how I desperately needed community after a heartache. Either way, I signed the lease and was a resident. The actual move was surreal, especially because rent for my two-bedroom apartment is 500 Australian dollars, inclusive of service fee. That's a fraction of the going rate for most apartments of the same size in Melbourne, where a two-bedroom typically goes for AU$2800 to AU$3200. As I moved in, the neighbors introduced themselves, and I particularly remember a retired school principal and an Army vet who were kind enough to set up my bed and TV frame and make sure my cabinets could lock. My days often start the same way. I'm woken up by the faint sound of my neighbor's golden oldies. I drink coffee while reading the newspaper, enjoy a walk, and watch the occasional cat sunbathing. As members of the village strive to stay fit and have fun, I've joined chair yoga classes, cycled now and then, attended bingo at the clubhouse every Wednesday, and spent my afternoons freelancing. Evenings are also simple. I walk to the nearby grocery store or diner, bake, or sit on the porch and go down memory lane in unending conversations. These are things I always look forward to, and they are surprisingly peaceful. I've been living in the retirement village for a little over a year. I've stopped considering it a stepping stone to a better place, and I now see it as my home. I've never felt out of place, and living around people who are not in a rush to live life or consumed by tech has been great for my mental health. It's a kind of haven. My neighbors talk about their life experiences, the books they've read, the jobs they miss, and offer unsolicited yet meaningful advice. I meet their friends and family, making new friends along the way. Last week, my neighbor Anna taught me to make lemon bars, and I can't get enough of her chicken noodle soup. My new home has reshaped my life ambitions and the way I view aging. I've found immense peace here, and it's my definition of a wonderful life. It's comforting to know that the 70s and 80s aren't so bad after all. As I've learned from those around me, you can still have agency, volunteer, make friends, and start new hobbies, no matter your age. My experience has taught me how to be a better friend and neighbor. There's always a bowl of soup, apple pie, or a bottle of ginger ale on my front porch because everyone cares. In turn, I help run errands for others when I can, and even better, live only 10 minutes from my aunt. So, the next time you pass by your local retirement village, don't be shy to ask for an opening; you never know where it will take you. Read the original article on Business Insider
ABC News
09-07-2025
- ABC News
Man dies after suspected gas explosion in Kingcliff retirement village
A man has died following a suspected gas explosion at a northern New South Wales retirement village earlier this week. The 85-year-old suffered severe burns to 50 per cent of his body after a fire erupted at his demountable home at Noble Lakeside Park, an over-50s village at Kingscliff, on Monday. He was flown to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in a critical condition but died from his injuries overnight. The man's 83-year-old wife, who was also inside the home when the fire broke out, was taken to Tweed Valley Hospital with minor burns to her face and body. She is in a stable condition. A resident of the park who did not wish to be identified said people living nearby described their homes shaking from an explosion. The resident told the ABC that after the blast two neighbours rushed into the home and got the couple out before the structure was engulfed in flames. Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewbury said the cause of the fire was still being investigated but the debris pattern suggested a gas leak. "We've also got evidence of a pretty decent flash-fire or a minor explosion, which has pushed a lot of the construction of that demountable outside of where we would normally expect it than if it was a fire that started in a kitchen or in a lounge," he said. "So there is information to indicate there has been some sort of vapour that has ignited. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
ABC News
03-07-2025
- General
- ABC News
Readers share how the responsibility of a pet impacted their lives
Has a pet ever changed your life? Phoebe Thorburn recently wrote about their experience of committing to a big dog breed, after yearning for canine companionship. This is what you had to say about what your own big dogs and how pets have impacted your life. Many of you said the bigger breeds were worth a bit of extra effort. After four bigger dogs — over 30 years — I can confidently say that they are brilliant after four years of age and so worth the perseverance that Phoebe is showing. — Jennifer I fully understand the terrible childhood and adolescence phases, but adulthood is a dream. I wish people could understand this. In my dad's retirement village, they could have dogs "no bigger than handbag size". Whenever I would visit there was constant yapping from some unit or other. Hardly peaceful living. I often couldn't find our big dog in our own house. He'd be laid quietly somewhere. Rarely even a bark. — Marje Fantastic once he grew up and stopped chewing everything and getting into mischief. — John We had an Irish wolfhound and for two years … no amount of training helped [control his behaviour]. Then, it's as if someone flicked a switch and he became the most loving, well-behaved dog. His name was Fingal and we'd love to give him one more hug — Jacki Greyhounds and their laziness — despite a propensity for zoomies — were just one of the breeds that got a special mention. I have two rescue greyhounds and have had the breed as pets for the last 15 years. They are a wonderful dog to have for your mental health. They lie on the couch and just want to be near you, with bursts of energy and zoomies in between. I've always loved bigger dogs, but we don't have the space for very active dogs that need a lot of exercise. — Michele [I have] always owned little dogs. Last year we adopted a large retired male greyhound. We can't leave food on the edge of the bench in case he feels snacking, but I would definitely recommend a greyhound to anyone. They are the loveliest breed of dogs and really low maintenance — Jenna My greyhound may eat like a horse, but definitely not a high-energy dog that requires a lot of space like people think! She's happy with the occasional walk and backyard zoomies. — Chloe Big dogs are the best. Gentle giants. Especially when you have invested the time to train them and really understand and know them, but their short life spans are absolutely heart-breaking. — Theresa We have a 43-kilogram Swiss shepherd. He's looks like a wolf and eats like one, too. He is the most challenging dog I've ever had the privilege of having. His hair sheds and invades every square inch of our home and cars, but he is my heart. Fiercely loyal and protective, he is a happy joyful soul, and worth every single penny we spend on him. When he jumps on the bed or on the couch and this huge fluffy bear of an animal plonks down beside you and puts his head on your lap or your arm and snuggles in, there's no feeling like it. — Suzanne Some of you shared your less conventional pathways to pet parenthood. I now have a new love: a rescue rabbit. Running wild on the streets of a small coastal town, my daughter successfully captured the emaciated and scarred rabbit. She had been running wild for months, and was probably dumped, as efforts to locate an owner were fruitless. Called Bon Bon, she is now calm, rotund, playful, and very loving. She has taught me never to underestimate even the small creatures of the world. She roams my large studio vigilantly, disliking too much change, giving new objects a disdainful shove and in extreme cases a resounding thump. Who knew rabbits are so sociable and personable? I didn't. – Danja Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts. Some comments have been edited for clarity and brevity.
