How to make the most of your zest for life

What does an active lifestyle mean to you?

To some, it’s all about the variety: the chance to enjoy as many lively activities as possible. For others, it’s about having the time and space to pursue a passion. It may be about making personal connections with great, like-minded people. For many of us, it’s all of the above.

No matter what your definition, it all comes down to making the most of every day. More importantly, it requires a day-to-day lifestyle that makes it easy to stay active, energetic and social.

More and more retirees are making the choice to restructure their lives around this zest for life, seeking out communities designed from the ground up to bring out their very best.

We spoke with Trish Allen, a resident of Living Gems Ruby Gardens Resort, about how she found a community that helped her make the most of her active lifestyle. Since moving to the over-50s retirement resort, she says there’s never been a dull moment.

“The social calendar is always full with a variety of events and trips. While we all enjoy our privacy and the tranquil surroundings we also like a bit of fun,” Trish says.

Living Gems lifestyle facilities rival most five star holiday resorts. These residential resorts offer two and three bedroom architect designed homes in friendly master planned communities. The magnificent swimming pool and barbecue pavilion, the country club bar and dining areas, the grand ballroom and the private cinema are guaranteed to impress.

Add to this a bowling green, croquet lawn, tennis court and a host of other activities to see why Living Gems has won resident’s hearts and the Best Over 50s’ Housing in Australasia Award.

Living Gems Resorts are positioned on the north and south sides of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Toowoomba.

To add to the fun, song and dance form a regular part of the Living Gems lifestyle. “We have regular events in the ballroom and the piano bar featuring Ruby Gardens’ talented residents,” says Trish.

“Alan Voss is a great entertainer; he hosts sing-alongs in the bar and is particularly skilful at getting the audience involved. Brian Fordham heads the Ruby Gardens Barber Shop Quartet and performs as a solo artist.

“Barry Carter is a keyboard wizard, he plays backing music for a several of our entertainers. We have a great band called the Goggomobiles, they get everyone up and dancing. Another group of residents formed the Ladybirds, a glam group of girls who specialise in performing everyone’s favourite songs,” she says.

Trish says everyone enjoys the activities whether it involves entertainment, a bowling competition or a trip away. “Residents’ weekly lunches and dinners are very popular as new people join the Living Gems communities. It’s like being on cruise ship holiday all year round. The difference is we go home to a lovely home, not a little cabin,” she says.

For more information about Living Gems Lifestyle Resorts visit www.livinggems.com.au or call 1800 785 594.

What does an active lifestyle mean to you?

This post has been sponsored by Living Gems. It was written as we feel it provides valuable insights into a subject important to the Starts at 60 community. For more information about their world-class over-50s lifestyle resorts, please visit the Living Gems website.