Retirement Living Where it’s Easy to Belong

We all know that life is better when it’s shared with loved ones. This becomes more apparent as we get older and have more free time to spend with those we care about most. So, what can we do to keep ourselves socially active in our senior years? In Newcastle, many retirees have found that living in a vibrant community with like-minded people has been beneficial for their health and wellbeing and this is especially true at Aveo Newcastle.

The whole community is designed so residents truly feel like they belong. Perched on a gentle tree-fringed ridge and straddling the fairways of Shortland Waters Golf Club, this unique community is ideal for the social retiree. The recently redeveloped course and clubhouse provide a great opportunity for residents to get together for a round of golf or a few drinks and dinner. A new community centre also provides a hub for residents to participate in the host of activities on offer. Along with regular trivia and movie nights, residents also enjoy high teas, arts and crafts, barefoot bowls, yoga and exercise in the fully-equipped gym. Every week the resident social committee is thinking of new things to do. In that way, no two days need to be alike. Last year the residents enjoyed a bus trip to the Hunter Valley Vineyards and recently they headed to the Hawkesbury to go on the Postman’s Run. Now they are looking forward to a trip to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and a Lake Macquarie Lunch Cruise.

All this social interaction can make a big difference to the health and wellbeing of seniors. According to Professor Michael Nilsson, Director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, our brains are wired for social interaction, so we unconsciously yearn connection. Aveo Newcastle have taken this thinking on board and applied it to their amenities and services.

There is a Health and Wellness Centre on site where residents can receive tailored care planning so they can stay as active and independent as possible. Aveo have also partnered with The Physio Co, an experienced team of qualified physiotherapists that conveniently offer treatment in the comfort of their home. They can provide rehabilitation and ongoing management of pain and conditions such as arthritis. And with planned residential aged care, residents can stay at Aveo Newcastle, close to friends and family even if their care needs change.

Aveo understands that by helping residents stay active they can make the most of their retirement and enjoy everything Australia’s second oldest city has to offer. Close by is The Forum Swimming Centre that residents have easy access to. Hospitals, shopping, parks, restaurants and beaches are also within easy reach and regular bus trips take residents to various events and places in and around the city.

Closer to home, the spacious villas are linked by green walkways, offering views over the golf course and making the most of natural light. The open plan living and dining areas extend to private terraces where residents can enjoy a morning coffee or a relaxing drink with friends. Each villa also comes with a 24/7 emergency call system for extra peace of mind.

When you visit Aveo Newcastle you can’t help but notice the welcoming and relaxed nature of the residents and a real sense of community. Administrations Officer, Deborah Ramage, sums it up by saying, “Our residents really look out for each other. Just little things like checking to make sure everything’s OK with a neighbour or feeding their pets and watering plants when they’re away on holidays, goes a long way to building a community where residents feel like they belong.”