While aging was once perceived as a barrier to health, happiness and fun, the residents of Seasons are proving these misconceptions wrong, as they continue to thrive in their retirement.
To coincide with Queensland Seniors Month – an initiative which celebrates older people living in the Sunshine State, we sat down with some of our incredible residents to find out why they ‘Love Getting Older in Queensland’.
Designed to recognise the valuable contributions made by seniors across the state, the month-long initiative also aims to create age-friendly and inclusive communities by enhancing social connections and ensuring support is accessible.
The 2024 theme of Seniors Queensland Month is ‘Love Getting Older in Queensland’ and runs until October 31.
JEANETTE
After living on a large acreage property for most of her adult life, Jeanette was initially apprehensive about moving into a Seasons community, but these fears quickly dissipated.
“Before I moved in, I started to really struggle with loneliness because I didn’t have the confidence to put myself out there,” she said.
“But at Seasons, it’s looking you right in the face… the residents are happy, the staff are friendly, there are plenty of activities and having that social connection has made the world of difference.”
After years of running a family business, Jeanette retired to help look after her grandchildren – a job she loved but committed to for more than two decades, before finally taking the time for herself in retirement.
The 2024 theme is ‘Love Getting Older in Queensland’ – a statement Jeanette lives and breathes at Seasons every day, whether she is taking part in the community’s craft workshops, walking group or catching up with other residents.
“I’m really enjoying the sense of freedom… it took me a while to accept that I’m getting older, but I’ve realised that shouldn’t stop me from living,” Jeanette said.
“I love Queensland – it has so much to offer, lots of beautiful places to visit and I wouldn’t live anywhere else.”
ROBYN
Former Hervey Bay local Robyn relocated to a Seasons community to be closer to family and access its 24/7 onsite care services, when her needs change.
“Everyone is so happy and friendly (at Seasons),” she said.
“The first time we walked into the dining room, we saw everyone sitting together, chatting and laughing and we just thought ‘wow, this is a great place to be.’
“Life is looking pretty rosy now.”
After developing Rheumatic Fever as a child and being told she would not live a long and healthy life by medical professionals, Robyn, who is set to turn 80 soon, has always embraced life and seized every opportunity with enthusiasm.
Robyn is currently eagerly preparing for the arrival of her third great grandchild.
CLIFF
Anyone who has met Cliff once, likely had a memorable experience, with his choice of attire as bright as his personality.
The Seasons resident never fails to impress at an event, often arriving in colourful shirts, floral suits and eye-catching accessories.
“I’ve always been the type of person who does something if it’s possible to do it and I love that I can,” Cliff said.
“Some people probably think I’m a bit stupid (when I dress up), but I just really enjoy the idea of individuals living their lives and making others happy.”
The father of three and grandfather of five said he was grateful to have watched his family grow into incredible people, with his oldest child recently turning 60.
“My family has made my life complete – they are all wonderful people and it has been such a pleasure to see them achieve so much in my lifetime,” he said.
“I’ve had my fair share of health scares and hurdles and during those hard times, I experienced a lot of love and support from those who care about me – particularly my lovely wife – so that has been very reassuring.”
Since moving into Seasons more than 18 months ago with his wife, Cliff said every moment spent at the community had been enjoyable.
“My wife and I have a good, balanced life here – we go on day trips, we’ve joined a few groups, but I still drive so we can also go out and do our own thing too,” he said.
“The extra care aspect offered here has been a huge benefit, but we were also very taken with the set-up of the place and the convenience of having meals supplied.
“All the staff here are very friendly and professional – we enjoy their company and they always stop to say hello… even if they are just delivering supper, we have chat at the door.”
Cliff said he felt for any seniors who were experiencing loneliness and recommended taking things slow by meeting new people in small groups first.
“It’s a very difficult situation – if I didn’t have my beautiful wife by my side, I could easily become a recluse,” he said.
“My advice is to remember we all feel how you probably feel – we all fear meeting new people, knowing what to say and remembering their names, but try and put those fears behind you.
“Eventually talking to people won’t feel like a task – but a pleasure, so as they say, try, try and try again.”
BEV
Life has rarely been quiet for Bev who is the loving mum of four and grandmother of nine.
“Three of (my grandchildren) were born in the same hospital within 24 hours of each other… so that was a very busy time for our family 12 years ago,” she said.
But since moving into a Seasons Living community, the avid quilter and sewer has taken time out for herself and her favourite hobbies for the first time in years.
“After being a mother of four children – and one who was alone a lot as my husband worked away in the beginning – it’s nice to be a bit selfish and take the time to do things for yourself… the things you really love to do,” Bev said.
Aside from her quilting and sewing, Bev also loves watching movies in the onsite cinema, playing board games and listening to music from the 70’s and 80’s and often spends her Friday evenings watching musicians perform at Seasons.
On one occasion, Bev even became reacquainted with a former neighbour who performed much to her surprise.
With plenty of likeminded people to socialize with and engaging lifestyle activities on the go at Seasons, Bev has also increased her social circle.
“(Before Seasons) I was living in a unit and knew no body around me, but now I’ve never been so popular,” she said.
“This year I had three Christmas in July parties… on the same day! My children keep reminding me that I’m old but I don’t feel old at all!”
The Seasons resident said she was also comforted by the security, convenience and inclusiveness of the community.
“As you age, you are conscious of the fact that you will not always be able to drive, but Seasons has a bus and offers shopping trips which is really important,” Bev said.
“Another major gamechanger for me was that meals are supplied because I was so sick to death of cooking for myself all the time.
“It’s so nice to know you can come down to the dining room and get a lovely meal every day.”
Bev is excited to celebrate her 80th birthday with a large party in January next year.
MARGO
Whether it was playing the lead role in a local production of Mother and Son or being crowned ‘Queen’ of over-50’s ladies social group – the Ipswich Red Hatters, Margo has lived a very full life.
The long-term lover of theatre and the arts has been living at Seasons for almost two years – a milestone she will celebrate with her husband.
“I’ve had a wonderful life but (moving into Seasons has) been lifechanging for us and we thoroughly enjoy it here,” Margo said.
“You can spend your time doing what you love, you can walk through the gardens and your balcony gives you lots of sunshine.
“My philosophy is all that matters is your family, your friends and having the ability to live your life to the fullest… your loved ones can visit as much as you like and the friendships we have made here have been incredible.
“The staff are also wonderful and helpful… everything they do for us is a pleasure. It has truly just made life even more wonderful.”
A self-proclaimed social butterfly, Margo is often showing her friendly-competitiveness in nail-biting rounds of Scattegories and word-building games.
“I always wanted to be Shirley Temple and go to Hollywood – I’m always up for anything and open to all experiences… nothing really scares me, but my husband is the complete opposite, but even he settled into Seasons quite quickly,” she said.
“When I grew up, you would talk to your neighbours all the time, but that doesn’t really happen these days, which is why Seasons is so lovely.
“Seasons is the perfect place to be, especially if you live alone, because there’s always someone here to talk to and everyone says hello to everyone.”
In addition to socialising, Margo said she enjoyed living at Seasons because it meant less chores and more freedom and time to have fun.
As her husband has encountered health challenges, Margo said it was an added comfort knowing care and support could be immediately available if required.
Between them, the pair have seven children, 28 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.
BARRY
Not one to take life too seriously, Barry has enjoyed moving into Seasons for the relaxing and social lifestyle on offer. Always keen to have a laugh with staff and the other residents, Barry regularly joins in on many of the community activities including the Grumpy Old Men’s Group.
“I can be a little bit cheeky sometimes and have enjoyed having that banter, forming camaraderie and socialising with other residents,” he said.
“At 83, you don’t expect to make new friends but I’ve managed to join in on a lot of the activities which was great for getting to know other people.
“(My advice for others struggling with isolation would be to) accept you’re getting older and put yourself out there – the residents at Seasons are very accepting and welcoming but sometimes you need to be prepared to get involved too.”
The father of three – including twin girls and grandfather of seven is also an active saxophone player and has been known to perform at the community on Friday evenings.
Otherwise in his spare time, Barry can be found listening to jazz music or helping out the community through his volunteer work.
“It gets to the point where your house needs so much work done but you’re a bit past that, so moving into Seasons was a big deal for me and has taken away that added worry,” he said.
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