Meet Generation Joy
Based on an article originally published in Good Housekeeping magazine.
“Who says older age means slowing down?” , Journalist Julia Martin met the retirees proving that there’s plenty of life and laughter left in them yet, and we were delighted to hear of experiences from many of the residents of our very own Cedars Village.
We weren’t surprised that community was one of the top topics on many residents’ lips; “I’ve now started a friendship group, not only for people like myself but many others who benefit from socialising. There’s a nervousness about making friends in later life but you have to walk through that door and try – and the more you try, the easier it gets”, said Janet Pegler, whose thoughts were echoed by resident Julie Cracknell; “The best thing about living here is the community spirit and the relationships. You make friends very quickly. The kind of people you become friends with tend to like the same things you do, but everyone is very supportive of each other.
Social life was a common theme too; “We were sitting having a drink together and laughing recently, and I thought, ‘Isn’t this lovely? I’m nearly 80 and I can have a hug whenever I want one. I’m living life to the fullest. Aren’t I a lucky girl?’”, Janet stated, with Julie adding; “We have a lot of fun together, especially on a Friday night in our on-site cocktail bar. We have Happy Hour, then some people go on to the restaurant to carry on – then some people stay behind for another drink, like a lot of my friends!”
“I feel sad when people say, ‘I couldn’t live there.’ Until you do, you don’t know how marvellous it is.”
Moving on to our own community, Cedars Village in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, residents David Hudson, June Grose & Carol Hunt led a fascinating discussion between themselves;
■ June: I moved in first, followed by Carol – she and I have been best friends since our girls were three; they’re now 57!
■ David: I was the last of our friendship group to arrive, with my wife, June. I was reluctant to move to a retirement village but it’s the best thing I ever did.
■ J: Every time I drive through the entrance gates, I feel blessed to live here with such lovely people. We have a lot of fun. We hold all sorts of events, and there are so many activities on offer, too, like canasta, Scrabble, bridge, exercise classes, croquet...
■ Carol: You’re never lonely. You can always go to the bistro for a coffee and find someone to chat to.
■ D: Whenever we leave our bungalow, we meet people we know, and our confidence has grown because we know we’re all in the same situation.
■ C: It’s such peace of mind for our children too, because they know that we’re happy, safe and looked after.
■ J: I feel sad when people say, ‘I couldn’t live there.’ Until you do, don’t know how marvellous it is. I’m ashamed to say that when I came to visit, I looked around and thought, ‘They’re all so old!’. And, of course, they are – but now they’re just my friends!
Rounding off the article, Marilyn Sylvester talked about the experience from another angle – that of her loved ones. “My daughter says it’s the gift that keeps on giving. She never has to worry about me because I’m totally safe, and there’s always something for me to do.”
The “Generation Joy” campaign is a united initiative by ARCO and Integrated Retirement Communities including Retirement Villages Group. It is intended to transform public perception of later life—from a time of decline to a time of continued independence, community, and fulfilment. Through heartfelt stories, media partnerships, and community outreach, it brings to light how retirement villages can offer safety, camaraderie, and a rich, joyful life.
Find out more about life at our retirement communities by attending one of our open days. More information here.
#GenerationJoy #GreatCommuntiesAmazingLives
