May, who resides at Aveo’s Derwent Waters Retirement Living in Claremont, Hobart, Tasmania, is the longest residing resident of any Aveo community in Australia.
She moved into Derwent Waters Retirement Living just after it had opened.
“I have no other family living in Tasmania so the community here at Derwent Waters is like a family to me,’’ she said.
“After so many years it really is where I consider ‘home’. I know all my neighbours and the staff have become my friends too. They are always at the end of the phone 24/7 and I have security and friendship.
“I live in a very comfortable two-bedroom villa with magnificent water views that in Sydney would cost me $5 million. I love just sitting here looking out my window as the mighty Derwent River flows past.’’
Aveo CEO Tony Randello, Derwent Waters Community Manager Alison Bracken and May last month.
While May says she might be the resident with the longest individual connection to Derwent Waters, there are several others who have generational ties.
“I think it’s the best recommendation when family members choose to retire where their parents had once lived,’’ she said.
The community provides 112 villas and 44 apartments with services. Facilities include a restaurant with an onsite chef, hair salon, a bowling green and community vegetable gardens. The community centre, indoor pool and its facilities have undergone recent refurbishments.