Widow Judi White’s life began a new chapter when she sold her apartment and moved into a retirement village.
“Honestly I couldn’t be happier, I really do love my life,” she said.
She sold her home in Sans Souci, 17km south of Sydney’s CBD, and moved into Southern Cross Care NSW and ACT’s Thomas Dunlea Court Retirement Village at Kirrawee, 8km further south.
“Once my husband Warren passed away, I found myself alone looking out at the ocean from our beautiful apartment when all I wanted to do was get out there and sail on it but didn’t have the money,” Judi said.
“So, I decided to sell and move into Thomas Dunlea Court which has not only been an absolutely beautiful place to live, but enabled me to cruise three to four times a year.
“I just don’t understand why retirees who are fortunate enough to have a property stay in it but then don’t have the means to enjoy life.
“After all these cruises, people often ask me which is the best one to do and I always say the one I’m currently on, but seriously, the 35-day trip to Hawaii would have to be up there.
“I have started a whole new chapter in my life.”
Judi, who is off on her 31st voyage next month, said unlocking the capital in her family home meant she can live life rather than just watch it pass her by.
Village liaison officer, Retirement Living Sydney, East and South, Jane Hurst, said retirement villages are designed to offer a sense of community, security, and independence.
“You move into your home with the peace of mind that maintenance, gardens, and grounds are all taken care of so you can go and enjoy doing what you want,” Jane said.
“Many of our residents use the capital they have released from the sale of their family home like Judi and do all the things they have always wanted, like travel.
“They can do what they like without a worry in the world about their home.”