Chris Edwards signed the contract to move into GemLife Gold Coast at the age of 48.
He and his wife Julie moved in four years later, in February 2025, and they are among the growing number of homeowners in Over 50s land lease communities who still work.
Chris and Julie work night shifts – Chris in warehouse automation robotics and Julie as a personal carer.
They somehow fit in early morning or late afternoon 1km swims and are currently participating in ReachOut’s Laps for Life charity event.
“We sleep well at night,” Chris smiled.
“Sometimes it’s good to go back to work for a rest.”
Since moving from Redlands Shire, where they had lived for nearly 30 years, the couple say their social circle has grown enormously.
“Here everyone helps everyone,” Julie said. “You can always count on a neighbour.”
The couple fully embrace the active lifestyle available at GemLife Gold Coast including the $22.9 million clubhouse with rooftop sky lounge and infinity pool.
Before it opened in August last year, Chris and Julie created their own fitness routine, tackling five-kilometre walks to Coomera Springs and back, often joined by other early risers along the way.
Now that the Country Club is open, they’re making up for lost time. Swimming, ten-pin bowling, lawn bowls, pickleball, billiards, table tennis, mahjong, dance fitness classes – and soon line dancing – fill their days.
“If we’re not eating or swimming, we’re at the Country Club playing some sort of sport,” Chris said. Conveniently, it’s just 202 metres from their front door.
Both are lifelong sports lovers who do everything together. Julie swam competitively as a teenager and later played netball, touch football, and tenpin bowling. Chris grew up enjoying swimming, surfing, cricket, and rugby. Now, with world-class facilities under one roof, they’re expanding their repertoire.
“We spent a fortune on lawn bowls gear,” Chris admitted. “But to be honest, we’ve got all the gear and no idea what we’re doing.”
Luckily, they’re learning from experienced neighbours. “All the coaching is in-house,” Julie said. “Residents give up their time to help us learn. It’s incredible.”
“No one is old … it’s just a number,” Julie said. “There are people here older than us who would run rings around us.”
Community is what truly sets resort life apart. The Edwards first formed close friendships with several couples on a 2018 cruise to China, and now they all live in the same street at GemLife Gold Coast.
They are preparing for this year’s GemLife Games, being hosted at their resort for the first time. Both have nominated for swimming, with Julie adding ten-pin bowling and Chris eyeing pickleball.
“We can’t wait to meet residents from other resorts,” Julie said.
Married for 15 years and together for 20, the couple credit their shared passions for their happiness. With no yard maintenance, the freedom to lock-up and leave for cruising adventures, and a full activities calendar, life feels brand new.
“We don’t watch TV,” Chris said. “We just keep doing us!”