Kevin and Julie Williams were in their 60s when they decided to leave behind the family home and move into a retirement village. After talking about how they wanted to spend their later years, they realized they wanted more travel and less home maintenance.
They found the perfect spot – a modern apartment at On Statenborough in Leabrook, just 5km east of Adelaide’s CBD, where costs start at $600,000.
“We wanted time to focus on our passions and dreams, instead of being tied down by the responsibilities of a big house,” Julie shared with News Corp.
Kevin added, “A lot of people go through life without really thinking about the different stages of it, and then suddenly they find themselves rattling around in a large house.”
He also reflected on how suburban life can feel lonely, especially if you’re the only one home while everyone else is off working.
Today, Kevin and Julie fill their days leading travel groups made up of fellow retirees from their village. They’ve just returned from Japan and fondly recall a trip to Whistler, Canada, where a waiter humorously called for reinforcements, saying, “We have a seniors Contiki tour here!”
The couple has visited all seven continents and shows no sign of slowing down.
“This is what retirement living is all about – it gives us the time to truly enjoy the life we have,” Julie explained. “We can do what we want, whether that means keeping busy or relaxing a bit more.”
That’s one of the great things about retirement villages. There’s always someone who loves to stay busy and plan activities for fellow residents. Whether you join in or not is entirely up to you.
“Everyone respects each other’s privacy, but when you do feel like socializing, there are so many like-minded people around, it makes it so much easier,” Julie said. “There’s so much to do here – Aqua aerobics, physiotherapy, Mahjong, bridge, line dancing, even indoor bowls! There’s something for everyone.”
Julie also mentioned how it’s nice to have a place that truly feels like home – a place that’s comfortable and welcoming for friends and family.
“I truly believe that here, people don’t have to feel lonely,” she said.
Photo credit: Tim Joy