GemLife has announced every new homeowner moving into its Over 50s lifestyle resorts in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria will be offered a free health check, which will offer one-on-one coaching tailored to the individual.
Its implementation follows a successful trial at three Sunshine Coast resorts. GemLife Maroochy Quays, GemLife Pacific Paradise, and GemLife Palmwoods, where 94% of participants reported positive progress towards their healthy ageing goals.
The program reached capacity within 48 hours of expressions of interest opening to residents on the Sunshine Coast, with 95 people taking part, ranging from 57 to 85 years of age.
The Healthy Ageing program helps participants identify and improve behaviours linked to ageing well, including physical activity, nutrition, sleep quality, social connection, mental stimulation, and engagement with preventative healthcare.
The $600,000 partnership with Amplar Health is part of a $6 million investment by GemLife in a new active approach to wellness initiatives across its communities. It is part of a suite of new wellness spaces and programs being introduced in communities, including outdoor workout spaces, nutrition workshops, and partnerships with travel companies on experiences and holidays, to boost physical, mental and social wellbeing.
“Residents are typically around 70 years old when they move to our lifestyle resorts and many see it as an opportunity to invest in themselves, now they have the time to do so – whether that’s improving health, taking up a new sport or hobby, travelling, or building social connections,” Adrian said.
“We want to encourage them to achieve their goals, while contributing to preventative care at a crucial time of life, which has broad flow-on benefits for the community.”
Former GemLife Health and Lifestyle Coordinator, Joshua Kristenson, has been appointed to a newly created role of General Manager Wellness to oversee the initiatives.
“What surprised us was how quickly people experienced positive change,” Joshua said. “Many participants reported improvements in their first follow-up session, often within two to four weeks of starting the program.”
Joshua said further initiatives were being formalised.
“We’ll be creating outdoor gyms in beautiful green spaces where people can follow an exercise trail, go for a walk, and socialise, along with planned cooking demonstrations and nutrition-focused education sessions to show how easy it is to whip up a nutritious meal,” he said.
“Travel and new experiences are associated with uplifting mood, health and social connection, so we’re finalising partnerships with travel companies on everything from wellness retreats to glamping, to day trips.
“We’ve spotted a gap where we can improve and elevate over-50s living and the experience of our residents, and we’re committed to delivering initiatives that support both mind and body.”