After being inspired by Marcus Pearce at the National Retirement Living summit in June, Mel Akehurst, Community Manager at Aveo’s Bayview Gardens retirement village, challenged residents to live their best life.
“At first the residents suggested jumping out of a plane but I wasn’t keen, so we settled on indoor skydiving,’’ Mel told villages.com.au.
‘The residents like to think outside the box. They are up for anything. They have a lot of living to do. Their families can’t believe what they get up to.’’
Twelve of them, eldest 87, elected for indoor skydiving and they did it with Retirement Living Council Executive Director Daniel Gannon as special guest at iFLY at Penrith.
This was a two-lesson package but they might do more flies in future
“They showed that retirement living is not about walkers and staring out a window all day – it’s about experiences, connection and fun,” said Mel, who was named the Retirement Living Council’s National Village Manager of the Year this year.
Melinda told the Property Council’s NSW Annual Retirement Living Forum last week the residents next adventure was vertical flying.
“This was a two-lesson package. Residents will take part in their second indoor skydiving lesson in January. This one will be vertical flying – the first lesson they flew horizontal,” she said.
Daniel Gannon, Retirement Living Council Executive Director, who was invited to take part, said, “It was an incredible reminder that purpose, passion and adventure do not come with an expiry date. It wasn’t just about the thrill of flying, it was about connection, courage and proving once again that life in a retirement village is about living with intention, not limitation.”
“These residents didn’t move into a retirement village to see out there days – they moved in to live them out. They continue to inspire all of us to embrace every moment with energy, joy and purpose.”
After the two lessons are concluded, the residents are seeking more adventures.
“They are exploring whitewater rafting and go-karting in the new year,” Mel added.
Aveo paid for the lessons though its resident engagement and happiness programs.