The summer season has its share of hazards to be aware of when you are driving.
Many of us are aware of practising safe driving in wet, foggy, or icy conditions when there is poor visibility. However, clear summer days can also be hazardous.
Not only are the roads busier during summer holiday times, tyre blowouts, window glare, overheating, and sudden changes in weather conditions can be dangerous. Here’s what you can do to be prepared for driving when the weather is hot.
At Vivacity Property, we don’t just view retirement as a phase; we see it as a remarkable journey filled with possibilities and fresh beginnings. It’s a time to embrace life’s richness, celebrate newfound freedom, and cherish every moment. This perspective forms the essence of our retirement communities, and it’s a perspective we’re passionate about sharing.
Our commitment to creating exceptional retirement communities is unwavering. As we look ahead to the new year, our dedication to providing extraordinary retirement living experiences remains steadfast. We believe in crafting authentic experiences that transform retirement into an unforgettable adventure.
Here’s why living in one of our retirement communities is the perfect choice for your golden years:
Vibrant Community Atmosphere: Our communities are not just places to live; they’re dynamic, engaging environments where you’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals eager to make the most of their retirement years. It’s a place where residents quickly become friends, creating a supportive and tight-knit community.
Wellness and Health: We prioritise your well-being by providing top-notch health and wellness facilities. From fitness centres equipped for senior exercise to calming spaces for meditation and relaxation, our amenities are designed to keep you active and healthy.
Peace of Mind: Security and peace of mind are paramount. Our communities strike the perfect balance between independence and support. You can enjoy the freedom to live life on your terms while knowing help is always nearby if you need it.
Location and Convenience: Our communities are strategically located to offer easy access to essential amenities, healthcare facilities, shopping, and cultural attractions. You’re never far from the conveniences you need.
Retirement, for us, is about more than just finding comfort in your home. It’s about actively living, forming meaningful friendships, and fostering a vibrant community. Our retirement communities offer a wealth of 5-star amenities and facilities, ensuring that our residents have every opportunity to live life to the fullest.
Strategically located to offer easy access to local amenities and to keep residents connected with the wider community, our communities are designed with today’s retirees in mind. Australia’s aging population underscores the importance of well-planned retirement living options integrated into the broader community fabric and we inspire to do just that.
As our Tallowood Medowie community is set to reach completion by the end of 2024, we have further communities on the horizon in 2024, all meticulously designed to offer prime locations and opulent spaces for retirees to enjoy.
In retirement, comfort, style, and personal attention should epitomise your living experience. At Vivacity Property, no detail is too small when it comes to ensuring that every aspect of our homes exudes modern elegance. We’re dedicated to creating living spaces that not only meet but exceed your expectations. Convenience, for us, means having all the amenities and services you need right at your doorstep, making life simpler and more enjoyable.
Connection forms the heartbeat of our retirement communities. Here, friendly neighbours naturally become cherished friends, and shared moments like cups of tea transform into daily rituals. Our residents don’t merely reside here; they thrive in an environment that nurtures a profound sense of belonging. We understand the significance of friendships and genuine connections, especially during retirement, when they contribute significantly to your well-being and happiness.
So why wait? Come and discover the Vivacity Property difference today. Your vibrant retirement lifestyle awaits, filled with rich experiences, new connections, and the joy of living life to the fullest.
Retirement isn’t merely a phase; it’s an opportunity to embrace life’s richness and celebrate newfound freedom. At Vivacity Property, we understand this profound journey and the significance it holds. It’s a chapter about connections, embracing pleasures, and finding fulfillment in every moment. It’s where we excel.
Vivacity Property stands on three fundamental pillars: Convenience, Connection, and Location. These aren’t just words; they are the essence of the experiences we meticulously craft for our residents.
Your retirement should epitomise comfort, style, and personal attention. At Vivacity Property, we painstakingly ensure that every aspect of our homes reflects modern elegance. From the grand to the minute details, we create a living experience that not only meets but exceeds expectations.
Connection forms the beating heart of our communities. Here, friendly neighbours become cherished friends. Laughter reverberates down hallways, and shared cups of tea transform into daily rituals. Our residents don’t merely reside here; they thrive in an environment that nurtures a profound sense of belonging.
Retirement should bestow peace of mind. Our communities strike an impeccable balance between independence and security. It’s about simplifying life, allowing you to focus on what truly matters to you while residing in a safe and supportive environment. More than bricks and mortar; it’s a genuine community where residents, staff, and families unite as one. Our residents are not an afterthought; they are our foremost priority. We are dedicated to enhancing their quality of life, supporting their physical and mental health, and creating a thriving place where everyone feels valued.
For Vivacity Property, we understand location is paramount. Tallowood Medowie, nestled around an award-winning lakeside Country Club, offers indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, a senior-equipped gym, and exquisite dining spaces. Stratford Gardens graces the picturesque town of Picton, providing residents with a serene escape and easy access to essential amenities. And we have more prime locations in the pipeline, designed to offer opulent spaces for you to embrace retirement.
Retirement is about stepping outside the daily grind. It’s about engaging physically, mentally, and socially in both familiar and uncharted territories. At Vivacity Property, we’re devoted to enriching lives beyond the confines of physical spaces. We craft communities that redefine retirement living, offering a simpler and more balanced life, reimagined.
As we stride into 2024, our unwavering commitment to creating exceptional communities that reimagine retirement living stands firm. Vivacity Life is all about crafting genuine experiences that make your retirement truly unforgettable.
So why wait? Come and discover the Vivacity Property difference today.
Your vibrant retirement lifestyle awaits.
As we age, we often experience normal changes in our sleeping patterns, such as becoming sleepy earlier, waking up earlier, or not sleeping as deeply. However, disturbed sleep, waking up tired every day, and other symptoms of insomnia are NOT a normal part of ageing.
Sleep is just as important to your physical and emotional health as it was when you were younger. A good night’s sleep helps improve concentration and memory formation, allows your body to repair any cell damage that occurred during the day, and refreshes your immune system, which in turn helps to prevent disease.
Older people who don’t sleep well are more likely to suffer from depression, attention and memory problems, excessive daytime sleepiness, and experience more nighttime falls. Insufficient sleep can also lead to serious health problems, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weight problems, and breast cancer in women.
To improve your quality of sleep it’s important to understand the underlying causes of your sleep problems. The following tips can help you identify and overcome age-related sleep problems, get a good night’s rest, and improve the quality of your waking life.
Discover the vibrant lifestyle awaiting you at Tallowood Medowie, a premier retirement community nestled in the picturesque Port Stephens region.
Join us for a FREE Open Day on November 25th, from 10am to 2pm, at 1 Magnolia Place, Medowie.
Delight in the harmonious melodies of ‘the Dude’s’ during our Music on the Green event, relish a complimentary BBQ lunch, and explore resident exhibitions and demonstrations.
Immerse yourself in guided tours to envision the fulfilling Tallowood experience.
Act now and secure your home before December 31, 2023, with a mere $1,500 deposit, and receive an exclusive $750 Harvey Norman gift voucher*.
As we get older, there’s a common preconception that we have to forgo activities we once enjoyed because we are no longer fit or able enough to partake in a safe manner.
One such activity that can become difficult with age is gardening. Maybe you were once able to easily navigate heavy gardening tools and equipment with ease or spent hours toiling away in your garden with little effort but now find that these activities have become too strenuous.
Outdoor activities such as gardening provide a myriad of amazing benefits such as activating the physical body and mind, providing easy access to nature and sunlight, and contributing to overall general wellness, so it would be a shame for a seasoned green thumb to have to step away from their beloved garden because they are unable to keep up with the demands of the task.
However, a few simple adjustments and added considerations could be all it takes to keep you in the groove of things.
Just as diets can be adjusted to meet your nutritional goals, so too can gardening be adjusted to suit your physical capacities. With this in mind, Starts at 60 have put together a comprehensive guide of general information, considerations, and recommendations for gardening safely well into your golden years.
The mental and physical benefits for over 60s
Gardening is a highly recommended activity for any stage of life, given the may mental and physical benefits that are associated. Again, there is a popular misconception that as we age, we lose the ability and physical fitness to perform physical tasks. This is where the benefits of gardening come into play, in that the activity offers all the traditional rewards of more intense forms of exercise, such as movement and muscle activation, without being an overly strenuous activity for those over 60.
Not only is gardening generally enjoyable and relaxing, but it also promotes increased physicality, mobility and flexibility and can help improve endurance and strength for those who are unable to engage in more intense forms of exercise such as heavy-lifting and gym-based workouts. Being a primarily outdoor activity, gardening is also a great way to soak in some much-needed vitamin D whilst lapping up the added mental benefits of being in nature and getting some fresh air. In short, gardening is the perfect way for older people to keep fit and healthy while engaging in an activity that is undeniably rewarding – as anyone who has watched their gardens transform while reaping the benefits of their homegrown produce can attest to.
Precautions to take in the garden
As restorative and physically stimulating as gardening can be, it can also present its fair share of dangers if precautions aren’t taken into consideration. An important precaution to take when gardening is to wear protective clothing (hats, long-sleeved clothing, long pants etc) and sunscreen at all times, whether you’re gardening for a long period or not. It’s of no benefit to you if those harsh UV rays counteract the mental and physical benefits offered by gardening and leave you with nasty skin cancers later in life. Seniors Safety Advice recommends avoiding doing long stints of gardening during the hottest parts of the day and spreading out gardening activities to avoid over-working specific muscles and joints.
Take things slowly and don’t take shortcuts. Be sure to make safety a priority and with be cautious whenever handling or operating sharp, heavy equipment. It is essential to wear closed-in, protective shoes and gloves at all times to ensure your hands and feet are protected from potential hazards. Another thing to consider is hydration, regular breaks, and getting enough to eat to keep up with your energy expenditure, given gardening can be hard work and physically taxing.
When it comes to the necessary bending, lifting and movement required for gardening, make sure to follow some simple best practice tips for reducing the likelihood of injury and muscle straining.
Recommendations and adjustments for safe and easy gardening
As we get older, there are a number of necessary adjustments to put into place to ensure your gardening experience is as safe and seamless as possible. The older we get, the more prone we are to accidents, falls, and injuries, and therefore, the way we garden should be adjusted to ensure gardening tasks are as easy to navigate as possible.
Perhaps one of the most important recommendations is to make sure your garden beds are easily accessible. As described by Better Health Channel, “garden beds, equipment and tools can all be modified to create a garden that is interesting, accessible and productive”. Vertical planting is a great way to ensure you can easily navigate your garden. Better Health Channel recommends installing trellises, fences, and walls as supportive structures for your harvests. Another great recommendation is to install elevated, easily transportable garden beds to reduce the amount of bending and heavy moving required to complete your day-to-day gardening activities – perhaps consider casters for heavy pots or swap out heavy soil mixtures for lighter soil-free mixtures. Raised beds are beneficial for improving drainage and offering seamless harvesting. The less physically exhausting and straining gardening is, the better.
When it comes to gardening tools, there are a few considerations that should be made. Firstly, try to choose tools that are lightweight if you are using them frequently and for prolonged periods of time. Secondly, Better Health Channel suggests fitting your tools with foam, tape and plastic tubing to make them easier to handle and grip – in turn, decreasing the likelihood of injury due to fatigue (such as dropping a heavy tool or piece of equipment on your foot). Wheelbarrows are a great method for transporting tools from A to B, especially if you have a large garden and a lot of ground to cover. Gardners.com suggests using soaker hoses and drip-irrigation systems to “eliminate the effort of dragging horses around”, an activity that can become tedious and exhausting.
Given the impact of the harsh Australian sun, making space for shade is crucial. For example, if you’ll be regularly working on your garden beds, it could be a great idea to install some kind of shade, possibly a tarp, over the space for cover. This way, you still enjoy all the benefits of outdoor gardening, without suffering the potentially harsh effects of UV rays and dehydration. Even add a little table and chairs somewhere under the shade so you can easily and comfortably take a break when needed. The more comfortable you design your space, the longer you’ll be able to garden for without feeling like the activity is becoming a burden.
Have you considered indoor gardening? Although indoor gardening may not provide the nature and sunlight aspects of outdoor gardening, it is still a great alternative for older people who may not have the access or capacity to garden outdoor due to health conditions or other concerns. Indoor gardening requires less mobility and usually means less maintenance and less potential for injury.
Remember, no matter your age, gardening can still be enjoyed in varying capacities. By making some targeted adjustments to suit you and your lifestyle as you age, you can continue to enjoy the physical and mental benefits that come with gardening.
It’s a marketing director’s dream to have customers so thrilled with a product that they can’t help but spruik it to other people.
For Janine Spencer, the marketing director for retirement community Tallowood Medowie, that’s the happy situation. She says her job is made a whole lot easier because of the enthusiasm of the people who call it home.
Built on a 23-hectare site set in a beautiful natural landscape within the Port Stephens region, the luxury resort-style development has a way of turning its residents into devotees who want to spread the word about the lifestyle there.
“I think the residents do most of the marketing for us,” Ms Spencer said. “They have really become advocates for us – more than 50 per cent of the sales now at Tallowood are from referrals.”
Tallowood Medowie was the first retirement living development created by Vivacity Property, the innovative company that acquired the project four years ago and set about building a community that delivered the kind of independent retirement lifestyle its conversations with local people told them was needed.
The result is a stunning, over-55s lifestyle community with an abundance of green space surrounded by bushland but within walking distance to shops, cafes and local restaurants, and other amenities, with a golf course just a short drive away. There are an array of different-sized high quality brick and part-brick premium-finished homes, built by a trusted local builder.
At its heart is the award-winning lakeside Country Club featuring high ceilings and open fire, with a bar, commercial kitchen and dining areas, as well as indoor and outdoor pools and a sauna, plus a gym with the latest technology in weight-training equipment for senior exercise and rehabilitation from Hur Australia. There are also light-filled rooms that residents use for everything from yoga to painting classes.
“We wanted to create a luxury resort style of living that was in nature, that offered all the health and wellness benefits of being amongst green open spaces but that also had that accessibility to all the amenities people needed,” said Ms Spencer.
Retaining the existing tall trees and bushland on the site was paramount to Vivacity in its plan for the development. And rather than building as many homes as possible, it’s restricted them to just 11 hectares of the 23 hectare site.
“We wanted to preserve the beautiful tall trees, plant even more trees and sustain the fauna to contribute ecologically to the Port Stephens and Newcastle region,” Ms Spencer said.
“Our approach is to build around rather than bulldoze. For us it’s always about green spaces. Rather than having the maximum amount of homes on a site it’s about the quality of life we can provide.
“It’s very important to us to create a community lifestyle that provides comfort and peace of mind for our residents and contributes to their mental health and their physical health.”
For the residents, a major drawcard of the lifestyle of Tallowood Medowie is the strong and supportive community that they quickly become a part of. Making sure new residents feel welcomed and instantly at home is also a priority for the Vivacity team.
Throughout the period when a new home is being built, the team have several meetings on site with the new owners for updates on the progress and to meet some of the residents. When they move in, the sales and customer service team are there with a wonderful welcome hamper and then the executive team joins in at a party in their honour at the Country Club.
“By the time they move in they know their neighbours and they know other residents so straight away they feel welcome and comfortable in their new home,” said Ms Spencer.
Tallowood resident Jeannette Popewell said the decision to buy her home in the supportive and friendly community helped her get back to living a full and healthy life after her husband died.
“I wasn’t prepared for what happens after that happens to you and I was becoming more and more lonely and depressed,” she said.
“It was by accident I found Tallowood but I’m very glad that I did – it’s changed my life and I’ve been very happy every since. Even my health has improved. It’s just a lovely lifestyle. All the stress has gone out of my life.”
Saying goodbye to a three acre property that needed lots of maintenance was the reason Teresa Lilley and David Alwood began hunting for the right retirement community to downsize to. They scoured lots of over-50s villages before discovering Tallowood.
“Nothing compared to the quality of homes and facilities at Tallowood” said Ms Lilley. “The first visit left us awestruck with its impeccable surroundings and welcoming atmosphere. The sense of community here is unparalleled.
“We’d been yearning for a change of pace and a downsized lifestyle so the decision to move into Tallowood was an easy one for us,” said Mr Alwood. “It has everything you need to embrace and enjoy life – there’s an abundance of opportunities to stay busy or unwind, whatever your preference. And you’ll always have someone looking out for you.”
Come along and explore your perfect blend of community, connectivity and comfort in Port Stephens at Tallowood Medowie’s Spring Open Day on Saturday 25 November from 10am to 2pm. It’s the perfect chance to find out more and to step inside its newest display home – The Marigold. Enjoy music on the Green with ‘the Dudes’, a BBQ lunch and tours. Plus be one of the first four to secure your home for just $1,500 before 31 Dec 2023 and receive a $750 Harvey Norman gift voucher*. See vivacityproperty.com.au/open-day/
Retirement is a phase of life where you’ve earned the right to revel in relaxation, embrace new experiences, and truly thrive. At Vivacity Property, we wholeheartedly believe that the cornerstone of an exceptional retirement is a vibrant, connected community. Our mission is to curate boutique communities that embody this ethos, offering a harmonious, secure, and interactive lifestyle.
In the tapestry of our communities, every thread is considered, from the initial spark of an idea to the final construction touches. Our goal is to shape an environment that fosters unity and contentment. What sets us apart is our dedication to customise your retirement experience where your choices are not just acknowledged but celebrated.
Our communities aren’t just about comfortable homes; they’re about forging connections. Imagine a place where friendly neighbours become cherished friends, always ready to lend a hand or share a cup of tea. Our bustling activity calendar ensures there’s always something happening, whether it’s a lively card game with friends or a rejuvenating yoga session. Physical activities like yoga promote flexibility and strength, benefiting the body. Moreover, group activities stimulate mental faculties, enhancing cognitive abilities and memory. Beyond the physical and mental benefits, these activities provide a structured opportunity for social interaction, thereby reducing stress and anxiety while fostering a sense of purpose. Our communities bring joy, laughter, and a sense of togetherness into resident’s lives.
When choosing Vivacity Property, you’re not just selecting a place to live; you’re embracing modern resort living with real-life connections. It’s an abundant lifestyle of opportunities that will empower you to thrive, grow, and make the most of this exciting phase of life. We foster an environment where friendly neighbours naturally evolve into cherished friends. This sense of companionship and camaraderie serves as a cornerstone of emotional well-being. Engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, and simply having someone to lean on can reduce feelings of loneliness, boost self-esteem, and contribute to a happier, more fulfilled life – this is what we endeavour to achieve at Vivacity Property.
Come and experience retirement reimagined with Vivacity Property for yourself at our Tallowood Medowie Open Day on November 25. Enjoy free music, tours, sausage sizzle and step inside The Marigold and experience a display home like never before. Your dream community is on the horizon, and we invite you to be part of it. Your vibrant retirement lifestyle awaits.
Retirement marks the dawn of a new chapter in your life, a time to revel in well-deserved relaxation, savour the joys of life, and become part of a lively, welcoming community. At Vivacity Property, we’re passionate about crafting retirement communities that don’t just offer homes but whole lifestyles tailored to your desires and requirements.
Imagine waking up in your new home, nestled within a vibrant community, surrounded by lush, green landscapes and an array of top-tier amenities. Vivacity Property communities are thoughtfully designed to elevate your retirement experience to extraordinary heights.
With communities in Port Stephens, Tahmoor, and the upcoming Chain Bay, Vivacity Property carefully selects locations that offer you numerous benefits. Not only are our communities well-connected to local amenities and infrastructure, but they’re also close to nature. This proximity to natural landscapes greatly enhances your overall well-being. These serene surroundings support an active and balanced lifestyle, bringing a sense of harmony and tranquility to your daily life.
Start your day with an invigorating dip in an indoor pool, followed by a serene session in the sauna. Craving some activity? The gym is at your disposal, or you can join friends for a spirited game of bowls on our impeccably maintained green. Later, treat yourself to a cinematic delight in our movie theatre, dive into a good book from our library, or simply unwind in our cosy lounge bar. A diverse range of meticulously designed facilities, all aimed at creating a lifestyle that’s as vibrant or tranquil as you wish it to be.
When we founded Vivacity Property, we harboured a vision: to create retirement communities where residents thrive. Your contentment tops our list of priorities, and we’ve seamlessly integrated this ethos into every facet of our communities.
One of the many advantages of choosing Vivacity Property is our land lease model, a game-changer in retirement living. Here’s what sets it apart:
• Capital Gains: When you decide to sell your home, you keep 100% of the capital gains. It’s an investment in your future.
• Financial Freedom: Forget about the complexities of stamp duty, council rates, deferred fees, management fees, entry or exit charges. Your hard-earned savings remain securely yours.
• Pet-Friendly: We warmly welcome your furry companions, understanding the profound bonds shared with these four-legged family members.
• Ready-to-Move-In Homes: Your new home is thoughtfully crafted with premium inclusions, awaiting your personal touches to transform it into your masterpiece.
• Security and Community: Our gated communities offer impeccable security, as well as having the added benefit of neighbours who look out for each other.
• Activities Abound: Our bustling activity calendar ensures there’s always something to do, whether it’s a lively card game with friends or a serene yoga session.
• Comfort and Enjoyment: Our homes are designed for both comfort and delight, allowing you to focus on what truly matters to you.
• Luxurious 5-star Clubhouses: Our multi-million-dollar clubhouses, mere steps from your door, set the stage for your new lifestyle.
Living in a Vivacity Property community signifies owning your home, relishing financial freedom, and cherishing the security of a close-knit, gated community. You’re poised to embrace a lifestyle tailored to your preferences, whether relaxation, activity, or a harmonious blend of both.
It’s time to redefine your retirement and embrace a life characterised by comfort, fulfillment, and community. Don’t postpone living your dream retirement any longer. Connect with us today, and let your journey commence. Your vibrant retirement lifestyle awaits.
Today’s high-tech caravans offer the best choice for the growing number of grey nomads. Grey nomads are lucky people, although lucky by choice. Usually of retirement age, they’ve decided to sell up and move on to a life on the open road. Downsizing their lives, making themselves mobile, and enjoying liberated freedom is what it’s all about for thousands of Australians.
And perhaps the perfect way to spend weeks or months on the go is with a high-tech caravan. No longer offering just a two-up, two-down cramped life of bunk-beds, today’s rigs can be self-contained human ecosystems. Not only that, but many parks and camping grounds offer modern amenities set amid attractive settings that mean you don’t have to forego most of your mod cons.
One of the main advantages of caravans for grey nomads is the plethora of choice. When it comes to choosing a rig, the sky really is the limit. Depending on your needs and the amount of time you intend to be away, you can opt for anything from a simple escape vehicle to a literal home away from home. Some even include a washing machine, fully equipped kitchen, and WiFi capabilities. The provision of such modern amenities means that you can extend your travelling time almost indefinitely.
After all, what’s not to like? There is an undeniable sense of freedom to be gained from “de-stuffing” your life and then pretty much going where the fancy takes you. But it’s not just about the literal freedom that such a life affords. It’s about living life to the fullest: seeing parts of the country you may never have seen before, forging new and lasting friendships and enjoying shared hospitality, and even providing a way for couples to re-bond.
When not on the road, you’ll most likely end up in one of many powered campgrounds, which offer easy and relatively cheap access to showers, laundry services, cooking facilities and more. Most importantly, it is here that you’ll pick up tips from other experienced travellers on where to go and how to get there, plus making the most out of your mobile lifestyle.
And there’s no shortage of things to do and see. An online search for caravan trails in Australia yields heaps of results all very beguiling to the intrepid traveller. After all, the country boasts some of the most varied and spectacular scenery in the world. Imagine a trip through the deserted outback and onwards towards the Nullarbor Plain if you’re seeking remote solitude under the stars.
Of course, if this is a little too extreme for you, you could instead traverse the Legendary Pacific Coast Touring Route in New South Wales, which takes you from Sydney to Brisbane via picture-perfect coastlines, the Hunter Valley wineries, and even a rainforest golf course.
Another popular route is the South Australian Loop: a must for food and wine fans as it includes the Barossa and Clare Valleys. It is also perfect for those seeking to commune with nature—at the Fleurieu Peninsula, you can swim, surf and snorkel before going on to meet face to face with penguins in Penneshaw. Your final destination? The green and pleasant spaces of Adelaide. A leisurely trip through the countryside that ends in the leafy capital: who could want for more?
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