Rediscover Community and Mateship: How Over-50s Lifestyle Resorts Spark Connections and Boost Well-Being!

People tend to have greater resilience when they feel part of a community, which can prevent symptoms of depression and reduce stress and anxiety,” said Professor Alex Haslam, from UQ’s School of Psychology. “We find when residents relate to each other in terms of a shared neighbourhood identity this tends to be very good for their mental health.

That was certainly the experience of Keith Simmons from GemLife Highfields who moved into the resort in April 2020. He admits that he was feeling lost after the death of his wife. “I was rattling around on my own in our home for about a year before my daughter suggested that I live with her in Hampton which is just outside of Crows Nest,” he said. “But I really wanted a place of my own and came across GemLife Highfields and was really impressed.”

Still, it took Keith some time before he was ready to socialise. “I pretty much spent the first year in my villa, not going out,” he said. “I preferred to play my video games.” As time went on, Keith has made friends and is now a Wednesday regular at the Country Club playing table tennis. “I now get out and about, going into town, to the golf club, and seeing shows. I’ve got to know lots of people in the resort and I’m proud to call this place home.”

Over-50s lifestyle resorts with a focus on active and healthy living offer great opportunities to forge new friendships such was the case for Guy Scruton, Trevor Rix, Mark Parry and Brian Smith. They bonded over a mutual love of the guitar and have become fast friends since moving to GemLife Gold Coast with their wives. “We are like-minded people with similar interests in life and get on extremely well together,” said Brian, 78. “Three of us jam in the garage and people bring their chairs to sit on the lawn. We have happy hours and card nights,” said Trevor.