By Terry Middlemost, CEO, Premier Lifestyle Villages
Lifestyle and retirement villages put a tremendous amount of work into ensuring quality of life, activity, connection and wellbeing for their residents, and the effort is paying off as more and more New Zealanders – an ageing population, after all – recognise the appeal of living in a secure, welcoming community in latter stages of life.
In the COVID era, we all acknowledge it isn’t easy to stave off loneliness and feelings of isolation along with the virus, and Age Concern Auckland chief executive Kevin Lamb was quite right to raise the issue of the digital divide contributing to difficulty among older folk of getting what they need from the outside world during lockdown. As one resident said to us, “Before I moved here I was existing, not living” – and we are always thinking of new ways to foster a sense of community and security that provides the right level of connection and activity for each resident and guards against loneliness even in these trying times.
An important advantage of a lifestyle village or retirement community is that people are never left to fend for themselves; there is always a staff member at hand to help with food or prescription medicines. Awareness of this support and access to community, amid the unique stress of the pandemic, is one of the reasons we have seen increased enquiries in 2020 and 2021.
Here are some of the other major reasons why people are expressing interest in retirement village living in the COVID era:
- A ‘buddy’ system. Under Alert Levels 3 and 4 retirement villages are largely closed to visitors, so to protect against feelings of isolation and loneliness, in the first lockdown in March 2020 Premier created a system for those who live alone which allows them to merge their bubble with one other person. Even though movement is restricted, no one has to be alone unless they choose to be.
Philippa Zink, a 12-year resident of Settlers Lifestyle Village, says she is “immensely grateful that I live in this vibrant community”, especially during the COVID lockdowns.
“The wellbeing and mental health of residents appears to be high and is taken seriously. The nursing staff are excellent and diligent. Those who may be anxious are supported and spirits are lifted. Many residents have adopted a daily constitution and there are lovely walks in nature. Safety rules are strictly abided by and we have a guard at the entrance of Settlers. We are energised and inspired!”
- Check-ins and sweet surprises. The pastry chef at Fairview and Settlers Lifestyle Villages recently whipped up 650 brownies for contactless drop-off at residents’ doors during A few days later, cookies decorated with a ‘Kia Kaha’ message followed with fudge and cupcakes I the following weeks. The responses of residents (“Warmed the cockles of my heart”; “We feel very safe here . . . Thank you for going that extra distance”) were so cheering, and it gave everyone, including the bakers and staff, a real boost to know residents felt cared for. People come to retirement villages for security and social life, and at a time when the latter is heavily circumscribed, it gave them a pick-me-up – beyond the sugar high – to know others are thinking about them. It was a happy way to check in while maintaining safeguards.
- Fun ways to maintain health at any age. A New Zealand first at a residential care facility was cardio drumming, which was inspired by a YouTube video. One of our staff bought drumsticks, gave them to some residents – many in their 90s and wanting to remain active safely – and they were thrilled to try it. Now participants will reschedule other appointments because they don’t want to miss out on a session, and a lot of our resident drummers have told us it releases negative feelings, much like any other form of exercise can do. The other benefits include boosting the immune system, improving joint mobility, improving posture, and creating social interaction and establishing a sense of belonging.
Commonwealth champion weightlifter Precious McKenzie moved to Settlers more than a decade ago to be closer to family on the North Shore. Not surprisingly he loves being in the gym, naming the well-attended twice-weekly aerobics classes as a highlight. His favourite village activity, however, is “lots of socialising and happy hours! The staff at Settlers are really wonderful . . . They put their heart and soul into this complex, and make sure everyone is happy and joining in. There is even a get-together for men who have lost their wives, they bring us together for a meeting once a week. No one is isolated . . . You live longer if you aren’t lonely!”
- Special clubs. These also foster a sense of community, which is why so many people are turning to retirement villages. A great example is The Single Malt Club, which gathers monthly at Fairview to toast to absent friends and make new ones. The club was founded in 2003 and the toast is almost always a thimble of Glenfiddich (the early members’ favourite). If that particular Scotch is not available, then the chosen bottle of those present will suffice, using special glasses purchased on a distillery tour of Scotland. Founding member John Gardner says of the club: “It’s been very beneficial for friendships and our mental health through the years as everyone gets to talk about things that are on their mind or weighing on them. These days it’s particularly important to check in with everyone, especially during COVID when people can’t be with their family members.”
- Medical support. Most of us are mindful of needing speedy access to medical services as we age. Fairview has an on-site hospital that operates 24/7, and both Fairview and Settlers have a registered nurse at the village around the clock. There are also medical clinics open for drop-ins during business hours. For some residents, it is a priority to move into a village that lets them age in place, without the disruption of possibly having to move again as their needs increase. We have found this high level of access is just as reassuring to loved ones as to residents themselves and often helps clinch the decision to move out of the family home and into a village.
- Practical help to make the transition. One of the biggest obstacles to moving to a village is the prospect of decluttering and downsizing, which can lead some people to delay the transition longer than they should – but help is available. Senior Move Managers, founded by a pair of lifelong friends, works with older people on the moving process from start to finish and can be involved with clients for up to three months, depending on the support they need. They also work with family members who may want to help and can step back a bit for very active retirees who want to keep their independence but just need a hand with the heavy lifting. For many people who may not have moved in decades, a service like this can take so much stress out of a huge life change.
