# Settlers Albany Lifestyle Village ## Posts ### Settlers Shines Again in National Awards When you’re buying a home, you don’t just base your decision on the size, layout, or look. Of course, those things matter, but they’re only one part of the decision. Just as you’d think about the suburb when buying a house, you also need to consider the environment and community that surrounds your townhouse. A home can tick all the boxes on paper, but if the neighbourhood doesn’t feel right, it changes the way you experience it. The same is true in a lifestyle village. The real question is: will this home, in this environment, support the lifestyle you want now and into the future? At Settlers Lifestyle Village, our townhouses combine modern, spacious living with a village atmosphere residents describe as “something really special.” But before you decide, it helps to look at the different options available. Apartments vs. Townhouses at Settlers At Settlers Lifestyle Village, there’s no one-size-fits-all. As in the wider property market, it’s about choosing the home style that best fits your lifestyle. Apartments Apartments are ideal if you prefer convenience and connection. They come in one, two, or three-bedroom layouts. Apartments can also free up more cash compared to larger homes, making them a good option if you don’t need as much space and want to use funds elsewhere. Thinking an apartment may be the best option for you? Check out our article Choosing The Right Retirement Apartment - How Do You Decide. Townhouses Townhouses offer the independence of a garage and outdoor space in the form of either a patio or a balcony, all while keeping you close to the Lodge - our hub for activity. With two-bedroom townhouses or three-bedroom townhouses with plenty of storage, you have room for everything that matters most to you. So you’ve decided on a townhouse — what next? Once you decide that a townhouse is the perfect fit for your lifestyle, the next step is choosing the right one for you. Just like when you buy any home, no two are exactly alike. From the level you live on, to the amount of space you want, to how well the home will support your lifestyle, there are a few things worth thinking through. At Settlers Lifestyle Village, our townhouses are modern, spacious, and designed with comfort in mind. But beyond the floor plan, there are other factors that will influence how well your new home fits your life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tqEFPQshUY&feature=youtu.be 5 Factors to consider when choosing a townhouse 1. Layout and levels Settlers townhouses come in three levels: Ground floor homes with direct lawn access. Middle floor homes with neighbours above and below. Top-floor homes (penthouses) with no neighbours above or beside you. Click here to View Layouts Each option has its advantages. The choice depends on how you like to live. Think about how you move through your day. Do you want to step out onto the lawn and enjoy a quiet moment? Do you prefer a tucked-away retreat with more privacy? Or a middle-floor townhouse that balances connection and quiet? 2. Space and comfort Space is something you don’t always notice until it’s gone. Some newer villages prioritise density, which can feel cramped. At Settlers, space has always been a priority. Townhouses are generous, with two or three bedrooms, open-plan living, and outdoor balconies or patios. That extra room makes entertaining easier, gives flexibility when family comes to stay, and creates a sense of comfort every day. 3. Practical features Every townhouse includes a single internal-access garage providing security when you come and go, space for storage, and the option of a second fridge or even a wall-mounted clothesline. These small but thoughtful details add up, making daily life easier and more enjoyable. 4. The village atmosphere Just as you’d consider the suburb when buying a house, you should consider the village atmosphere when choosing a townhouse. At Settlers, residents often describe a sense of arrival: “We walked in and went ‘wow’.” The Lodge is the social heart, with a café, pool, gym, and events calendar just a short stroll from the townhouses. That makes it easy to enjoy privacy at home while still being close to everything that creates community. 5. Peace of mind for the future When choosing a home, you want it to work for you now and in the future. At Settlers, you’ll have peace of mind knowing there’s a seamless path to care. Our sister village, Fairview Lifestyle Village, is home to Fairview Care, which provides hospital-level care. As a Settlers resident, you’ll receive preferential access to Fairview Care, subject to the availability of suitable care beds. Please note that dementia-level care is not provided. Even if you’re fully independent now, having access to this level of care offers reassurance for the future, for both you and your family. Why choose a Settlers townhouse? Spacious, modern living with private outdoor areas. A welcoming community in Albany, North Shore, Auckland. Award-winning facilities, including a café, pool, and gym. The reassurance of priority access to hospital-level care, subject to the availability of suitable care beds. See for yourself At Settlers, our townhouses offer independence, comfort, and peace of mind, enhanced by an award-winning village culture. Why not see for yourself? Join us at our next Open Day, or book a private tour with Linda on 0800 102 652. FAQ's Settlers Townhouses Our townhouses are always in demand, and we know many of you are curious to learn more. To help, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions our team receives. What’s included in the complimentary moving package? We want your move to Settlers to be as easy as possible. Our moving package (valued at up to $6,000) includes a dedicated moving team, help with packing and unpacking, and support on moving day. Are pets allowed in the townhouses? Yes, some of our ground-floor townhouses are pet-friendly (with approval). They open onto lawns or gardens, which makes them ideal for small pets. Does every townhouse have an outdoor entertaining space? Yes, every townhouse includes either a balcony or patio, giving you your own private space to relax or entertain outdoors. Are the townhouses standalone or attached? Each block contains seven townhouses arranged over three levels. Ground and middle-floor homes share walls with neighbours beside them, while top-floor penthouses are set back and don’t have neighbours on either side, only below. Do the townhouses have neighbours above or below? It depends on the level: Ground floor homes have neighbours above and enjoy direct lawn access Middle-floor homes have neighbours above and below. Top-floor homes have no one above and no neighbours on either side, only below. You can download a PDF of the townhouse floor layout here. How big are the garages? Each home includes a single garage with internal access. All garages have power, and there’s space for a second fridge or freezer, and many residents install a clothesline on the garage wall. How close are the townhouses to the Lodge and village amenities? The townhouses are located just a short stroll from the Lodge — the heart of village life. That means easy access to the café, pool, gym, events, and more. Book A Tour ### Choosing the Right Townhouse in a Lifestyle Village When you’re buying a home, you don’t just base your decision on the size, layout, or look. Of course, those things matter, but they’re only one part of the decision. Just as you’d think about the suburb when buying a house, you also need to consider the environment and community that surrounds your townhouse. A home can tick all the boxes on paper, but if the neighbourhood doesn’t feel right, it changes the way you experience it. The same is true in a lifestyle village. The real question is: will this home, in this environment, support the lifestyle you want now and into the future? At Settlers Lifestyle Village, our townhouses combine modern, spacious living with a village atmosphere residents describe as “something really special.” But before you decide, it helps to look at the different options available. Apartments vs. Townhouses at Settlers At Settlers Lifestyle Village, there’s no one-size-fits-all. As in the wider property market, it’s about choosing the home style that best fits your lifestyle. Apartments Apartments are ideal if you prefer convenience and connection. They come in one, two, or three-bedroom layouts. Apartments can also free up more cash compared to larger homes, making them a good option if you don’t need as much space and want to use funds elsewhere. Thinking an apartment may be the best option for you? Check out our article Choosing The Right Retirement Apartment - How Do You Decide. Townhouses Townhouses offer the independence of a garage and outdoor space in the form of either a patio or a balcony, all while keeping you close to the Lodge - our hub for activity. With two-bedroom townhouses or three-bedroom townhouses with plenty of storage, you have room for everything that matters most to you. So you’ve decided on a townhouse — what next? Once you decide that a townhouse is the perfect fit for your lifestyle, the next step is choosing the right one for you. Just like when you buy any home, no two are exactly alike. From the level you live on, to the amount of space you want, to how well the home will support your lifestyle, there are a few things worth thinking through. At Settlers Lifestyle Village, our townhouses are modern, spacious, and designed with comfort in mind. But beyond the floor plan, there are other factors that will influence how well your new home fits your life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tqEFPQshUY&feature=youtu.be 5 Factors to consider when choosing a townhouse 1. Layout and levels Settlers townhouses come in three levels: Ground floor homes with direct lawn access. Middle floor homes with neighbours above and below. Top-floor homes (penthouses) with no neighbours above or beside you. Click here to View Layouts Each option has its advantages. The choice depends on how you like to live. Think about how you move through your day. Do you want to step out onto the lawn and enjoy a quiet moment? Do you prefer a tucked-away retreat with more privacy? Or a middle-floor townhouse that balances connection and quiet? 2. Space and comfort Space is something you don’t always notice until it’s gone. Some newer villages prioritise density, which can feel cramped. At Settlers, space has always been a priority. Townhouses are generous, with two or three bedrooms, open-plan living, and outdoor balconies or patios. That extra room makes entertaining easier, gives flexibility when family comes to stay, and creates a sense of comfort every day. 3. Practical features Every townhouse includes a single internal-access garage providing security when you come and go, space for storage, and the option of a second fridge or even a wall-mounted clothesline. These small but thoughtful details add up, making daily life easier and more enjoyable. 4. The village atmosphere Just as you’d consider the suburb when buying a house, you should consider the village atmosphere when choosing a townhouse. At Settlers, residents often describe a sense of arrival: “We walked in and went ‘wow’.” The Lodge is the social heart, with a café, pool, gym, and events calendar just a short stroll from the townhouses. That makes it easy to enjoy privacy at home while still being close to everything that creates community. 5. Peace of mind for the future When choosing a home, you want it to work for you now and in the future. At Settlers, you’ll have peace of mind knowing there’s a seamless path to care. Our sister village, Fairview Lifestyle Village, is home to Fairview Care, which provides hospital-level care. As a Settlers resident, you’ll receive preferential access to Fairview Care, subject to the availability of suitable care beds. Please note that dementia-level care is not provided. Even if you’re fully independent now, having access to this level of care offers reassurance for the future, for both you and your family. Why choose a Settlers townhouse? Spacious, modern living with private outdoor areas. A welcoming community in Albany, North Shore, Auckland. Award-winning facilities, including a café, pool, and gym. The reassurance of priority access to hospital-level care, subject to the availability of suitable care beds. See for yourself At Settlers, our townhouses offer independence, comfort, and peace of mind, enhanced by an award-winning village culture. Why not see for yourself? Join us at our next Open Day, or book a private tour with Linda on 0800 102 652. FAQ's Settlers Townhouses Our townhouses are always in demand, and we know many of you are curious to learn more. To help, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions our team receives. What’s included in the complimentary moving package? We want your move to Settlers to be as easy as possible. Our moving package (valued at up to $6,000) includes a dedicated moving team, help with packing and unpacking, and support on moving day. Are pets allowed in the townhouses? Yes, some of our ground-floor townhouses are pet-friendly (with approval). They open onto lawns or gardens, which makes them ideal for small pets. Does every townhouse have an outdoor entertaining space? Yes, every townhouse includes either a balcony or patio, giving you your own private space to relax or entertain outdoors. Are the townhouses standalone or attached? Each block contains seven townhouses arranged over three levels. Ground and middle-floor homes share walls with neighbours beside them, while top-floor penthouses are set back and don’t have neighbours on either side, only below. Do the townhouses have neighbours above or below? It depends on the level: Ground floor homes have neighbours above and enjoy direct lawn access Middle-floor homes have neighbours above and below. Top-floor homes have no one above and no neighbours on either side, only below. You can download a PDF of the townhouse floor layout here. How big are the garages? Each home includes a single garage with internal access. All garages have power, and there’s space for a second fridge or freezer, and many residents install a clothesline on the garage wall. How close are the townhouses to the Lodge and village amenities? The townhouses are located just a short stroll from the Lodge — the heart of village life. That means easy access to the café, pool, gym, events, and more. Book A Tour ### A Resident’s Perspective On Active Retirement Living Norm Lodge doesn’t fit the typical image of retirement. At 87, this "semi-retired" food scientist is still as sharp, curious, and community-minded as ever. After living in 15 homes across New Zealand and abroad, he and his wife have found something rare at Settlers Lifestyle Village: a lasting sense of home. "You go home and talk it over, but you know when a place just feels right. That was Settlers for us. After moving around so much, this is the most settled we’ve felt.” A life of curiosity and scientific contribution Born in 1938, “a pre-war model”, Norm grew up in the UK during and after World War II. He experienced the upheaval of wartime air raids and life in a country undergoing dramatic change. His formative years were shaped by resilience and curiosity. Norm’s career has taken him from England to the cutting edge of food science in New Zealand. He served as Head of Food Processing Research at HortResearch (formerly DSIR and now Plant & Food Research Institute) and lectured for nearly two decades at the University of Auckland. His work included over 20 years in international aid development across the South Pacific and Asia. For his contributions, he received the Queen’s Commemoration Medal. "It was hard work, but good work. Enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding." How Norm supports health and movement at Settlers Since moving into Settlers, Norm hasn’t slowed down; he’s helped shape the rhythm of village life. He collaborates with champion weightlifter and Settlers resident Precious McKenzie to support gym initiatives, including neurological boxing, an exercise programme especially beneficial for residents with Parkinson’s. It’s a form of exercise designed to improve coordination, mobility, and cognitive engagement. "Neurological boxing - it’s all about coordination and brain stimulation. Not about fighting." “The lightweight training and movement - it really helps.” "Enjoyment and being active in life. It can slow the process down." He even facilitated the purchase of a “big red boxing bag” for the neurological boxing programme and helped create printed exercise guides tailored for seniors. Championing lifelong learning in retirement For Norm, mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity. A longtime member - and former president - of u3a (University of the Third Age), he champions lifelong learning. U3a is a worldwide movement that provides educational, creative and leisure opportunities for older adults, typically retired or semi-retired. They hold talks at Settlers for Takapuna members. He attends u3a group meetings at Settlers that include “Astronomy”, while also attending “Geology” and “Classical Music” classes. For the village as a whole, Norm has collaborated with local senior schools (and external groups) to facilitate music events, where talented students perform and share their talents. "When you retire, you don’t ditch the learning. It’s quite the opposite — you gain."
“I’ve always believed the mind needs just as much training as the body.”
"I don’t like being idle. I still keep in touch with science and policy." Community with depth and flexibility What Norm values most is the balance Settlers offers: community when you want it, privacy when you need it. "It’s a good community - people are welcoming but not pushy. You can be involved as much as you like." Independence is deeply valued at Settlers, and residents actively participate in shaping daily village life. Norm is a perfect example of this culture - continually finding ways to contribute, connect, and uplift others. "There’s always something happening. We haven’t got time to do them all!" Why Settlers works After a lifetime of movement, Norm finds contentment in the thoughtful design and community spirit of Settlers. "It’s a comfortable place - well-designed and easy to manage." "After moving around so much, this is the most settled we’ve felt." His story reminds us that retirement isn’t about winding down. Rather, it’s about staying engaged, curious, and connected. And at Settlers, that’s not only possible, it’s encouraged. Norm’s story shows that a great retirement village is defined by how it’s lived in, not just how it’s built. What sets Settlers apart, Norm says, goes deeper than what is often featured in glossy brochures. It’s the meaningful attributes - intellectual stimulation, autonomy, and genuine community. Book A Tour ### Settlers Lifestyle Village - Where Generations Connect and Create Memories When considering a retirement village, a key question to ask is: will my family feel truly welcome here? At Settlers Lifestyle Village, the answer is a confident yes. Here we actively support and host opportunities for generations to come together in meaningful ways. This is a place where younger generations aren’t just accepted—they’re genuinely welcomed and thoughtfully catered to. Whether it’s grandchildren visiting during school holidays, or special events that bring the whole family together, Settlers is designed to support intergenerational connection in meaningful ways. No Need to Tiptoe - Kids Are Welcome Here School holidays are a time when many children look forward to visiting their grandparents - and for many families, it’s also when parents rely on grandparents to help juggle work and other responsibilities. Keeping children entertained can be a challenge for families, and having activities planned isn’t always easy. That’s another benefit of life at Settlers. For residents, it’s not just about having the grandchildren over - it’s about offering them something fun to do while they’re here. With kids meals, movies, swimming, and more, Settlers makes grandparent visits feel like genuine outings - fun, engaging, and full of moments the kids will talk about long after they leave. One resident shared, “Little Cam, he’s 6 now, he said he loves coming here and he has a meat pie each time.” These simple rituals are part of what makes Settlers feel like home - not just for residents, but for the whole family. Wednesday 9 July – Holiday Fun That’s Easy to Join This special school holiday programme includes: Kids’ menu at Tui’s Café from 11.30am Movie screening: The Croods at 1.00pm in the cinema Swimming afterwards in the heated pool Other ongoing family-friendly features include: Daily movies Colouring stations The Little Free Library Park-like grounds for free play and exploration “We’ve had two little grandchildren on Monday, and last week we had them on Wednesday and Friday, and I had the little girl today.” Dianne “The pool is a great draw for the kids. We take the grandchildren into the pool - they love it.” Jim Learning and Creativity Without Age Limits Residents and their families recently enjoyed: A resident-crafted Snow White and the Seven Dwarves display, admired by visiting grandchildren and set to be the centrepiece of an upcoming craft day A music recital by students Lisa, Candy, and Hao featuring Bach, Mozart, and Chopin A STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) exhibition led by visiting students. KoruSTEM workshops where residents and children created light-up greeting cards using paper circuits These events sparked curiosity, creativity, and meaningful interaction across generations. They created fun memories, encouraged conversation, and gave everyone - young and old - something to enjoy and talk about. They reminded us that you're never too old - or too young - to learn something new. The Science of Connection Research supports the benefits of bringing generations together. Studies have shown that interactions with children can uplift the emotional well-being of older adults by reducing loneliness, sparking joy, and fostering purpose (Altura Learning, 2024; Vines et al., 2020; Chua et al., 2017; Skropeta et al., 2014). At Settlers, these benefits are lived experiences - supported through thoughtful village design, regular events, and a welcoming culture that makes space for all generations. For residents, spending time with younger generations brings real joy and energy to village life. Designed With Families in Mind Settlers were designed with space, comfort, and family in mind: Wide walkways and large dining areas Open-plan apartments with decks ideal for entertaining Beautiful, park-like grounds with established trees As one resident shared, “This is a beautiful space… When we have 180 here dining together, the tables can all go out around and leave the stage for entertainment, and it works.” Thinking Ahead: Will Your Family Feel Welcome? When choosing a retirement village, ask: Will my family feel comfortable visiting? Are there spaces where kids can play, learn, and relax? Will I be proud to host them here? At Settlers, the answer is yes. It’s a place where families connect, and residents feel supported to keep those connections strong. Large open spaces and established trees create a park-like atmosphere. Spacious open-plan living areas and decks make them ideal for entertaining family and friends. There are even rooms to hire and a large restaurant onsite. Come See It For Yourself We invite you to join us for a tour or one of our upcoming open days. Explore the village, stroll through our gardens, share a laugh over lunch, and experience what life could look like when generations grow closer together. Because at Settlers, intergenerational connection isn’t just welcome - it’s celebrated. References Altura Learning (2024). How children can help improve the quality of aged care at home. [online] Available at: https://www.alturalearning.co.nz/how-children-can-help-improve-the-quality-of-aged-care-at-home/ [Accessed 5 Jul. 2025]. Vines, R., Squires, K., Fairhall, K., Westera, A., Gilbert, A. and Day, N. (2020). Evaluation of an intergenerational program in aged care. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 31(2), pp.163–171. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31919942/ [Accessed 5 Jul. 2025]. Chua, P.H., et al. (2017). The impact of intergenerational programs on children and older adults: a review. Educational Gerontology, 43(11), pp.582–593. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28988548/ [Accessed 5 Jul. 2025]. Skropeta, C.M., Colvin, A. and Sladen, S. (2014). An evaluative study of intergenerational playgroups in aged care. BMC Geriatrics, 14, p.109. Available at: https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2318-14-109 [Accessed 5 Jul. 2025]. Book A Tour ### Winter Life at Settlers: Warmth, Care & Community As the colder months set in, winter brings a different rhythm to life. Days are shorter, jackets heavier, and for many, there’s a natural pull to stay indoors. While winter can pose unique challenges for older adults, such as health concerns or feelings of isolation, it’s also a season where the advantages of village life truly shine. In this blog, we’ll explore how Settlers Lifestyle Village (Settlers) makes winter not just manageable but genuinely enjoyable. The Beauty of Cosy Freedom One of the quiet joys of life at Settlers during winter is the freedom to live comfortably without the usual seasonal worries. There’s no need to think about clearing gutters, fixing leaks, or heating poorly insulated rooms. Here, winter living is warm, secure, and maintenance-free. You can spend your days doing what you love, instead of what needs doing. You can spend your money on the things you enjoy, not on fixing what’s broken. Whether it’s curling up with a good book in your cosy 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartment, enjoying a warm meal at the on-site restaurant, or sharing a laugh with friends over coffee, winter at Settlers feels less like hibernation and more like a gentle exhale. Support for Sickness Through the Winter Being unwell is hard enough, but being unwell, isolated, and elderly is even harder. That’s another great benefit of living in a lifestyle village like ours. With on-site emergency nursing support available around the clock, our residents can take comfort in knowing that help is nearby if they need it. Our homes feature multiple call buttons, and our registered nurses are on site 24/7, ready and equipped to assist at a moment’s notice. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re supported makes all the difference. The Warmth You Can’t See Of course, warmth isn’t just about heating—it’s about how you feel. Our village is known for its supportive culture where neighbours look out for one another. "Here, every other person stops to chat to you. It’s just so different," says Barry, a resident. "There is always someone around that you can talk to." Even when venturing outside is less appealing, our layout and facilities make it easy to enjoy the day without leaving the village. The onsite café and restaurant offer hearty, nutritious meals and warm beverages shared in good company. And for those who prefer a quiet moment, our beautifully maintained lounges and library provide peaceful retreats. Helping Men Feel at Home Winter can be particularly tough on senior men, many of whom find it more difficult to maintain or build social connections. Research has shown that older men are more likely to experience loneliness and isolation than women, which can lead to a decline in mental and physical health. At Settlers, we understand these challenges and have created a community where men feel included, valued, and engaged. For those who are more reserved or adjusting after losing a partner, the transition into village life is gently supported. “Clark, one of the new men, he was like a duck out of water,” says Bev. “So we gave him a task at happy hour. Now he's a different person—he moves around, collects the tickets, talks to everyone.” This kind of thoughtful inclusion, along with male-friendly spaces like our purpose-built bloke’s shed, helps residents feel connected. Operated under the Menz Shed New Zealand guidelines, the shed is more than just a place for building—it’s a space where camaraderie grows. “There’s even a get-together for men once a week. No one is isolated,” says Bill. Ray adds, “Many blokes came in with their wives and said they didn’t want to come, but are glad they did.” A Village with Years of Wisdom Unlike newer communities still finding their identity, Settlers have spent years cultivating a rich culture of care, understanding, and connection. We’ve learned how to spot when someone might need extra support. And we’ve built a place where no one has to feel alone. It’s in the helping hands, the shared stories, and the sense of belonging that turns cold months into comforting ones. Come Experience the Warmth for Yourself Join us on our open day this month: Wednesday 25th June, 11.00am to 1.00pm Hear from residents first-hand about what it’s like to belong to the North Island’s best large lifestyle village. 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 Aged Advisor People’s Choice Winner for New Zealand’s Best Large Retirement or Lifestyle Village Award – North Island Book A Tour ### Don’t Let Your Wellbeing Go Into Hibernation As the last of the autumn leaves are raked away and the days slowly become shorter, we’re slowly eased into winter. It’s the season of hibernation – but that doesn’t mean you have to slow down too.While winter sets in around us, life at Settlers stays just as lively and connected as any other time of the year. The cold season brings in a different sense of togetherness – from shared meals to cosy indoor events, there’s always something happening and always someone to enjoy it with. The Warmth Of Community In The Colder Months Naturally, we spend more time indoors during the colder months, but that doesn’t mean village life slows down. In fact, it continues to thrive. This time of year highlights what makes our community so special: the warmth of connection, the freedom to go at your own pace, and the joy of sharing meaningful moments every day.Our village lifestyle makes it easy to stay active and socially connected with amenities like the pool, spa, restaurant, gym, onsite hair salon and much more. From movie afternoons in the purpose-built theatre to tinkering in the “blokes’ shed” or joining regular activities, there’s always something to enjoy. And because everything’s close by, catching up and staying involved is so easy.Here, feeling comfortable isn’t just about staying warm – it’s about being part of a community that feels like home. What’s On This Month? May is shaping up to be a lively month at Settlers, with a great mix of social, creative, and active pursuits to enjoy. Alongside resident favourites like croquet, darts, and pétanque, there’s plenty more to keep you inspired, connected, and entertained. Here’s what’s happening this month: Creative GroupsCraft Group sessionsDiversity in Art classesWeekly Movie ScreeningsHeld in the on-site cinemaThursday Night GamesFive Crowns now hosted in the Avenues LoungeMother’s Day Lunch – Sunday, 11 MayBubbles on arrival for all our Settlers mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers“Stepping Out” Talent Show – Saturday, 10 MayFeaturing 22 fantastic resident actsWhether you're looking to stay active, get creative, or simply enjoy great company, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season at Settlers. Wellness and Peace Of Mind Winter can be a difficult season for some, especially when the chill sets in and daylight hours shrink. For many, the colder months can bring on low mood or fatigue – sometimes linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which affects more people than you think.It’s also common to slow down a little, and stick to the basics, especially when getting out feels harder and power bills are higher. Staying social, active and doing the things you enjoy is a big part of staying well, especially this time of year.That’s where village life can really help. At Settlers, so much is right on your doorstep — from vibrant indoor spaces and activities to friendly faces and support when you need it. Many activities are included at no extra cost, and access to facilities like the pool, spa, and gym is part of the lifestyle, not an added expense.This is one of the great advantages of village life, especially during winter, when rising power bills and seasonal costs can put pressure on your budget. At Settlers, you can stay active, social, and entertained without worrying about the added cost of extracurricular activities.Whether you’re enjoying time in the cáfe, heading to a class, or just chatting with your neighbour, you’ll never feel far from opportunities to connect. With the right environment, winter doesn’t have to feel isolating! See It For Yourself If you’re curious about what life is like at Settlers Lifestyle Village, winter might actually be the perfect time to visit. Take a walk around the village, including our beautiful butterfly house, have a coffee, and get a feel for the people who make our village feel so alive. If you love our village in winter, you’ll love it even more in summer!We’d love to show you around on a personal tour, or welcome you on one of our Open Days. Whatever works for you, works for us. Here at Settlers we don’t slow down during winter, we keep on moving.References:​​Fonte, A., & Coutinho, B. (2021). Seasonal sensitivity and psychiatric morbidity: study about seasonal affective disorder. BMC Psychiatry, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03313-zDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. (n.d.). Lifestyle Modification as Intervention for Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Systematic review. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002239562400195X#cebib0010 Book A Tour ### Honouring ANZAC Day at Settlers Lifestyle Village ANZAC Day holds a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders, and at Settlers Lifestyle Village, we take immense pride in coming together to commemorate this important day. Our annual ANZAC Day service is organised to honour the legacy of our servicemen and women who served and sacrificed so much for our nation.The service will include a beautifully set stage, a display of treasured war-time memorabilia, and plenty of music, which the community is warmly invited to join in and sing along to.We’re also very honoured to have the Greenhithe Brownie group participating as flag bearers, led by their longtime pack leader and valued Settlers Lifestyle Village resident Karin Hewitt. Tea, Tales, and Traditions Following the service, residents and guests are welcome to mingle over morning tea. This is a good opportunity to share stories, reflect on the past, and enjoy each other’s company. And, of course, the event would not be complete without a generous serving of ANZAC biscuits. Shared reflections strengthen bonds At Settlers Lifestyle Village, recognising moments like ANZAC Day isn’t just an event on the calendar; it’s a way to strengthen our bond as a community. Whether it’s coming together to share stories over a cuppa, or reflecting on our shared history, these moments remind us of the values that unite us.Easter is another occasion we're celebrating this month, and residents will receive fresh, delicious hot cross buns delivered to their homes.If you’re considering a lifestyle that embraces connection, shared respect, and a sense of belonging, we’d love to show you what life at Settlers Lifestyle Village is all about. Feel free to contact us to arrange a visit—we’d be thrilled to welcome you. Book A Tour ### Di Willis and Her Journey to Settlers A Move Shaped by Life’s Changes Di Willis had not expected to move to a retirement village so soon. But when a well-connected friend tipped her off about a north-facing apartment at Settlers Lifestyle Village in Albany —one of the most sought-after spots, and seamlessly linked to the main building—fate seemed to step in. With time of the essence, her son-in-law was dispatched to inspect the place. His verdict? Don’t hesitate. In a bold move, a deposit was placed before Di had even set foot inside.After her beloved Hugh’s passing, selling their longtime family home in Torbay, filled with memories and belongings, was no small task. "It was a mammoth task, a real whirlwind…I didn’t know how I was going to do it." It was in this home that Di and Hugh raised their children and founded the Elevate Christian Disability Trust, a ministry that would become their life’s work. For 46 years, they led the organisation, creating a place of belonging for people with disabilities in Christian communities across New Zealand.With the support of her community and family, Di was able to donate and gift much of what they had collected over the years. Once the house was staged for sale, she felt a shift. "It didn’t feel like home anymore… and that made it a bit easier to say goodbye."Settlers made the transition as smooth as possible. The sales team was very supportive, and the moving company, arranged by Settlers, handled everything. The Settler's welcome package includes professional moving assistance valued at up to $6,000. "I was so impressed by the movers. They were fantastic… professional, and they never rushed me. They even offered to sort things I hadn’t arranged, like taking half a truckload of donations to the Salvation Army." She arrived in April 2024, settling into a bright, north-facing, two-bedroom apartment. Settling into Life at Settlers Di found comfort in the community during her first months at the village. Though adjusting to life without Hugh was difficult, the kindness of neighbours and staff made a difference.She quickly embraced village life, joining in on table tennis, indoor bowls, croquet, and swims in the heated pool. "I play table tennis," she says with a smile. "I wouldn't say I'm very good," she laughs, "it's not really about that. It's about having a go. You can do that here… Try new things." While she does not drink, she enjoys attending happy hours - "with a fresh apple juice", she laughs - and social dinners held in the dining hall. She regularly connects with other Christian residents at Settlers, finding belonging in their gatherings.What stands out to Di most about Settlers is the warmth of the community. "When you drive in, people wave… smile." Residents look out for each other, and management is both approachable and efficient. As an occupational therapist, she is particularly impressed by how well the village caters to those with mobility challenges. "They've thought of everything. It's quite remarkable." Advice for New Residents Di’s advice to newcomers is simple—get involved. "There is always something happening at Settlers," she says, "and people are happy to show you the ropes. Try something new, even if you have never done it before." Settlers is full of friendly faces, and everyone looks out for each other. As Di puts it, "You will find your place." Book A Tour ### Discover the Joys of Nature in Our Butterfly House Time has a way of speeding by, doesn’t it? One moment we’re welcoming the warmth of summer, and the next, autumn is creeping at our doorsteps. Here at Settlers Lifestyle Village, we believe in savoring life’s small moments—the kind that are easy to overlook but hold some of life’s deepest joys. For us, nothing captures this philosophy more beautifully than our treasured Butterfly House, a serene haven for both our residents and the graceful Monarch butterflies. A Nature Sanctuary for Everyone Our Butterfly House isn’t just a home for butterflies—it’s a sanctuary where life’s natural beauty thrives. Inside, residents can witness the miraculous cycle of life unfold, from the delicate laying of Monarch eggs to their transformation into caterpillars, chrysalises, and finally, butterflies. The awe of watching these graceful creatures flutter around has created a space where joy, nature, and community come together. Unfortunately, Monarch eggs have been scarce in recent months. Despite seeing many butterflies in our area, egg shortages are a challenge nationwide. To sustain the population and ensure our residents continue to enjoy this first-hand glimpse of nature’s wonders, we’ve taken extra steps to address this scarcity. Caterpillars have been brought in from other parts of Auckland, and we are working toward boosting butterfly numbers in late March and April to help sustain the local population through the colder months. Together with the Butterfly Association, which generously donated thriving caterpillars to our Butterfly House, we’re nurturing this beautiful cycle of life. Butterflies and Community Building Beyond its role as a home to Monarchs, the Butterfly House is a place that brings our residents together. Breeding butterflies has become a passion—it’s thrilling to watch the awe, wonder, and excitement spread as residents gather to observe new hatches or the emergence of a butterfly from its chrysalis. This shared love for the project connects our community in a meaningful way, reminding us of the beauty life offers when we pause to take it all in. And the joy doesn’t stop there. We actively support butterfly conservation efforts through regular contributions to the Butterfly Association, ensuring this important ecological work continues. It’s just one of the ways our Village inspires both a sense of community and care for the world beyond its walls. Join Us and Experience the Butterfly House Have you had the chance to experience the serenity of our Butterfly House? If not, we invite you to see it for yourself. Attend one of our Open Days to stroll through our lush gardens, tour available homes, meet our friendly residents, and, of course, visit the Butterfly House—it’s a highlight you simply can’t miss. At Settlers Lifestyle Village, we celebrate the big moments as well as the small, meaningful ones that fill each day with joy and purpose. Whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee with a neighbor or watching a Monarch take flight for the first time, you’ll find these moments of connection and nature are woven into the fabric of our community. Book A Tour ### New Year, New Home? How to Decide If a Retirement Village Is Right for You A new year is a time for reflection and resolution. It's when many of us take stock of our lives and ask, "What do I want for myself?" For retirees, the question often extends to their living arrangements. If you've been toying with the idea of moving to a retirement village, this might be the year to make that life-changing decision. With insight from real residents, we've compiled essential considerations to help you determine if this move is right for you. Why Do People Choose to Move? There are a myriad of reasons why people decide to make the move to a retirement village. If property maintenance has become overwhelming, budgeting feels unpredictable, or you simply want more vibrant surroundings, it might be time to take that next step. Before deciding to move, ask yourself, “What is it about my current living situation that bothers me”. Here are the most common reasons seniors make the transition: Property maintenance is overwhelmingTasks like lawn care, gutter cleaning, and general upkeep take considerable effort, and as we age, they can feel daunting.“We added up our tree trimming, gardening etc. and you don’t have to worry about it – worry about who is ripping you off. And you don’t have to worry about it [costs] going up”. Dave Wanting predictability in budgetingRetirement villages with fixed fees eliminate surprises and make financial planning easier, offering long-term peace of mind. They remove the stress of rising rates and utility costs, as well as unexpected repair costs. Plus, you get to enjoy quality amenities without paying for memberships. You have so much to do right outside your door.“You don’t have to pay rates, water rates, gym memberships, maintenance – all of those costs keep going up, but our fee is fixed for life. That’s a huge relief when you’re on a fixed income”. Jean “We are saving more money here than we were at home. Your rates aren’t going up. When something needs fixing you put a form in and it’s fixed within a day”. Mary Concerns about safety and securityMany retirees feel uneasy living alone. Retirement villages often provide gated security, 24/7 nurses on site and call systems, which affords peace of mind. “The quiet friendliness and support one gives or receives is reassuring and precious. Especially as we are all Senior Citizens and not as mobile anymore”. Remarks Philippa. Seeking connections and vibrancyLoneliness can creep in when you're at home alone or lack a steady flow of social interactions. Living in a well-connected community opens the door to new friendships and activities. Philippa says “A resident does not need to feel alone because there is always companionship, especially if their family is not nearby or abroad. We have become a family, and the wonderful staff are so caring of us”. While Marg explains “If we were still in our home, we would not have had the opportunity to meet and enjoy the social company of the many friendly Settlers residents, we have been fortunate to meet some really special friends”. Freeing up time for passionsReduced responsibilities mean more time for hobbies, fitness, travel, socialising or simply relaxing. If you don’t have to worry about home maintenance and gardening, you can focus your energy on doing what you love. As one resident beautifully put it, “You can use your energy to do the things you want to do, rather than the things you have to do.” Their Neighbourhood Is Just Not The SameMany of the residents we talked to missed the days when they could wave hello to someone on the street and know their name. Being familiar with people around you brings a sense of comfort. Retirement villages can provide that sense of belonging. “You have a shared outlook on life, a shared vision, and camaraderie that you don’t get out in the suburbs. It’s the same sort of thing that you get by belonging to a club. You never get lonely. There’s so much to do”. June For more insights on if moving to a retirement village is the right option for you now, check out this article on navigating the emotional journey of downsizing. 6 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Retirement Village Real Stories from Residents Moving into a retirement village isn’t a decision to make lightly—it’s about finding a place that enhances your quality of life. There are some factors that you may not think to consider that are actually really important. 1. Lifestyle and Community Vibe What’s the energy of the village? Is it vibrant, relaxed, supportive, or something in between? Walk around different villages to get a feel for the environment. You’ll instinctively sense where you feel most comfortable. Trust your instincts—not every village will "feel right," but the one meant for you certainly will. 2. Inclusivity, support and advocacy Residents at Settlers Lifestyle Village highlight the inclusive atmosphere, praising options like woodworking sheds, salons, and group classes. According to one resident, "The range of activities ensures there’s never a dull moment—you can socialise, learn, or relax whenever you want." Resident Bev shares, "You can be as social or introverted as you want. There's space for everyone to do their own thing, no pressure to attend every event or mingle if you don’t feel up to it." 3. Space and Comfort Space is a luxury that’s often taken for granted until you don’t have it. Choosing a home is different from picking a hotel; it’s about finding a place where you can truly settle and many of our residents say how important space is in that regard. Pay attention to the design of the village. Is it built for high density or enjoyment? Are corridors and pathways wide? Do the apartments feel open or cramped? Look for high ceilings, large windows, large dining areas, established trees and gardens, social spaces and greenery—key features that make environments feel more homely. One resident reflects, "High-rise buildings can feel intimidating—too many shadows and too little greenery. I wanted a space that felt comfortable but not constricting." 4. Family Friendliness Consider whether your family and friends will feel comfortable visiting you. Does the village welcome grandchildren, offering play areas or even pools with set visiting hours? Your family will love coming over if the space encourages fun or relaxation. “Little Cam, he’s 6 now, he said he loves coming here and he has a meat pie each time”, says founding resident Bev. 5. Private or Group Ownership Unlike other villages where management controls activities, here we encourage residents to take charge. Whether it is running the bar or organising social events, our residents choose how things are done. It’s about living life on their terms.“With other villages, there are so many layers to get through. Here, you speak with someone and it’ll get to the right people quickly.” “I think ours might be rare – other villages employ staff and the staff organise everything -that is more restricting and less personal. But in ours, we make our own days up – it provides a sense of purpose, a bit of pride that it’s your area that you look after. “ “I’m on the bus driving list. I’ve become a bus driver now. I’ve done my licence. They’re off all the time. They’re always going off somewhere.” 6. Health and Future Care Do the village’s facilities accommodate your current and future needs? Even if you're fully independent now, it’s worth considering places with medical support or age-friendly designs like step-free access. Residents of Settlers Lifestyle Village get priority access to Fairview Care, a private rest home and hospital. How Moving Early Can Improve Your Quality of Life It can be tempting to delay the move, but many retirees express wishing they had made the change years earlier. Moving while you're still active allows you to fully enjoy the vibrant social life, accessible amenities, and peace of mind retirement villages have to offer. Bev, who had lived in her family home for 44 years, describes her experience, "It was hard driving away for the last time, but it became the beginning of something wonderful. New doors opened for me that I couldn’t experience while managing my old home." Barry notes, "Most people wait until their late 70s or 80s. But the earlier you move, the more opportunities you have to enjoy and explore everything." Margaret recalls her own turning point, "We considered downsizing first, but then I asked my husband, 'How long will we stay there before moving to a village?' When he said, ‘3–5 years,’ I thought, 'Why move twice?' That decision changed everything for us." Mary adds, "I’m much happier here. At home, everyday things would frustrate me—like cleaning up after a huge tree in our yard. Little annoyances add up, and over time they got unbearable. The pressure is completely off now." Take the Leap Toward the Next Chapter The start of a new year is the perfect time to envision what the future could hold. If your current living situation no longer brings you the joy, ease, or connections you deserve, perhaps it’s time to consider a lifestyle village. Choosing the right retirement village isn’t just about floor plans and facilities—it’s about finding a community that feels like home. With welcoming neighbours, accessible amenities, and freedom to focus on what you love, this could be the year you make the move. Take the first step toward new possibilities. Explore local options, tour villages, and speak to residents who’ve walked this path to see if this could be the fresh start you’re looking for. Book a tour today. Your fresh start awaits. Book A Tour ### From Hustle to Harmony: Christmas in a Lifestyle Village Christmas is often a time of reflection, tradition, and family gatherings. Many retirees have spent decades hosting Christmas in their own homes, full of the hustle and bustle (a.k.a. stress and joy) of family events. But what happens when they move to a village? We asked residents of Settlers Lifestyle Village how their festive season here compares to their previous celebrations. As they reflect, they describe the experience of connection, relaxation, and joy without having to be the “hostess with the mostess”! How does spending the festive season at Settlers differ from celebrating in your previous home? For many residents, it’s a refreshing change. One resident shared, “Settlers is my home. For the first time in years, I’ll actually be spending Christmas at home instead of rushing to travel at the last minute. It’s so relaxing to just enjoy the buildup to Christmas, with the added bonus of plenty of festive activities organised by residents and management alike.” Others enjoy stepping back from hosting duties. “When I lived in my own home, I felt responsible for organizing everything. Now, the family does it and I can ‘just be there’. Love it!" one resident remarked. Importantly, for those without nearby family, the village fosters a strong sense of community. “A resident does not need to feel alone because there is always companionship, especially if their family is not nearby or abroad. We have become a family, and the wonderful staff are so caring of us.” another shared, highlighting the inclusive spirit of Settlers. Others marvelled at the sheer number of options for getting in the festive spirit. The most striking thing is the wide range of activities and presentations available and the wide range of people involved - both residents and staff. Nobody could be short of something to do, people to talk with, entertainment to listen to and share with others, "fancy things" to eat, and so on, and so on. In short, there is never a dull moment. It can be summed up by one resident - “The festive season at Settlers is exactly that, ‘A Season”’ because since the beginning of Dec when the first balcony lights were lit up, we felt that Christmas had arrived early and it has only got better with the various Christmas celebrations and functions in the build-up to the big day. We especially enjoyed the Settler's Christmas dinner party and are looking forward to the New Year function as well. If we were still in our home, we would not have had the opportunity to meet and enjoy the social company of the many friendly Settlers residents, we have been fortunate to meet some really special friends”. What has been the most surprising or unexpected aspect of the festive season here? One common theme among residents is how much effort everyone puts into creating a festive atmosphere. From the tasteful decorations that strike a perfect balance to the numerous activities starting right from December 1st, the spirit of the season truly lights up the village. “The willingness of residents and management to create an appropriate festive environment throughout the village both inside and out,” one resident noted. Another appreciated the inclusivity, saying, “There’s a quiet respect for Christmas here, even for those who aren’t religious or follow different beliefs.” “The most surprising aspect is the fact that the residents are so involved in the running of the various Christmas and village functions, they really do go above and beyond. This time of year brings us socially together as the functions flow. We have the choice to attend, but sometimes a relaxing cup of tea on the balcony is welcome”. What do you enjoy most about this time of year at Settlers? The sense of togetherness, relaxation, and giving back emerged as standout highlights. Residents shared how the friendly atmosphere and social activities help create a warm and contented environment. One commented, “It’s about enjoying good friends, good company, and inclusive activities in a relaxed atmosphere.” “There is always someone to talk with and say "Have you seen X?" "What do you think of Y?" "How did they get those lights up there?" Some residents also appreciated the opportunity to give back during the season. “The happy relaxed air of the seasonal time, happy contentment. Giving to people with food or gift donations who are not well off by various residents who organise these charity gifts.” Another resident summed it up beautifully, calling Settlers their “forever place” and expressing gratitude for the care and atmosphere cultivated during the season. Is there anything you miss about your previous festive traditions? Interestingly, most residents felt they weren’t missing out at all. Many appreciated the shift away from the pressure of hosting and instead enjoyed the chance to relax and fully partake in meaningful moments. “We get the best of both worlds!” remarked one couple. For one resident, when asked what they missed remarked, “Christmas Eve ugly shirt and cocktails with family. Perhaps I should organise one here?”!” For others, the warm, quiet, and supportive environment more than makes up for any past customs. “The quiet friendliness and support one gives or receives is reassuring and precious. Especially as we are all Senior Citizens and not as mobile anymore,” one resident reflected. Why Christmas in a Lifestyle Village Feels Even Better Settlers Lifestyle Village highlights the beauty of community, connection, and simplicity in retirement living. Christmas here isn’t about what’s missing; instead, it’s about what’s gained—a relaxed pace, meaningful friendships, and a sense of belonging. Many residents find they’re rediscovering the joy of the season, from participating in festive activities to sharing heartfelt moments with their new “village family.” For retirees looking for a richer, more connected festive experience, celebrating Christmas in a lifestyle village like Settlers may just be the perfect way to create new, cherished memories. Are you thinking about making the move to a retirement village? Perhaps you’re grappling with the decision of having to leave your family home. If this is the case, please check out these blogs that share the personal experiences of other residents. Moving into a retirement home - how do you know when the time is right? In this blog, a woman discusses her struggle to walk away from the family home she has lived in for 45 years. Is it time for a fresh start? This blog shares the process many residents go through before deciding to make the move to a lifestyle village. Interested in learning more about life at Settlers? Visit our website or book a tour and see what makes this community so special. Book A Tour ### Experience the Magic of Christmas at Settlers Lifestyle Village It's that time of year when workplaces, community groups, school and homes come alive with festive cheer. But for elderly people who no longer belong to these groups or live alone, it can be a very lonely time. Not for residents at Settlers Lifestyle Village. The Essence of Community Spirit At Settlers Lifestyle Village, we embrace the season, offering a sense of togetherness often lost in today’s fast-paced world. Here you are part of a community where celebrations transcend the usual hoo-ha, creating a profound sense of belonging. Christmas Festivities Have Begun Our calendar is brimming with events designed to bring joy and connection, starting as early as November. Here’s a glimpse of the festivities awaiting our residents. Blokes Shed - Santa's Workshop (November 8th) Our Blokes Shed transforms into a bustling Santa's Workshop. Find handmade wooden treasures crafted by our talented residents, perfect for heartfelt gifts that carry sentimental value. Christmas Craft Market (November 14th) Discover unique ornaments and handmade crafts at our vibrant Christmas Craft Market. It’s the ideal place to find a special addition to your holiday decorations or a unique present for someone dear. Village Christmas Tree Setup (November 29th) Join us as we set up our village Christmas tree, a cherished tradition that marks the beginning of the festive season. This event is open to all residents and is a symbol of unity and togetherness. December Festivities Lighting Up the Village On November 29th, we come together to set up our village Christmas tree. This cherished tradition marks the beginning of the festive season. The tree stands as a symbol of unity and togetherness, embodying the spirit of our village. Remembrance Candlelight Service (Early December) Reflect and find companionship during our Remembrance Candlelight Service, a touching moment to honour loved ones who are no longer with us. This moving yet uplifting ceremony offers solace and support to those who may find the holiday season difficult. The service is a time to come together, light candles, and share memories of those we hold dear. It's a poignant reminder that, even in loss, we are never alone. Westlake Girls High School Christmas Extravaganza (December 2nd) Enjoy a mini orchestra and choir performance by Westlake Girls High School, filling our village with the joyful sounds of the season. It's a heartwarming experience that highlights the joy of intergenerational connection. It's also a wonderful opportunity to support local talent and enjoy the magic of live performance. Resident Christmas Dinner (December 4th) This festive feast brings everyone together over delicious food, fostering a sense of belonging that defines our community. It's a time to celebrate friendships old and new, surrounded by the warmth and comfort of our village. 90+ Morning Tea for Christmas (December 10th) Celebrate the remarkable lives of our residents aged 90 and above at a special morning tea, honouring their wisdom and experience. This occasion reflects our commitment to inclusivity and respect, ensuring that every resident feels valued and cherished. It's a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our community, where everyone has a place. Carolling in the Lodge (December 14th) Our lodge becomes a hub of festive cheer as residents gather for an evening of carolling, filling the air with joyful melodies. Christmas Presentation (December 16th) Our residents enjoy a special Christmas presentation by Sunday @ Seven Group. Christmas Takeaways and Drinks (December 24th) Enjoy a relaxed gathering with takeaway treats and drinks. It's a laid-back celebration where we enjoy life’s simple pleasures. It's a reminder of the warmth and hospitality that define our village, inviting all to share in the magic of Christmas. Boxing Day Morning Tea (December 26th) This leisurely tradition is another example of our village's community spirit. Residents are invited to unwind after the excitement of Christmas with a delightful morning tea, enjoying each other’s company in a relaxed setting. New Year's Eve Party (December 31st) Ring in the new year with a lively celebration, welcoming the future with optimism and dancing the night away with friends and neighbours. Rediscovering the Joy of Community When we think about the magic of Christmas, images of festive decorations, and joyful celebrations come to mind. Yet, behind these visuals lies something deeper—community spirit and a sense of belonging that truly make the season special. This festive season, we invite you to experience the magic of our village and discover the warmth and comfort that define our community. Join us in celebrating the joy of Christmas and the spirit of togetherness that makes our village a special place to call home. Your Next Chapter Awaits If you’re seeking a retirement community that offers more than just a place to live, consider joining us. Here, you’ll find a community that celebrates life, cherishes traditions, and embraces the spirit of togetherness. Experience the magic of our village, where Christmas and community come together in the most meaningful way. Book A Tour ### Settlers Lifestyle Village makes it four in a row with People’s Choice Award Premier Lifestyle Villages Group has secured an extraordinary fourth consecutive ‘Best Large Retirement or Lifestyle Village North Island’ award in AgedAdvisor’s coveted ‘People’s Choice Awards’ for its Settlers Lifestyle Village property on Auckland’s North Shore. Winning four years in a row underscores the Group’s unwavering commitment to resident connectedness – with each other and the world around them. The 'People’s Choice Awards' are decided through the collation and review of the toughest 'judges' of any awards, the resident. The awards are completely independent - the only true "people's choice" awards in New Zealand for Seniors. The process has involved over 15,200 reviews and ratings for over 945 retirement facilities. This year, close to 4000 in-depth reviews contributed to the awards. Premier Lifestyle Villages CEO Terry Middlemost says, “We are incredibly proud to win for a fourth consecutive year. This recognises the commitment and effort our team puts in every day without fail to provide the best level of care available and a meaningful range of experiences. “The accolade means so much to us because the People’s Choice Awards reflect what residents think about their village. Our staff and management team strive to create that special connected feeling for everyone in a calm, beautiful environment. We are one team, one family, one community. It’s fantastic to hear that we continue to set the highest bar for lifestyle, comfort, security, hospitality, and care in a lifestyle village.” The unique level of care and quality of the beautiful amenities at the village is reflected in recent feedback and reviews of Settlers Lifestyle Village at AgedAdvisor, which range from “Best place I have seen” through to “Just keep everything as it is currently. It is hard to improve on the lifestyle Settlers offers to its residents.” Settlers Lifestyle Village is committed to community and resident well-being, promoting active living and a congenial environment. Strong community bonds, autonomy, and healthy social dynamics are cultivated in multiple ways. These range from the Settlers welcoming committee, a support network, and events and daily activities through to everything from a monthly ladies’ happy hour to a purpose-built bloke’s shed. Tania Ryan, General Manager for AgedAdvisor New Zealand says, “The AgedAdvisor Annual Awards are based on real reviews from the residents, families, and professionals nationwide who know these facilities inside and out. As the largest awards of our kind with a genuine connection to each facility, we love the chance each year to celebrate every star of our industry. It's our 10th anniversary for the awards this year. “We are very excited to announce that the 2024 Award for Best Large Retirement or Lifestyle Village (North Island) once again goes to Settlers Lifestyle Village - a title they have now held onto for many years! I’m confident that our awards provide the most accurate and trustworthy information out there. We celebrate real voices, real experiences, and real results - and Settlers are one of the real stars in the industry.” Settlers Lifestyle Village directors Scott Vernon and David McFarlan commented that this award has little to do with the bricks and mortar of Settlers but everything to do with the culture of friendliness and camaraderie that exists within the community. Scott says, “The award recognises that the residents are the village, and the owners, management and staff are justifiably proud that their contribution provides a platform for such positive and collective energy. Settlers is such a happy place.” The village's commitment to inclusive activities and round-the-clock emergency response services assures a life of comfort, safety, and engagement. Resort-like facilities, including numerous shared spaces, and expansive grounds with lush gardens and mature trees create an atmosphere made for relaxation and social interactions. Book A Tour ### Choosing Your Retirement Haven: New vs. Established Villages Lifestyle villages offer more options than ever before. For those retiring today, many of these weren't available to their parents. Among the options is choosing between a brand new village or an established one. While the benefits of a new village may seem obvious, it's important not to overlook the advantages of established ones. Established villages often provide unique benefits that come with time. As the old adage goes - “good things take time”. Taking a look at these advantages will help you make an informed decision. The Beauty of Mature Grounds Spring has sprung, and residents at Settlers Lifestyle Village are enjoying the blooms and birdsong nestled in the abundance of lush tropical gardens. It's nice to look out from your window and stroll the expansive grounds in this established village. It is quite beautiful and comforting to live among mature trees and an abundance of birds. There's something comforting about nature that provides a deep sense of peace. However, new developments often struggle to replicate this feeling, as it takes years for gardens and natural landscapes to become fully established “The gardens are beautiful, and we can easily walk around the village” "Every day lately, I wake up to the sound of birds, which is such a lovely change. In our previous house, which was in a new development, there were no trees, so we hardly heard any birds. It's truly wonderful to be surrounded by nature here." Would your family enjoy visiting you here? When considering where to live, think about how your family might feel visiting you there. The tranquil environment of Settlers Lifestyle Village also provides a nice backdrop for family and friends to come and visit, allowing them to enjoy the beautiful grounds together. Large open spaces and established trees create a park-like atmosphere. While spacious open-plan living areas and decks make them ideal for entertaining family and friends. There are even rooms to hire and a large restaurant onsite. But it's not just the beauty of established natural surroundings, it's also the feeling of spaciousness our village offers. Designed for enjoyment - not for high-density The owners of Settlers Lifestyle Village designed their village around residents' needs. Here, instead of trying to fit as many dwellings into the village as possible, they carefully considered how their decisions would affect the lives of our residents. Safety, comfort, and accessibility were their design considerations. For instance, we created a “blokes shed” because we understand the importance of having a workshop, similar to what many residents had at home. Additionally, we recognize the value of monthly hair salon visits for our residents, so we made sure to include that in our design. Of course, modern homes and high-quality facilities were a given, but this also meant caring about all the details that add up to make a big difference to the overall feel of the community. Wider streets, considered property placement, and beautiful green spaces and gardens were all included to create a comfortable environment that would feel spacious and promote a sense of well-being and connection. We also wanted to ensure that communal areas were added to facilitate community gatherings and provide relaxing spaces where all residents felt at home. Our village has numerous recreation, entertainment and dining spaces, all providing opportunities for socialising in a country club style setting. Spacious Living for Enhanced Comfort A spacious village also gives you a feeling of openness and facilitates ease of movement. Recent comments from retirees looking at retirement villages reveal that some can feel quite claustrophobic. High-rise buildings loom over the grounds, casting shadows and creating an overbearing atmosphere that can feel intimidating. Corridors that are too narrow only add to the feeling of constriction. On the other hand, those looking for a homely atmosphere mention the importance of spacious surroundings, wide corridors, high ceilings and large dining areas. While gardens and established trees provide a sense of comfort and timeliness. The unseen attributes in choosing a retirement village matter too The decision to move to a retirement village involves more than just evaluating its physical attributes. The unseen aspects, like community spirit and understanding, contribute significantly to residents’ well-being. With decades of shared living and learning, we understand what it takes to support our residents. Unlike newer villages that are still finding their identity, our well-established culture of care leads to a rewarding and enriching environment. It’s always the people who make any community what it is, and we’re so happy that our residents are committed to supporting each other and making this such a great place to call home. We hear many amazing stories of neighbours looking out for each other. This is truly a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone feels valued. As one resident put it, “There is a lot of care here – a lot of caring people. If someone gets sick, everyone cares and drops things off to people.” Among our team members, you will find some of the most caring and kind people you have ever met. Since residents are like family to them, every interaction is genuine and heartfelt. Many of our staff members have worked at our villages since they first opened their doors, so they know what it takes to make residents feel at home. Parting thoughts When selecting a lifestyle village, it’s crucial not to get swept up by its newness, as the initial shininess will eventually fade. Instead, prioritise the culture and comfort of the village, since these factors will endure. An established community, spacious grounds, and a welcoming atmosphere are key elements that will make it feel like home long after the novelty wears off. So be sure to evaluate your choice based on how you would feel living there for a long time. Choosing a home is different from picking a hotel; it’s about finding a place where you can truly settle. Ultimately, we believe that the culture of a village is what truly makes it feel like home. Our villages have that special something that draws people in. So many of our residents said they immediately knew this was the right village for them. There’s an energy pull, an inexplicable vibe that just feels right. It’s that feeling you get when you know you’re in a place where you truly belong. Book A Tour ### The Surprising Power of Community for Senior Men A report examining senior men’s experiences in England found that older men are more likely to suffer from loneliness and social isolation. Presented by Independent Age, the report highlights how this crisis contributes to a wide range of adverse health outcomes, including depression and cognitive decline. A distinctly male problem There’s evidence that men and women have different experiences with social isolation and loneliness. A lot of older men grew up in environments where expressing feelings or asking for help was seen as a weakness. So when they retire or experience significant life changes, like losing a spouse or close friends, they may find it hard to connect. Those feelings of isolation can lead to a cycle of loneliness that’s hard to break, which causes men to withdraw even more. In comparison with women their age, older men are less likely to participate in social activities. Men also tend to gravitate toward solitary hobbies more, leading them to miss out on opportunities for socialisation. Men who live alone, which is increasingly common in later life, can experience intense feelings of loneliness. 14% of older men experienced moderate to high social isolation compared to 11% of women 23% had less than monthly contact with their children compared to 15% of women 31% had less than monthly contact with other family, compared to 21% of women 19% had less than monthly contact with their friends compared to 12% of women Poor health outcomes are consistently linked to social isolation, loneliness, and loneliness. People with strong social networks often live longer, healthier lives and have better mental health. For older men, however, social isolation can worsen, reducing their quality of life. The report emphasises the urgent need for initiatives that encourage older men to participate in social activities and community involvement. Health Stats: 28% of the loneliest men reported poor health. 26% of the most isolated men experienced depression. 53% of the loneliest men had limitations in performing Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Settlers Village: Helping men thrive through collective compassion and understanding Residents and staff at our village know that men may have a harder time making friends and adjusting to village life. That’s the great thing about moving into a well-established village—you benefit from decades of collective wisdom. Through awareness and collaboration, we’ve created an environment where older men can thrive. We’ve implemented activities and initiatives to make it easier for men to engage actively and socially with minimal stress and effort. “Clark, one of the new men, he’s in an apartment, and at first he was like a duck out of water, and you know what we did, we’ve given him a task to do at happy hour and he’s absolutely a different person. He’s seeing everybody and moves around, collecting all the tickets and making contact.” - Bev, Established Resident A connected community Our community has an established support network that newer villages might still be developing. Residents look out for one another and provide a safety net for men as they navigate life transitions. “Here, every other person stops to chat to you. It’s just so different. There is always someone around that you can talk to.” – Barry “Many blokes came in with their wives and said they didn’t want to come, but are glad they did.” -Ray Male centric initiatives As well as general community events and activities, we also offer specific initiatives that encourage men to be active and engaged in their community. One example of this is our purpose-built bloke’s shed which attracts a number of highly gifted men who enjoy building, crafting and tinkering. For many men, spending time in their shed is more than just a hobby; it’s a space for quiet reflection and intrinsic satisfaction. Their shed allows them to engage their creative side, hone their problem-solving skills, and contribute in practical ways. However, transitioning to a new living environment like Settlers Lifestyle Village doesn’t mean leaving this beloved pastime behind. Our village is a member of the Menz Shed New Zealand, which is a registered charity that exists to encourage, support and provide good information to those interested and passionate about men’s sheds in New Zealand. Our shed is run under their guidelines. It’s been a popular way for blokes to enjoy each other’s company. “There is even a get-together for men, they bring us together for a meeting once a week. No one is isolated.” -Bill “There is a weight lifted off your shoulder. Once you settle in you think I should have done this sooner. People often say we should have been here 5 years earlier.” The unseen attributes in choosing a retirement village matter The decision to move to a retirement village involves more than just evaluating its physical attributes. The unseen aspects, like community spirit and understanding, contribute significantly to residents’ well-being. With decades of shared living and learning, we understand what it takes to support our residents. Our experience has taught us invaluable lessons about supporting the well-being of older men. Unlike newer villages that are still finding their identity, our well-established culture of care leads to a rewarding and enriching retirement. Book A Tour ### Free to Thrive: The Importance of Autonomy in Well-being The Importance of Autonomy in Well-being at Settlers Lifestyle Village When choosing a retirement village, the physical attributes often steal the spotlight. Beautiful landscapes, modern amenities, and cosy living spaces are undeniably important. But what about the unseen, yet equally crucial, aspects like the village’s culture? Among our residents, we foster a sense of community and autonomy that is essential to a fulfilling retirement. In this article, we explore how autonomy plays a pivotal role in enhancing well-being and how living at Settlers Lifestyle Village allows you to live life a little freer. Understanding Autonomy Autonomy is about having control over how we live our lives. It’s the freedom to make our own decisions and the ability to self-determine our paths. For retirees, maintaining this autonomy is vital. It influences mental health, well-being, and even physical health. Studies have shown that a sense of autonomy is strongly associated with longevity and the prevention of depression and cognitive decline among the elderly. Source: National Library of Medicine, Maintaining the dignity and autonomy of older people in the healthcare setting, NIH The Role of Autonomy in Well-being Mental Health Benefits Autonomy significantly impacts mental health. When individuals have control over their lives, they experience lower levels of stress and anxiety. This is particularly important for retirees who may face various life changes. By allowing residents to make their own choices, Settlers Lifestyle Village promotes a sense of security. Source: National Library of Medicine, and Decreased Autonomy In Community-Dwelling Older Adults NIH Physical Health Benefits The benefits of autonomy extend beyond mental health. Active participation in decision-making and community activities encourages physical activity and social interaction, both of which are crucial for maintaining physical health. At Settlers, residents are encouraged to lead activities, arrange social events, and participate in outings, promoting an active lifestyle. Social Connectedness Autonomy fosters social connectedness. When residents have a say in what happens in their community, they feel a sense of belonging and purpose. This connectedness is a key factor in overall happiness and well-being. Settlers Lifestyle Village promotes this by ensuring residents are at the heart of all decisions made within the community. “There is an art group which I enjoy. There’s also a gardening group, and one afternoon we all went to the domain to see the winter garden in the village bus.” How Settlers Lifestyle Village Supports Autonomy Resident-led Activities Unlike other villages where management controls activities, here we encourage residents to take charge. From running the bar to organising social events, our residents choose how they want to live together. It’s about living life on their terms, catering to their needs and wants. This autonomy not only provides a sense of purpose but also promotes community engagement. “I think ours might be rare – other villages employ staff and the staff organise everything -that is more restricting and less personal. But in ours, we make our own days up – it provides a sense of purpose, a bit of pride that it’s your area that you look after. “ “I’m on the bus driving list. I’ve become a bus driver now. I’ve done my licence. They’re off all the time. They’re always going off somewhere.” Resident Committee Settlers Lifestyle Village has a firmly established resident committee that oversees activities and ensures residents’ voices are heard. This committee meets regularly to discuss village matters, address any issues, and plan for the future. Being part of this committee gives residents a platform to express their ideas and concerns, fostering a genuine sense of ownership. “I’ve just been asked to join the resident committee. Once a month we have a meeting and discuss different things that are going on, any issues”. “You have a voice. If anyone has a problem with anything you can take it to the committee. I’m on the committee. Once a year we update everyone with what is going on and the plans for the coming year. “ Flexible Living For a person to feel at home, it is essential that they have the freedom to personalise their spaces and make decisions about their home environment. This flexibility enhances their sense of autonomy and satisfaction with their living conditions. “Apartments are beautifully renovated, and you can make them your own. Having the freedom to do that is important. The Unseen Benefits of a Culture of Autonomy Enhanced Quality of Life The culture of autonomy at Settlers leads to an enhanced quality of life. Residents feel valued, respected, and empowered, which significantly contributes to their overall well-being. This culture is deeply ingrained in our village’s management and operations, ensuring that every resident feels empowered to live life on their own terms. Reduced Feeling of Isolation Autonomy also helps reduce feelings of isolation. By encouraging residents to engage in community activities and decision-making, Settlers fosters a supportive and connected environment. This sense of community helps combat loneliness, which is a common issue among retirees. Increased Life Satisfaction When residents have control over their lives and feel a part of a vibrant community, their life satisfaction increases. They wake up each day with a sense of purpose and look forward to participating in activities that they enjoy. This positive outlook on life is a direct result of the autonomy they experience at Settlers. “This is a happy village and it’s a homely village. It’s not clinical, it’s a home. Scott (owner) always said that – this is your home, and he feels that deeply”. Conclusion Choosing a retirement village is more than just evaluating its physical attributes. The unseen aspects, like the culture of autonomy and community, play a significant role in enhancing residents’ well-being. By fostering a culture of autonomy, we create a true sense of community and belonging that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. Our residents lead activities, participate in decision-making, and enjoy a supportive environment that values their input. If you’re a retiree looking for a place where you can enjoy a fulfilling and autonomous lifestyle, consider Settlers Lifestyle Village. Join us and experience the difference that autonomy can make in your well-being. Explore more about our community and discover how you can live life a little freer at Settlers. Book A Tour ### A New Chapter – The Power of Supportive Friends Joining a new retirement community is a big step, and how well you transition makes all the difference to your well-being. In addition to the logistics of moving to a new home, there’s the worry of finding your place in a brand new community where you might not know anyone. People who live in supportive environments have a better sense of purpose and independence, and they function better both cognitively and physically. Because of this, at Settlers Lifestyle Village (Settlers) we place a high priority on support. Support services like housekeeping, meals, and transport are a given – but it’s our supportive community that sets us apart and makes support one of our defining characteristics. A number of initiatives have been put in place within our villages to encourage connection and ensure that each resident feels supported and part of our community. Support for Men Men who are older are increasingly challenged by loneliness and isolation (Beach & Bamford, 2014). Blokes can find it harder to make friends and get themselves out there. Settlers’ residents understand that men may have a harder time adjusting to village life, so they often go out of their way to reach out to new members and offer support. There are plenty of events and activities in the village for men to get involved with, and we have a strong culture of men forming fast friendships and having each other’s back. A great example of men coming together is through our blokes’ shed. Alongside the team at Menz Shed New Zealand, we provide a purpose-built workshop with gifted craftsmen on hand to help with building, crafting, and tinkering. The blokes’ shed provides a great opportunity for men to share their skills, have a laugh, and work together on projects they enjoy. But of course, the sheds aren’t just for men, women are most welcome to use them too! Many blokes came in with their wives and said they didn’t want to come, but are glad they did.” – Ray Support for Women The bond of sisterhood transcends genetics, culture, and age. At Settlers, this bond continues to thrive. Women here go out of their way to support each other through regular check-ins, shared walks, coffee dates, or a glass of wine or two. There are also many opportunities available throughout the village to strengthen these bonds – whether it’s joining one of the many social activities happening throughout the week, or having a regular get-together at our convenient onsite salon (which is open to men as well!). We also host a monthly ladies’ happy hour. This informal gathering draws around 50 women at any given time, making it a great place to catch up with old friends and make new ones. “You have a shared outlook on life, a shared vision, and camaraderie that you don’t get out in the suburbs. It’s the same sort of thing that you get by belonging to a club. You never get lonely. There’s so much to do.” – June Emotional Support At Settlers, we believe providing emotional care is just as important as providing medical care. Our team of compassionate nurses truly care about the wellbeing of our residents, and take the time to listen and support them through life’s challenges. Whether it’s a quick check-in during a shift or a longer conversation during a tough time, our nurses are there to support all of our residents and ensure they’re living their best lives. “Knowing that help is readily available is very reassuring. Nurses are on-site 24/7, so if assistance is needed just call them or pop on down to see them”. Support for Newcomers Feeling welcome in a new neighbourhood is extremely important, which is why the Settlers welcoming committee has been a tradition since the village began. In order to get to know new residents and ensure they’re settling in well, locals get together to organise catch-ups with them to make sure they feel at home. As a result of the welcoming committee, new residents quickly become part of the community and build friendships and a strong support system that enhances their quality of life. “My job at the beginning was to welcome everyone to the village, so I would go in and sit with them and it was fun. We gave them a glass of wine, and we often staged it for late in the afternoon because that was a good time when people were relaxing more. We made a lot of friends.” – Peggy Support from your Neighbours At Settlers, we bring back the good old days when you knew your neighbours by name and felt comfortable popping over for a chat. In today’s suburbs, many retirees experience a sense of isolation, and as you get older this feeling can be overwhelming. In contrast, our residents look out for their neighbours and have built a real community here. At Settlers, good neighbours become good friends, helping to alleviate loneliness and foster a sense of comfort and security that’s rare to find these days. We often hear residents talk about the joy of knowing who lives next door. Waving hello to a familiar face or stopping for a chat brings a sense of comfort that’s hard to find elsewhere. This sense of community helps everyone here feel at ease and supported. “If we walked out to go to Milford no one would talk to you, it’s very rare that someone would talk to you, but here, every other person stops to chat to you. It’s just so different. When I was coming down here there was someone driving down in their car wanting to chat – there is always someone about that you can talk to. It just seems so different”. – Barry Residents of a thriving community actively support and assist each other – and that’s exactly what you get at Settlers Lifestyle Village. Whether it’s lending a cup of sugar or lending a shoulder to cry on, the support network here is second to none, and the sense of closeness and belonging is what makes this such a special place to live. “We often say ‘What would we be doing if we weren’t here’. I don’t think we would be as happy. We wouldn’t have the friends we have here.” – Mary Book A Tour ### A Community Built on Care When Settlers Lifestyle Village was first thought of all those years ago, owners Scott and Dave didn’t want to create just any retirement village – they set out to create a community based on care. That focus on care has informed the decisions that have built Settlers to what it is today and continues to guide us moving forward as we strive to ensure we’re providing a caring environment with our residents’ well-being at the centre every single day. A caring design Our focus on care started day one, right from planning the design and development of the village. While other retirement villages tried to fit in as much as possible, we carefully considered how our decisions would impact the life our residents wanted to live, and to make sure the space felt safe, comfortable, and accessible. Of course, modern homes and high-quality facilities were a given, but this also meant caring about all the details that add up to make a big difference to the overall feel of the community. Wider streets, considered property placement, and beautiful green spaces and gardens were all included to create a comfortable environment that would feel spacious and promote a sense of well-being and connection. We also wanted to ensure that communal areas were added to facilitate community gatherings and provide relaxing spaces where all residents felt at home, with numerous recreation, entertainment and dining spaces, and even a men’s workshop and a beauty salon, all providing opportunities for socialising in a country club style setting. “The gardens are beautiful and we can easily walk around the village” A caring team At Settler’s Village, we don’t just employ anyone to be a part of our team. Our focus is always on choosing people who exemplify kindness, compassion, and understanding. We’re proud of how our staff who help make Settlers such a welcoming and caring place to live. As well as being highly skilled at their jobs, our nurses, gardeners, housekeepers, maintenance workers, and support staff all really care about this community and the people who live here. They form strong bonds with our residents and go above and beyond their job description to make sure they’re looked after. Our caring on-site nurses are available 24/7, and our apartments and villas feature multiple call buttons, giving you peace of mind that care and support is nearby at all times. “We have 5 call buttons in our apartment. I pushed one by mistake once and the nurse was up in seconds!” A caring community It’s always the people that make any community what it is, and we’re so happy that the people who call this place home are committed to supporting each other and making this such a great place to call home. We hear many amazing stories of neighbours looking out for each other and helping out. This is truly a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone feels valued. As one resident put it, “There is a lot of care here – a lot of caring people. If someone gets sick everyone cares and drops things off to people.” “The owners Scott and Dave have 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, they bring us together for a meeting once a week. No one is isolated . . . You live longer if you aren’t [isolated]”. Book A Tour ### Autumn Wellness – is your mood falling like the autumn leaves? Autumn is here, and for some of us the leaves aren't the only thing that's falling, our mood is too. You may have noticed a decline in your energy levels, or be feeling, as the young like to put it, "meh". If you’ve found your mood has dialled back since the clocks wound back, read on. We provide some simple insights on emotional well-being during the cold, winter months. Lower your expectations when it comes to exercise When you're low on energy, everything feels - so - much - harder. Finding the strength and willpower to get up and out is challenging. I think we all know how important exercise is for mental and physical health. But it’s a mission to get motivated when you're feeling low. You might find that if you set yourself a goal to walk 5 minutes, instead of a 30, that moves the psychological barrier. Let’s face it, getting out the door is half the battle, and once you start walking you'll probably find 5-minute leads to 10, and 10 leads to 20, which some say is the magic number! 20 minutes is the magic number Depending on what study you read, twenty minutes of exercise 5 times a week can lower depression risk for older adults. Others say 30 minutes three times a week. Either way, movement matters, and it doesn’t have to be a lot to make a difference - which is encouraging. Source: https://www.health.com/daily-exercise-lower-depression-older-adults-7562240 Of course, it helps if you have a nice place to walk, somewhere safe, pretty and easy to get around. Residents of Settlers Lifestyle Village admit they are lucky that way. Enjoying the lush tropical gardens, breathing in fresh air, and coming across like-minded people as they stroll is definitely a plus. But it’s not just movement that makes a difference, daylight does too. Wintertime can leave us starved for light, which can negatively impact our energy levels, alertness, mood, and cognitive function. Natural daylight has a powerful impact on our mood and well-being. Research has shown that serotonin levels in the brain are lowest in winter, which can lead to feelings of depression. That’s why it's so important to get as much natural light as you can during winter. Try forest bathing Some interesting images come to mind when you think of forest bathing. Firstly, you don’t actually ‘bathe’, which is reassuring given the temperature. Bask is probably a better way of describing it. And you don’t need a forest, any natural environment will do. Although, for the record, we do have stunning bush surroundings in our Village! So why is it so important to ‘forest bathe’. Forest bathing is about being in nature and consciously connecting with what’s around you. It’s quite magical what you can observe. “Autumn is such a miraculous time of year. I always take some moments to still myself and just be with the trees as they release their foliage. It occurred to me one day that I was the only person in the history of this universe who had witnessed that particular leaf fall at that particular moment in that particular place! Now that’s a miracle - and a perfect reminder that change is the most natural thing in the world”. June, aged 78. Visit a public open space Open spaces bring people together According to one study, having large public open spaces is essential for supporting wellbeing as we age. This is because they promote social cohesion, create a sense of belonging, and help to: Mitigate unpleasant urban environments Encourage social mingling Encourage physical activity Enable autonomy Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9737378/ Settlers Lifestyle Village has designed its facility to encourage connectivity. There are many public open spaces for residents and their families to come together. It’s also really spacious. You may ask how space affects mood; well, there are a few ways. Space provides a feeling of openness and facilitates ease of movement. Not all villages offer this feature. In fact, some can feel quite claustrophobic. High-rise buildings loom over the grounds, casting shadows and creating an overbearing atmosphere that can feel intimidating. Corridors that are too narrow only add to the feeling of constriction - some you can barely get a wheelchair through. A spacious village on the other hand has wide corridors, high ceilings and large dining areas for family and friends to come together. This naturally allows for more sunlight to shine through, and, importantly encourages social connections. Which brings me to my next point. Stay connected Strong social connections contribute to better physical and mental health, protecting against loneliness and depression. Study after study has found that health and psychological well-being improve for seniors when they: Like and care about other people Have fun together Feel comfortable confiding in each other Remind each other to stay healthy (Blieszner & Adams, 1992). To put it another way – when they have good friends! This reminds me of the classic sitcom The Golden Girls. They had a special bond that represented all of these things… and more! You may think this is fiction and would be difficult to replicate in real life. But some villages just have that ‘vibe’. They are fun, welcoming and genuine. “We often say ‘What would we be doing if we weren’t here’. I don’t think we would be as happy. We wouldn’t have the friends we have here.” Mary "This is a happy village and it’s a homely village. It’s not clinical, it’s a community". Bev One of the reasons why lifestyle villages can foster authentic connections is because they are very ‘leveling’ as one resident put it. “You’re of the same mindset – so much in common – it’s very leveling. It doesn’t matter how much wealth anyone has, you’re all living in the same place. No one is going to put themselves above you. There’s no bragging to the Jones about doing better. What’s the point – your house is no different to ours!” John It’s certainly easier to stay connected when you live in a lifestyle village. The closer you are to each other, the easier it is to meet up. “Last night we looked at the menu, and said let’s eat at the lodge. We made a couple of phone calls, and other residents joined us. That would never happen in the past. We could call people to come with us to a restaurant, but it hardly ever happened before. It was all too hard”. June Plus there are lots of activities and hobbies to enjoy, so doing things together is a breeze. The cafe and restaurant is a great place to catch up with friends. There are also many special events that are arranged, to bring people together alongside the weekly happy hours. Which brings me to my next point - interests, activities and hobbies. Keep your hobbies going, or take up a new one It’s easy to press pause on activities during the winter months. Some seniors limit pursuits to just the basics because it’s easier than getting out. Budgetary concerns can also weigh heavily on their decision to pursue hobbies and activities - especially when power bills are higher. But it’s really important to keep them going, for the sake of your well-being. This is where a lifestyle village can really help. It’s so much easier to stay active and pursue interests when they are literally on your doorstep and they don’t cost anything. There are many activities each day in our village – check them out here. Winter wellness wrap-up Colder months challenge us with shorter days and less sunlight, which can lead to less energy. The temptation to hibernate can be high. But it’s so important to stay connected and get out and about - even if it’s just for a short time. Living in a supportive, beautiful community helps to ensure that even as the leaves fall and the temperatures drop, spirits remain buoyant, and well-being is preserved. Your senior years, after all, should be just that - filled with warmth, sunshine and vibrant health, regardless of the season. If you haven’t visited our village yet, please do. We’d love to welcome you to one of our Open Days. Take a stroll around the gardens, view one of our homes, visit our Butterfly House and chat to the residents. A move to a village like ours could be just the tonic you need this winter. *Please note that this blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you're experiencing feelings of sadness, difficulty sleeping, low concentration, energy and depression; seek help from your healthcare provider. If you are a resident of Settlers Lifestyle Village, you can also have a discreet chat with one of our nurses. ### Occupying Versus Buying - How to Choose Life is a series of stages. Often, our priorities around what we want in a home shift as we move through these different stages. Single adults, couples, parents of young children, parents of teenagers, and retirees can all have vastly different criteria around what's ideal for them. In other words, as our needs change, so do our home preferences. Our society is deeply familiar with the conventional ownership structure - you purchase a small unit or townhouse, spend years striving to pay it off, accumulate equity, and then upgrade to a larger house. Repeat. We become locked in this cycle of purchasing, working, paying off debt and upgrading. Amidst all this, burdens like home maintenance, rates, insurance, etc., drain our funds and time. Many people in their younger years are both time-poor and cash-strapped. Retirement presents an opportunity to live differently and break this cycle. This is where the concept of 'Licence to Occupy' (LTO) comes into play. It offers a unique living structure that deviates from the typical owner-occupier cycle and prioritises lifestyle above all. With LTO, many retirees see an opportunity to truly enjoy life without the usual constraints of homeownership. Ditching the sense of ownership might seem daunting, especially after we’ve been conditioned to aspire to it all our lives. Many people have not ever considered the concept of "licence to occupy" until they reach retirement. It’s an interesting phrase. As one resident of a licence to occupy retirement home put it, “It takes away the sense of ownership, but in the end, do we really own anything?” According to Village News, “Licences to occupy are the most common way to live in a retirement village in New Zealand”. But it’s a way of living that has generated a lot of controversy over the years. So, what makes people choose this lifestyle? Is what you gain from living in one of these communities greater than what you lose in capital gains? We talk to couples who made this choice, offering insights for people thinking about doing the same. Here’s what they told us. Your buying into a lifestyle “You’re buying into a lifestyle”, explains Jim, a resident. “And all the facilities we’ve got here, like the bowling green, the gymnasium, the swimming pool, the sauna, the movie theatre, the library, the cafe….” It’s all here to be enjoyed, and it’s so easy. “It’s like being in a hotel at Surfers. You walk in and go wow, ‘this is lovely’. It’s like living there”. Maggie What struck many residents we spoke with was the range of activities, classes, and facilities on offer, at no additional cost. It gave them the freedom to live a vibrant lifestyle without constraints. Some seniors limit pursuits to just the basics because it’s easier than getting out. Budgetary concerns can also weigh heavily on their decision to pursue hobbies and activities. Lifestyle villages, however, provide access to these activities without requiring membership fees or travel. As we age, it’s easy to fall into a rut and not participate in activities as much. This can impact cognitive and emotional well-being. LTO villages can rekindle a spirit of adventure because they make it easy to stay active and pursue interests. Here is an example of the types of activities you can expect in such a village – check them out here. You’re part of a community that’s connected Remember the time when you knew your neighbours? When you felt comfortable enough to pop over for a cup of sugar or to borrow a tool? Back in the day, neighbours felt like family. They looked out for one another and connected on a level that’s hard to find these days. Several residents spoke of a shift in their suburb over the past 20-30 years, a disconnectedness. In today’s world, it’s not uncommon to live amongst strangers. When you’re working and raising a family, that may not bother you, but as you get older, you may feel isolated and lonely. Many of the residents we talked to missed the days when they could wave hello to someone on the street and know their name. Being familiar with people around you brings a sense of comfort. Retirement villages can provide that sense of belonging. “You have a shared outlook on life, a shared vision, and camaraderie that you don’t get out in the suburbs. It’s the same sort of thing that you get by belonging to a club. You never get lonely. There’s so much to do”. June You have certainty about budgeting One of the most significant upsides of licence to occupy is the certainty it brings around financial planning. The couples we spoke with noted that the terms, conditions, and charges were agreed upon at the onset, thus removing the uncertainty around financial planning. The fees are fixed for life, giving residents a clear understanding of how much they need to budget. However, not all retirement villages provide fixed fees for life, so it’s really important to check this at the onset. “We added up our rates, our water rates, insurance, tree trimming, gardening etc. and you don’t have to worry about it – worry about who is ripping you off. And you don’t have to worry about it [costs] going up”. Dave Many people are concerned about the cost of living, but for those who are no longer working it can be an even greater worry. Take rates for example. As part of a plan to plug a $325 million budget hole, Auckland Council increased rates by 7.7 per cent earlier this year. Next year, those rates could nearly double from a starting point of 13.75 per cent, as the council seeks to balance its books. Source: RNZ, Possible rates hike for Auckland will make the city even more unaffordable, residents say. Aucklanders could also face a 25.8% rise in Watercare chargers. “You don’t have to pay rates, water rates, gym memberships, maintenance – all of those costs keep going up, but our fee is fixed for life. That’s a huge relief when you’re on a fixed income”. Jean “We are saving more money here than we were at home. Your rates aren’t going up. When something needs fixing you put a form in and it’s fixed within a day”. Mary As the costs of rates, water rates, gym memberships, and maintenance continue to rise, having fixed fees for life provides long-term stability and relief. You can relax and let go of worries Imagine a world where everything is taken care of for you. On-site nurses, gated security, maintenance services, and gardening assistance provide a worry-free living experience. You can get support with meals, housekeeping and even transport. Again, this is all part of the lifestyle you are buying into with lifestyle villages like Settlers. There is peace of mind that comes from knowing your needs are being met without worrying about how much it will cost you. Residents report feeling free of undue pressure, and free to do more of what they want. Which leads into the next point. You can free up time If you don’t have to worry about home maintenance and gardening, you can focus your energy on doing what you love. “As you get older you have less energy but you now have more time. You can use the energy to do the things you want to do, rather than the things you have to do”. “Four years ago my husband had a stroke. This is another thing that coming in here gives us – the opportunity for nursing, and you’ve got the alarms if anything happens”. Mary “We have 5 call buttons in our apartment. I pushed one by mistake once and the nurse was up in seconds!” June You can free up cash When you sell a home and buy into an LTO retirement home, depending on the value of the home you’re selling and the equity you have in it, it can often free up quite a bit of cash. This cash enables you to enjoy your retirement comfortably knowing that you have cash in the bank to fall back on, travel and so on. “We could provide the children with an early inheritance and add another investment property to our portfolio”. Jim To sum up, there are many advantages to choosing the licence to occupy communities, as shared by couples who have made that decision. These include buying into a certain lifestyle, peace of mind, saving costs, accessing equity, and obtaining greater budgeting certainty. However, it’s important to note that agreements can vary significantly, so it’s crucial to seek legal advice. Take for example fees. Not all retirement communities offer fixed fees, and that’s an important consideration. It’s also important to understand that you’re not buying real estate but rather a form of licence to reside. By itself, that can be a difficult concept to grasp. Yes, the loss of capital gains is a consideration, but for so many of the couples who have made the choice to forgo that, it was worth it for the lifestyle they’ve gained. Some even took their equity and invested in investment properties in order to maintain some form of capital gains, so they got the best of both worlds. Disclaimer: Please note that we are not retirement law experts. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and provides perspectives of a small sample of retirement village residents. You should consult a lawyer before making the decision to move to a licence to occupy the village. Get in Touch Now! ### Connecting Lives, Sharing Laughter: The Hidden Jewel of Village Living – Friendship! We are social creatures, and our need for connection is wired from birth. Throughout our lives, we form relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. These social ties provide us with emotional support, a sense of belonging, and a source of companionship. In late adulthood, friendships play an even more important role. Yet, as we age, our social circles can shrink. We retire from work, our kids move away, and loved ones pass on. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. More than that, it can cause depression, impaired cognitive functioning, and poor physical health. Friendship is more than a ‘nice-to-have’, it's vital for well-being Strong social connections contribute to better physical and mental health, protecting against loneliness and depression. Study after study has found that health and psychological well-being improve for seniors when they: Like and care about other people Have fun together Feel comfortable confiding in each other Remind each other to stay healthy (Blieszner & Adams, 1992). To put it another way – when they have good friends! Having a diverse and supportive friend network can act as a buffer against life's challenges. But most significantly, strong social connections promote: Cognitive functioning Physical health Independence and a Sense of purpose (Bruggencate, Luijkx, & Sturm, 2018; Huxhold, Miche, & Schüz, 2014; Santini et al., 2015; Béland et al., 2005). Interested in learning more about this research? We have a dedicated article on how friendship affects the well-being for seniors. You can find it here >> www.settlersalbany.co.nz/blog/the-importance-of-friendship-in-retirement Ageing Together, Bonding Forever: How Retirement Villages Bolster Friendships There's no question that friendships in senior years are essential for wellbeing, so let's talk about what that means for those living in villages like ours. We spoke to residents of Settlers and Fairview Lifestyle Villages about friendship. Here are the questions we asked, and here are their answers. Are you more social here than you were before you moved in? Here's a brief summary of what our residents told us. The closer you are to each other, the easier it is to meet up. Plus there are lots of activities and hobbies to enjoy, so doing things together is a breeze. The cafe and restaurant is a great place to catch up with friends. Friends from way back are wonderful, but it's hard to get together and you don't see them as often as you would like. You get together more frequently here; sometimes two or three times a week, or as often as you like. You can see your village friends as often as you like “It’s amazing when you’re in suburbia you have friends, and we had friends from way way way back, but you don’t see those friends that often - well we don’t”. Mary “I don’t think you see your friends like you used to. Like we used to see friends almost on a weekly basis, and then you get older and you get - oh no, we’ll just stay home or we just won’t do that.. So we’ve got really good friends outside the village that we may only see every couple of months. We know they are there, but we don’t see them. Here you’re seeing people two or three times a week”. Bev “We were not particularly social because we had three kids, and were working for ourselves, but we’ve made a lot more friends here”. John “If we walked out to go to Milford no one would talk to you, it’s very rare that someone would talk to you, but here, every other person stops to chat to you. It’s just so different. When I was coming down here there was someone driving down in their car wanting to chat - there is always someone about that you can talk to. It just seems so different”. Barry Having the onsite restaurant and cafe makes it easier to catch up “Last night we looked at the menu, and said let’s eat at the lodge. We made a couple of phone calls, and other residents joined us. That would never happen in the past. We could call people to come with us to a restaurant, but it hardly ever happened before. It was all too hard”. June It’s very levelling “You’re of the same mindset - so much in common - it’s very levelling. It doesn’t matter how much wealth anyone has, you’re all living in the same place. No one is going to put themselves above you. There’s no bragging to the Jones about doing better. What’s the point - your house is no different to ours!” John When you embrace it a whole new chapter in your life and new way of living opens up. It opens up other doors - one shuts and two open, it’s certainly what we experienced here. Do you have more friends here than you did before you moved in? Every single person and couple we spoke to said ‘yes’. "Straight away we made two very good friends, because they’d met us as we’d come and gone to things, and they played 500 card game so they said to come and play, so now we play at each other's house every weekend, and other friends have latched on and there’s kind of a little group now and we do things together as a big group now.' Mary I’ve made 140 friends in a year. Anyone in here that plays darts, indoor or outdoor bowls, petanque - we know everyone of them. Betty “We have about 350 friends now that we never had before.” Jim Do you feel better for living here? There is a strong consensus among residents that living here makes them feel better. Their comments are below. “We often say ‘What would we be doing if we weren’t here’. I don’t think we would be as happy. We wouldn’t have the friends we have here.” Mary “I love the walking, I love the singing group, I love the theatre, I’m a bit of an avid reader and we’ve got a cracker library here”. Betty “Every day I have something that works towards my health”. Bev “You’re here just to enjoy yourself. That’s the fun of it! There is so much to do if you want to do it, and if you don’t, just stay home.” John Your choice of community is actually more important than you think. Social participation is seen to be a significant factor in maintaining overall health and well-being. Community engagement and social participation are associated with better health in old age and lower mortality rates. How significant is this association? Just as significant as well-established risk factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, exercising and eating well (Holt-Lunstad, Smith & Layton, 2010 [2]). “Social relationships, or the relative lack thereof, constitute a major risk factor for health—rivalling the effect of well-established health risk factors such as cigarette smoking, blood pressure, blood lipids, obesity and physical activity” —House, Landis, and Umberson; Science 1988 [3] 148 independent studies found that social relationships significantly predict mortality. How big was the increase in survival odds? Incredibly, the research showed that social relationships increase survival odds by 50%. srefPubMed], [WorldCat] Interested in reading more about this research, please check out this article. www.settlersalbany.co.nz/blog/living-well-and-being-well-go-hand-in-hand/ Do men have a harder time making friends? Here's a brief summary of what our residents told us: In general, men have a harder time adjusting than women There is a 'sisterhood connection' among women, which makes them more comfortable reaching out to each other It’s important to ask about support networks for men, especially if they are on their own. Residents at our village understand that men may have a harder time adjusting to village life, so they go out of their way to offer support. At Settlers there’s also a purpose-built bloke’s shed with highly gifted craftsmen on hand to help with building, crafting, and tinkering. At Settlers there is a Single Malt Whisky Club for men. Coming together to combat loneliness and isolation among older men through a shared love of whisky – what better way to bond? “One of the men who moved in here at first was like a duck out of water. And you know what we did, we’ve given him a task to do at happy hour and he’s absolutely a different person. He’s seeing everybody and moves around, collecting all the tickets and making contact. If you notice that somebody is struggling a bit, most people are perceptive and very caring”. Bev “So many blokes came in with their wives and said they didn’t want to come but are glad they are now”. Jim “There is even a get-together for men, they bring us together for a meeting once a week. No one is isolated . . . You live longer if you aren’t”. Bill How do women connect in your village? The bond of ‘sisterhood’ is an important and special one shared by many women throughout life. The bond transcends genetics, culture, and age and connects women in a way that cannot be explained. Such a bond continues in our village. Checking in with each other, taking strolls together, sharing coffee or a glass of wine, and pursuing common interests are all ways that women support one another here. Of course, women love the convenience of an onsite salon, which is open to men as well! We also host a Ladies Happy Hour. As our once-a-month sessions are women-only, they tend to be quieter and more peaceful than our usual happy hours. This informal gathering draws around 50 women at any given time, making it a great place to catch up with old friends and make new ones. I’m an introvert - am I going to be bombarded with invitations and feel like I have to socialise? Our village is the perfect place for social butterflies and introverts alike. We understand that not everyone’s the same, and that’s okay. There’s no pressure to be anyone other than who you are – our village is a relaxed and accepting place where you can be yourself. "You can be as isolated or involved as you want. It’s a village and you’ll always get a mix of people. By and large most people are social." Bev “You’re here just to enjoy yourself. That’s the fun of it! There is so much to do if you want to do it, and if you don’t, just stay home.” John Are some villages friendlier than others? Here's a brief summary of what our residents told us: Without a doubt, some villages are more friendly than others. Walk around different villages and get a feel for the ‘vibe’. You’ll instinctively know if you're in the right place. Both the staff and residents play an important role in fostering social connections and making you feel welcome. ( . . 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, they bring us together for a meeting once a week. No one is isolated . . . You live longer if you aren’t [isolated]”. Precious McKenzie A strong, happy community depends on support. A friendly community is one where residents actively assist each other, lending a helping hand whenever needed. Whether it’s a shoulder to cry on during tough times or simply sharing resources to help improve someone’s quality of life, the beauty of residents supporting each other creates a sense of closeness and belonging that is unparalleled. What about “special” friendships…do they occur? Yes, absolutely! It's heartwarming to see romantic connections blossoming in places like ours. Witnessing one of our own find a special someone to share their life and experiences with fills our hearts with happiness. This reinforces the uplifting spirit of our lifestyle villages. We celebrate these beautiful love stories. But that is another blog! Key takeaways Remaining socially engaged not only reduces the risk of dementia and depression and contributes to physical well-being, but it also adds a sense of fulfilment to our lives. Our community facilitates many social events including happy hour, women’s only happy hour, men's groups, guest entertainers, special dinners, and mystery tours. Our resident well-being group offers support and check-ins to those who prefer quieter social activities. Overall, friendship in a retirement village is a precious and valuable aspect of life for older adults. It provides companionship, support, and a sense of belonging that can enhance the quality of life in the later years. So, whether you're thinking about moving to a retirement village or already living in one, don't underestimate the power of friendship in creating a fulfilling and enriching retirement experience. QUOTES AND INSIGHTS SHARED ABOVE WERE OBTAINED FROM INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED WITH RESIDENTS OF PREMIER LIFESTYLE VILLAGES FOR A STUDY TITLED – ‘AN EXPLORATION OF RESIDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES OF WELL-BEING IN RELATION TO RETIREMENT VILLAGE LIVING’. NAMES HAVE BEEN WITHHELD OR CHANGED TO PROTECT THE IDENTITY OF THE PARTICIPANTS. References Béland F., Zunzunegui M. V., Alvarado B., Otero A., & Del Ser T (2005). Trajectories of cognitive decline and social relations. The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 60, P320–P330. doi: 10.1093/geronb/60.6.P320 [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] Berkman L. F. Glass T. Brissette I. Seeman T. E. (2000). From social integration to health: Durkheim in the new millennium. Social Science & Medicine (1982), 51, 843–857. doi:10.1016/S0277-9536(00)00065-4. [Google Scholar], [CrossrefPubMed], [WorldCat] Blieszner R., & Adams R. G (1992). Adult friendship. Newbury Park, CA: Sage. [Google Scholar] Blieszner, R., & Ogletree, A M., & Adams, R G (2019). Friendship in Later Life: A Research Agenda, Innov Aging. 2019 Jan; 3(1): igz005. Cohen S. Janicki-Deverts D. (2009). Can we improve our physical health by altering our social networks? Perspectives on Psychological Science, 4, 375–378. doi:10.1111/j.1745-6924.2009.01141.x. [Google Scholar], [CrossrefPubMed], [WorldCat] Holt-Lunstad J., Smith T. B., & Layton J. B (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7, e1000316. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316 [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] Huxhold O., Miche M., & Schüz B (2014). Benefits of having friends in older ages: Differential effects of informal social activities on well-being in middle-aged and older adults. The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 69, 366–375. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbt029 [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] Pavot W. Diener E. (1993). Review of the satisfaction with life scale. Psychological Assessment, 5, 164–172. doi:10.10371040-3590.5.2.164.[Google Scholar], [Crossref], [WorldCat] Robert-Hughes, R. (2011). In W. Fox & A. Scott- Marshall (Eds.), The case for space: The size of England's new homes. RIBA. Rowe J. W. Kahn R. L. (1997). Successful aging. The Gerontologist, 37, 433–440 10.1093/geront/37.4.433.[Google Scholar], [CrossrefPubMed], [WorldCat] Santini Z. I., Koyanagi A., Tyrovolas S., Mason C., & Haro J. M (2015). The association between social relationships and depression: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 175, 53–65. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.12.049 [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] ten Bruggencate T., Luijkx K. G., & Sturm J (2018). Social needs of older people: A systematic review. Ageing & Society, 38, 1745–1770. doi: 10.1017/S0144686X17000150 [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] Book A Tour View Properties Available ### Tui's Café Hot Lunch Menu for 4th - 10th March Hot Lunches 4 10 Mar ### Tui's Café Hot Lunch Menu for 26th February - 3rd March Hot Lunches 26 Feb 3 Mar ### Tui's Café Hot Lunch Menu for 19th-25th February Hot Lunches 19 25 Feb ### Tui's Café Hot Lunch Menu for 12th - 18th February Hot Lunches 12 18 Feb ### Navigating the Emotional Journey: Helping Your Parents Downsize and Move For many of us, helping our parents downsize and transition to a new home later in life is a journey filled with complex emotions. While retirement village living offers security and community as they age, we know the move from the family home can also bring up feelings of sadness, loss, and change. As children, we want nothing more than to support and care for our parents in their golden years. Yet this transition often requires delicate navigation and open communication between generations to balance independence with support. If you and your parents are currently working through this process, we hope you find comfort in knowing you are not alone. In this article, we aim to share both the challenges and blessings many families have experienced to offer perspective, reassurance and solutions during this significant life transition. Are they ready to move? Where are they on their emotional journey? Some parents are ready and excited to make their move. They may have friends who live in lifestyle villages, and they want that lifestyle for themselves. In our conversations with residents, we’ve come across both extremes - some had already made up their mind and were ready to move, and others initially had no intention of moving. “We had no intention of going into a lifestyle village. But once we saw what was here we changed our mind about it”. June Additionally, residents have indicated that men sometimes have a harder time adjusting. That’s why it’s really important to ask about support networks, especially if your father is on his own in the move to a retirement home. Our village has a strong culture of brotherhood. There’s also a purpose-built bloke’s shed with highly gifted craftsmen on hand to help with building, crafting, and tinkering. “So many blokes came in with their wives and said they didn’t want to come but are glad they are now”. Jim “There is even a get-together for men, they bring us together for a meeting once a week. No one is isolated . . . You live longer if you aren’t”. Bill Shake off preconceived ideas Many people have preconceived notions about retirement communities, sometimes formed by their experiences with their parents. Today there are many different options, including independent living, assisted living, and care homes. There is also a big difference between a retirement village and a lifestyle village. “I didn’t think it would be like this. I thought it would be a lot of old people walking around with walkers. But when we moved in here there were only three people with walkers, out of 364! Barry “When I moved in here one of my good friends would give me stick about it. He would say ‘How’s things at the rest home, did they come and tuck you into bed last night alright?’ And then one day I was at the bar and he came up to me and said ‘You know I’m only joking, in fact, I’m quite envious of you’. Since then out of the group of 10, 4 others have moved into a lifestyle village." Mark Decide which retirement living option is best Lifestyle villages are independent living communities, with nursing support on hand if needed. A retirement village can be more of an assisted living facility. While care homes provide a higher level of specialised care. In some cases, levels of support required for spouses will differ, so finding a community that supports the spouse who needs it while allowing the other spouse to live a full and independent life is essential. Take Barry and June as an example. “Four years ago June had a stroke. This is another thing that coming in here gives us – they offer 24-hour emergency response alarms and daily well-being clinics.” But for June health wasn’t the deciding factor, “it was so Barry could mix with other people” and not have to worry so much about her. Understand the different legal structures and fees Licence to occupy, unit title and lease for life are the main options. According to Village News, “Licences to occupy are the most common way to live in a retirement village in New Zealand”. To learn more about this option, and to hear from retirees that have made this decision, please check out this article: Licence to occupy: is it right for you? Plan for today and tomorrow While your parents may be living a fully independent life now, that may change 10 or 20 years from now. So wherever you decide to live, factor in what level of support is available in the future. Residents of Settlers Lifestyle Village have priority access to Fairview Care, which provides hospital and rest home care with in-house GP visits three days a week and 24/7 nursing care. Acknowledge the reasons why you’re considering moving to a village Write down the reasons why you're considering moving. During this time, your parents may feel uncertain about whether they're making the right decision. This list of why they're looking is great for referring back to. Common reasons people decide to make the move are: Property maintenance is becoming too much They want certainty around budgeting. Rates, maintenance, water, etc., are increasing. Budgeting is easier when you have a fixed fee. Especially if they're fixed for life. They have concerns about security They want reassurance that health support is on hand if they need it They're lonely or feel stuck in a rut and want to inject some variety and vibrancy into their lives They want to free up cash They want to enjoy their free time rather than having to take care of chores. If you don’t have to worry about home maintenance and gardening, you can focus your energy on doing what you love. “As you get older you have less energy but you now have more time. You can use the energy to do the things you want to do, rather than the things you have to do”. Create Your Wish List Once you've established where your parents are emotionally, and you’ve acknowledged their reasons for moving, it's time to understand their desires and create a retirement lifestyle that suits them. How would the setting look? A new ultra-modern village or homely one. Are they content with a compact village, or do they want a feeling of openness with wide corridors, and high ceilings, set amid park-like grounds? Do they want to live in an apartment, townhouse or villa? What would their home look like e.g. size, layout, decor, configuration. The look and feel of the apartment are also important factors to keep in mind. Some apartments are ultra-modern, while others are more traditional. A traditional look can give you a feeling of homeliness. It can provide you with the comfort you need to settle in. Where do they want to live? Close to family and friends, in the suburb they’ve always lived in? What would their preferred community feel like e.g. connected and supported, fun and energetic, quiet and peaceful, secure and private . Would they choose to live somewhere where there are lots of activities? Is social connectivity important to them, or do they prefer to keep to themselves? How important are facilities to them e.g. pool, spa, gym, restaurants, bowling greens?. Lifestyle communities can be a lot like resorts this way, but not everyone wants those amenities What kind of services would they like, such as housekeeping? Do they want the option of maintaining their own garden? Are grandchildren allowed to stay overnight? What are the rules around having guests? Would they like an aged care facility on site that they have priority access to if needed? Do they want to join a community where residents have a say e.g. there’s a residents committee? Is resident autonomy important to them? In some villages, the level of management control is greater than in others. What level of security do they want? Do they want nursing support on-site? Do they want to bring a pet? Do they want the option of meals being brought to them if they can’t cook for themselves? What structure is preferred? Once you have defined your ideal retirement lifestyle, it’s time to select a structure. As retirement homes come in different structures like licence to occupy, unit title, and lease for life, it's essential to understand these options to decide what's better for them. All these options have their advantages, and it's crucial to research and understand each option before deciding which is best for your parents. You may choose to consult an expert in this process to get an in-depth understanding of each option. Start looking together Now that you have a clear understanding of what your parents want, it's time to start looking. You can take your time and explore various retirement living options with your parents to help them understand what a retirement living lifestyle can offer them. It is essential to remind them that retirement living is not what it was 30 years ago. Lifestyle retirement homes offer ample activities, freedom, and security, and it's essential to highlight to them that they can have it all. Taking your checklist with you can help, but also be prepared to change your mind! Take this example: When Brent’s sister heard he’d moved into a retirement apartment she said to him “There’s no way I’m living in an apartment”. But after seeing Brent’s and going on a tour of the village, she changed her mind. After just two hours she’d put down a deposit on an apartment at Settlers. She’d never lived in an apartment before and was scared of heights so she wasn’t keen on the third floor – until she saw the views from the top. That was it, she said – “I want to live here”. When you go on your tours, make sure you talk to some of the residents too. Get a feel for the village vibe. Acknowledge your emotions too This journey may also be emotional for you. For many of us, our parents have been the ones to care for and support us in a myriad of ways and now that dynamic is changing: we must do more to protect and care for them. Saying goodbye to the family home can be incredibly hard for children too, especially if they are still in the home you grew up in. Naturally, you will be concerned about their financial security, physical security, and health, so these factors are really important to consider as well. The most important thing is to know that your parents are somewhere safe, where they will be cared for. The responsibilities of caring for elderly parents, as well as work, children, and our properties, can be overwhelming, so don't ignore the importance of this reassurance for yourself. Conclusion Helping your parents downsize and move is a significant step in helping them transition into retirement living. It is crucial to acknowledge the emotional journey that comes with this process and understand how to support and guide them every step of the way. With the right approach and a clear understanding of their desires, you can help your parents create a retirement lifestyle that suits them and supports their needs. Book A Tour ### Tui's Café Hot Lunch Menu for 5th - 11th February Hot Lunches 5 11 Feb ### Tui's Café Hot Lunch Menu for 29 January - 4 February Hot Lunches 29 Jan 4 Feb ### Is It Time for a Fresh Start? As the new year rolls in, it brings with it a sense of fresh beginnings and new possibilities. While some might opt for a new job or a resolution to change their habits, others might look at a new place to live. If you're a retiree that has been contemplating a fresh start, you may find this article helpful. Several retirees who've moved to a lifestyle village have shared some of the factors they considered before making their decisions. We hope that these insights can help you in your decision-making process.You might start by considering downsizing Sometimes the decision to move into a lifestyle village is made over a period of time. You start toying with the idea of selling the family home and moving into a townhouse or apartment first. In case you are thinking of downsizing, ask yourself “How long will I stay there before eventually moving into a village ”.“We didn’t look at a village initially, we were looking to downsize, move North a bit, and then I asked Paul ‘How long will we live in this downsized house before we move into a retirement village' and he said ‘3 - 5 years’, and I said - ‘so why move twice?’ And so that changed our whole outlook”. MargaretThere may be something that triggers a desire to move, such as...Changes in the community“We’d lived between Milfrod and Takapuna for 25 years. We loved it there. We had evaluated that at some point we would need to move, but when the house behind us was going to be taken down and four townhouses built right on our boundary, and then the neighbours next to that sold, it suddenly became 8 townhouses, and that was the decision. They were going to be three stories high, and that was our sunnyside so they were taking our sun”. AnneA sudden realisation it’s timeOne of our participants had lost her spouse and for several years she continued on in the home until one day she just knew it was time to move on.“I knew it was time. I knew I didn’t need to be working in the garden at least one full day a week. I kept getting things around the house that needed maintenance, and of course, an older house needed it. All sorts of things went awry. Those are the things you panic about and obsess about until they fix. You can’t help it. You have got no one at home to talk to about it. I don’t want to burden my kids. They are all very busy.” BevThe illness of a spouse“Four years ago June had a stroke. This is another thing that coming in here gives us - the opportunity for nursing. And if anything happens you’ve got the alarms”. BarryBut for June health wasn’t the deciding factor, “it was so Barry could mix with other people” and not have to worry so much about her.Yes it can be emotional, but it can also be liberating It's natural to feel emotional when closing the door to the family home for the last time. But as the old adage goes - as one door closes, another opens.“I had lived in the same place for 44 years - the one house, which my dad and my husband built. It was a hard wrench but it was another phase. I can remember driving out and thinking ‘right, this is the next phase of my life’, but the interesting thing is other things opened up for me. BevDon’t leave it too lateDon’t be of the mindset that you should stay in your family home as long as possible - there are no medals for holding out. You don’t have to wait until you can no longer live independently. While you're young and active enough to fully enjoy everything that’s on offer is a fantastic time. So many of our residents said they wish they’d moved 5 - 10 years sooner.“People leave it too late. Most people are in their late 70’s. The benefit of coming early is that you can take advantage of the facilities”. Barry“I’m happier here - I’m much happier here. I was getting frustrated because I couldn't do the things I wanted to do in my home - the pressure is off - things like a huge pohutukawa tree by our courtyard that was always dropping, and every day - little things like that really add up, and over time it got more and more annoying”.MaryShake off preconceived ideasSome people have preconceived notions about retirement villages.“I didn’t think it would be like this. I thought it would be a lot of old people walking around with walkers. But when we moved in here there were only three people with walkers, out of 364! BarryHowever, there is a difference between a lifestyle village and a retirement village.“We had no intention of going into a lifestyle village. But once we saw what was here we changed our mind about it”. June“When I moved in here one of my good friends would give me stick about it. He would say ‘How’s things at the rest home, did they come and tuck you into bed last night alright?’ And then one day I was at the bar and he came up to me and said ‘You know I’m only joking, in fact, I’m quite envious of you’. Since then out of the group of 10, 4 others have moved into a lifestyle village. MarkWhen you release yourself from the past, it can feel quite liberating‘Everywhere I looked in my family home, I saw my late husband, mother and father, and I felt like I was stuck in the past. I wanted a new future for myself, a life of my own’. MareeLetting go of possessions can be quite liberating too.You don’t need it. That’s the thing. You don't need what you thought you did in your past. BevIn my 20’s I collected things, and then in my thirties it was different again…. I don’t want this stuff in my life anymore. If I get rid of stuff around me my mind is freer. MareeFinally, one of the questions we asked our participants was ‘Can you picture what you would be like right now if you hadn’t moved here’.“We often say ‘what we would be doing if we weren’t here’. I don’t think we would be as happy. We wouldn’t have the friends we have here. There is kinda a weight on your shoulder. Once you settle in you think I should have done this sooner. People often say we should have been here 6 years earlier”. Mary“You haven’t got the high maintenance. We are saving more money here than we were at home. Your rates aren't going up. When something needs fixing you put a form in and it’s fixed within a day. We have two dedicated maintenance people”. June“I saw decks cracking, fences ready to come down, the roof was starting to show signs of wear and tear, and the garden was starting to overgrow, so to come in here and be with my wife, instead of having to go and do chores I feel a lot better”. Barry In conclusion, the new year represents a perfect time to reevaluate your current living situation and make positive changes towards a happier and more fulfilling life. If you're a retiree considering a fresh start, then a lifestyle village is worth a look. In a lifestyle village like Settlers, you'll find a supportive community, a range of social activities, care services, safety, and security, all while minimising your home maintenance responsibilities and lowering your cost of living. With this newfound freedom, you can enjoy your retirement while focusing on your hobbies, exploring new interests and living your life to the fullest.Are you interested in learning more about lifestyle villages? Check out these articles for more information on what to consider when choosing one.https://www.settlersalbany.co.nz/blog/licence-to-occupy-is-it-right-for-you/https://www.settlersalbany.co.nz/blog/lifestyle-villages-play-a-vital-role-in-well-being-we-understand-this/Quotes and insights shared above were obtained from interviews conducted with residents of premier lifestyle villages for a study titled – ‘An exploration of residents’ perspectives of well-being in relation to retirement village living’. Names have been withheld or changed to protect the identity of the participants. Book A Tour ### "Licence To Occupy": Is It Right For You? It’s an interesting phrase "licence to occupy". As one resident of a licence to occupy retirement home put it, “It takes away the sense of ownership, but in the end, do we really own anything?” When people reach retirement age, one of the most significant decisions they have to make involves where to live. Many choose to downsize to licence to occupy (LTO) communities. According to Village News, “Licences to occupy are the most common way to live in a retirement village in New Zealand”. But it’s a way of living that has generated a lot of controversy over the years. So, what makes people choose this lifestyle? Is what you gain from living in one of these communities greater than what you lose in capital gains? We talk to couples who made this choice, offering insights for people thinking about doing the same. You’re buying into a lifestyle “You’re buying into a lifestyle”, explains Jim, a resident. “And all the facilities we’ve got here, like the bowling green, the gymnasium, the swimming pool, the sauna, the movie theatre, the library, the cafe….” It’s all here to be enjoyed, and it’s so easy. “It’s like being in a hotel at Surfers. You walk in and go wow, ‘this is lovely’. It’s like living there”. Maggie Our community offers a range of activities, classes, and facilities at no additional costs, so you can pursue a vibrant lifestyle without worrying about financial constraints. Not only do you save on membership fees, but you also have the convenience of having them right at your doorstep. As we age, it’s easy to fall into a rut and not participate in activities as much. This can impact cognitive and emotional well-being. Some seniors limit pursuits to just the basics because it’s easier than getting out. Budgetary concerns can also weigh heavily on their decision to pursue hobbies and activities. Coming into a community like ours can help you regain your zest for life. It’s so much easier to stay active and pursue interests when they are literally on your doorstep. There are many activities each day – check them out here. You’re part of a community that’s connected Remember the time when you knew your neighbours? When you felt comfortable enough to pop over for a cup of sugar or to borrow a tool? Back in the day, neighbours felt like family. They looked out for one another, and connected on a level that's hard to find these days. Several residents spoke of a shift in their suburb over the past 20-30 years, a disconnectedness. In today's world, it's not uncommon to live amongst strangers. When you're working and raising a family, that may not bother you, but as you get older, you may feel isolated and lonely. Many of the residents we talked to missed the days when they could wave hello to someone on the street and know their name. Being familiar with people around you brings a sense of comfort. Retirement communities like Settlers provide that. “You have a shared outlook on life, a shared vision, and camaraderie that you don’t get out in the suburbs. It’s the same sort of thing that you get by belonging to a club. You never get lonely. There's so much to do”. June You have certainty around budgeting One of the most significant upsides of licence to occupy is the certainty it brings around financial planning. The couples we spoke with noted that the terms, conditions, and charges were agreed upon at the onset, thus removing the uncertainty around financial planning. The fees are fixed for life, giving residents a clear understanding of how much they need to budget. However, not all retirement villages provide fixed fees for life, so it’s really important to check this at the onset. “We added up our rates, our water rates, insurance, tree trimming, gardening etc. and you don’t have to worry about it - worry about who is ripping you off. And you don’t have to worry about it [costs] going up”. Dave Many people are concerned about the cost of living, but for those who are no longer working it can be an even greater worry. Take rates for example. As part of a plan to plug a $325 million budget hole, Auckland Council increased rates by 7.7 percent earlier this year. Next year, those rates could nearly double from a starting point of 13.75 percent, as the council seeks to balance its books. Source: RNZ, Possible rates hike for Auckland will make city even more unaffordable, residents say “You don't have to pay rates, water rates, gym memberships, maintenance - all of those costs keep going up, but our fee is fixed for life. That’s a huge relief when you’re on a fixed income”. Jean “We are saving more money here than we were at home. Your rates aren't going up. When something needs fixing you put a form in and it’s fixed within a day”. Mary As the costs of rates, water rates, gym memberships, and maintenance continue to rise, having fixed fees for life provides long-term stability and relief. You can relax and let go of worries Imagine a world where everything is taken care of for you. On-site nurses, gated security, maintenance services, and gardening assistance provide a worry-free living experience. You can get support with meals, housekeeping and even transport. Again this is all part of the lifestyle you are buying into. You can learn more about support with everyday living at Settlers by checking out this article. There is peace of mind that comes from knowing your needs are being met without worrying about how much it will cost you. Residents report feeling free of undue pressure, and free to do more of what they want. Which brings me to the next point. You can free up time If you don’t have to worry about home maintenance and gardening, you can focus your energy on doing what you love. “As you get older you have less energy but you now have more time. You can use the energy to do the things you want to do, rather than the things you have to do”. “Four years ago my husband had a stroke. This is another thing that coming in here gives us – the opportunity for nursing, and you’ve got the alarms if anything happens”. Mary “We have 5 call buttons in our apartment. I pushed one by mistake once and the nurse was up in seconds!” June You can free up cash When you sell a home and buy into a LTO retirement home, depending on the value of the home you’re selling and the equity you have in it, it can often free up quite a bit of cash. This cash enables you to enjoy your retirement comfortably knowing that you have cash in the bank to fall back on, travel and so on. “We could provide the children with an early inheritance and add another investment property to our portfolio”. Jim To sum up, there are many advantages to choosing the licence to occupy communities, as shared by couples who have made that decision. These include buying into a certain lifestyle, peace of mind, saving costs, accessing equity, and obtaining greater budgeting certainty. However, it's important to note that agreements can vary significantly, so it's crucial to seek legal advice. Take for example fees. Not all retirement communities fix them, and that’s an important consideration. Sadly, there are negative experiences with licence-to-occupy agreements in some villages. So, it's crucial to have a full understanding of the legal agreement you are entering into before making any decision. It’s important to understand that you're not buying real estate but rather a form of licence to reside. By itself, that can be a difficult concept to grasp. Yes, the loss of capital gains is a consideration, but for so many of the couples who have made the choice to forgo that, it was worth it for the lifestyle they’ve gained. Some even took their equity and invested in investment properties in order to maintain some form of capital gains, so they got the best of both worlds. Disclaimer: Please note that we are not retirement law experts. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and provides perspectives of a small sample of retirement village residents. You should consult a lawyer before making the decision to move to a licence to occupy village. Book A Tour ### Choosing the Right Retirement Apartment – How Do You Decide? Choosing a retirement apartment is a big decision, so what should you take into account? We've talked to people who moved from their family home to a retirement apartment. Listed below are some of the factors they considered prior to making their decision. It isn't an exhaustive list, but it might give you a few things to think about if you're apartment hunting. Do you have a favourite part about where you live now? Are you currently living in a house? Making the transition from a house to an apartment is a big change. You want to be sure that you don't have to compromise your comfort and privacy. Consider what you value about your current living situation. Is it the proximity to amenities, ease of access, gardens and space to walk around? Also, take into consideration what it is that you don't like about your current abode. You may be fed up with all the clutter you’ve accumulated over the years. Do you get overwhelmed by the upkeep that's required? What about the hours spent cleaning rooms that are not used? Sometimes it's bitter-sweet e.g. this aspect appeals to me, but there is a downside. It could be that you enjoy the space of having a backyard and garden… but don't want the hassle of taking care of it. As you make this move, it's important to think about what you value and make sure you don't lose the things you love. Here’s an exercise that may help. Make two columns on a piece of paper - one labelled 'Current Reality' and one labelled 'Desired Future'. Fill out the first column with what your living situation looks like right now - the good and the bad. Then, fill out the second column with all the things that you want in your future. When you're done, you'll have a better understanding of what kind of apartment you should opt for - and you’ll feel better about making your choice when you find one that ticks most (or all) of your boxes. This exercise is very personal to you. Do you prefer to be close to the hub or far away from it? The layout of the apartment in relation to the rest of the village is an important consideration. Do you want to be close to the central hub of the village, where you will find all the amenities and social activities. Or would you prefer to be on the outskirts of the village? Is having everything within easy walking distance important to you? Would you rather live in a townhouse or apartment? Townhouses at Settlers Lifestyle Village are spacious 2 or 3 bedrooms with garages. But some apartments are also extremely spacious, while others are better suited for one person. At Settlers Lifestyle Village, for example, there are one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. The three-bedroom apartments are as big as a standard three-bedroom home. “We had a three-bedroom house that is roughly the same size as what we’ve got now”. Resident Meet Brent Brent has been living at Settlers Lifestyle Village for over 8 years. Here’s what he said about moving to a lifestyle village. “We had no intention of going into a lifestyle village. But once we saw what was here we changed our mind about it”. When Brent’s sister heard he’d moved into an apartment she said to him “There’s no way I’m living in an apartment”. But after seeing Brent’s and going on a tour of the village, she changed her mind. After just two hours she’d put down a deposit on an apartment at Settlers. She'd never lived in an apartment before and was scared of heights so she wasn't keen on the third floor - until she saw the views from the top. That was it, she said - “I want to live here”. There's so much variation in apartments, some have huge decks, allow pets, and are very spacious, while others have enclosed balconies (kinda defeats the purpose!), and are really only suitable for one person. Some ground-floor apartments even have their own garden. Apart from not having garages some apartments aren't too different from townhouses While some apartments fit your initial perceptions of apartment living, others may blow your mind, like Brent's sister's. “Our apartment is big compared to other lifestyle villages. In others, you can hardly get a wheelchair down a corridor. The ceilings are high, they’re not low. The corridors are wide. We can go from the lounge to the patio and sit and have our coffee. We are private, back onto a nomad's land with a bit of river and it’s not a big enough area to be built on. If you have a ground apartment you can ask to do your own garden”. Brent Meet June When June first looked at the villas, she knew they weren't for her. The thought of living alone in a large villa was daunting and made her worry about loneliness. She referred to the villas as 'out there', and it was clear the apartment residents thought of them as quite far away. Although she never considered herself an 'apartment person', moving into one was the best decision she ever made. The sense of community and connection with others had lifted her spirits and made her feel more at ease in her new living situation. “I swapped some space inside for all of this (gesturing to the dining room, cafe, and outside gardens)”. Being close to the central hub means all of these facilities are a few steps away. Also, she's close to the nurse's station, so if you press your alarm, the nurse will come. What she loves about living in an apartment is that everything she needs is right there, and the wide corridors connect everything. Do you prefer homely or ultra-modern? A spacious village gives you a feeling of openness and facilitates ease of movement. Recent comments from retirees looking for apartments reveal that some can feel quite claustrophobic. High-rise buildings loom over the grounds, casting shadows and creating an overbearing atmosphere that can feel intimidating. Corridors that are too narrow only add to the feeling of constriction. On the other hand, those looking for a homely atmosphere mention the importance of spacious surroundings, wide corridors, high ceilings and large dining areas. While gardens and established trees provide a sense of comfort and timeliness. The look and feel of the apartment are also important factors to keep in mind. Some apartments are ultra-modern, while others are more traditional. A traditional look can give you a feeling of homeliness. It can provide you with the comfort you need to settle in. Would your family enjoy visiting you here? When considering where to live, think about how your family might feel visiting you there. For example, some villages are very family-friendly. Grandchildren have overnight visits with residents and are able to use the pool within certain hours. Large open spaces and established trees create a park-like atmosphere, making them a wonderful place to visit. While spacious open-plan living areas and decks make them ideal for entertaining family and friends. Can you make your apartment your own? Will the apartment be completely refurbished before you move in, and if so how much say do you have in choosing fixtures and fitting. Is it possible to alter things if you don't like something about your apartment? For a person to feel at home, it is essential that they have a say in the look and feel of their new home. Here’s what an apartment dweller at Settlers Lifestyle Village has to say about heres. “Apartments are beautifully renovated, and you can make them your own. You can choose your carpet and drapes, and add small details that are important to you. Having the freedom to do that is important. Liz Do you want to free up more cash? Apartments vary considerably in price. Some are quite a bit cheaper than villas, but naturally smaller. Do you really need the extra space? Choosing an apartment over a villa can help you free up funds that you can use for other purposes. Additionally, villas can be too big for one person. Obviously, larger 3-bedroom apartments are more expensive than smaller ones. What kind of vibe do you want - a community atmosphere or one where everyone keeps to themselves? Whether you prefer a tight-knit, community atmosphere or one where people keep to themselves, it's important to find a place that aligns with your social preferences. When searching for a new apartment, take the time to consider the kind of atmosphere you desire, as what you can’t see is just as important as what you can. Walk around and talk to the residents to get a sense of the community. You need to feel how friendly, supportive, and connected the community is. Make sure the environment provides a sense of belonging if that's important to you. “If you ask people here they’ll say there is a vibe and on a Friday night it’s really exciting, it bubbles. We have about 150 here for happy hour.” “People say – ‘your village is so different’.” “We have about 350 friends now that we never had before.” “We often say ‘What would we be doing if we weren’t here’. I don’t think we would be as happy. We wouldn’t have the friends we have here.” “You’re here just to enjoy yourself. That’s the fun of it! There is so much to do if you want to do it, and if you don’t, just stay home.” A young village or an old village? We heard a lot of residents use the terms “young olds” and “old olds” when talking about their villages. It's not our intention to label anyone, but it's a way for them to describe villages that are more tailored to the needs of the residents. Some villages are great for those who are more independent and active, while others provide more support for those with greater care needs. Which would you prefer? Are there maintenance staff on site? How do they handle issues? Lastly, maintenance is critical in ensuring that you enjoy your retirement with convenience and comfort. One of the big advantages of apartment living is not having to worry about upkeep. Opt for an apartment within a community where the upkeep and maintenance are up to par. Ensure that the community has a maintenance team that can respond promptly to repair or maintenance requests. The upshot Overall, choosing the right retirement apartment is a big decision. Transitioning from a house to an apartment requires considering your current living situation, what you value, and what you don't like. If you weigh the pros and cons and envision your ideal retirement, you'll feel more comfortable with your choice. When selecting a retirement apartment, location, proximity to the central hub, open spaces, corridor size, look and feel, and community vibe are all important factors. Upkeep and maintenance are also important, as is the size of the apartment. Hopefully, this article has provided some helpful insight into what to look for when choosing a retirement apartment. Why not visit Settlers Lifestyle Villages? Our residents would love to talk to you about apartment living and take you for a tour. Book A Tour ### “Best Large Retirement or Lifestyle Village North Island” The Aged Advisor AwardsFor the third year running, Settlers Lifestyle Village has proudly taken the title of “Best Large Retirement or Lifestyle Village North Island” in the Aged Advisor’s coveted “People Choice Awards” category.The Aged Advisor Awards have run since 2015 and recognise the best retirement villages in New Zealand through the collation and review of the opinions of over 8,000 residents from more than 770 villages. Settlers Lifestyle Villages team is moved by the recognition from their residents as leaders in the North Island.Settlers Lifestyle Village centres itself around resident wellbeing, connectedness, and an active quality of life.Settlers is known for its events and celebrations, recently hosting a 1923 Studebaker on the grounds and rolling out a red carpet to mark a resident’s special birthday. There are numerous shared spaces for relaxation and socialisation that residents love to make the most of – with one event earlier in the year featured on national television as residents delighted in festivities celebrating the King’s Coronation. A treasured World War I sword was involved!Residents shine at Settlers Lifestyle Village through their desire to connect with each other and the world around them, participating in lifelong learning through the many educational talks and engaging with social groups in the village. Settlers Lifestyle Village is committed to offering something for everyone, with total peace of mind from its 24/7 emergency response nurse.Premier Lifestyle Villages CEO Terry Middlemost says, “What means the most to our team is the fact that our residents are behind this award. In 2013, when then Prime Minister John Key opened Settlers Lifestyle Village, we knew we would always endeavour to provide the best level of care available, and a meaningful range of experiences. This award reflects the superb work of our staff and management team, who – rain, hail or shine; continue to set the highest bar for lifestyle, comfort, security, hospitality, and care in a lifestyle village.”Come see for yourself - book a tour today! Book A Tour ### Vitality: The Secret To Successful Aging At our village, we adhere to a number of values that we believe play an important role in our residents’ well-being. We focus on one of these values every month. For September, we will explore the importance of vitality in our lives and how it can benefit us as we age. Vitality Is The Fullness Of LIfe It is said that “youth is wasted on the young?” Many of us do not appreciate our vitality until it begins to wane. Being involved in a community that is vibrant and energetic is an excellent way to ensure that we remain active, mentally sharp, and socially engaged. If you don't have to worry about home maintenance and gardening, you can focus your energy on doing what you love. “As you get older you have less energy but you now have more time. You can use the energy to do the things you want to do, rather than the things you have to do”. Understanding Vitality Vitality derives from the Latin word ‘vita,’ meaning life. Vitality is not just feeling energetic; it’s a mix of physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. At a physical state, it refers to feeling energetic, capable, and healthy. Psychologically, it provides a sense of meaning and purpose. At Settlers Lifestyle Village, we believe that vitality is essential for a full and rewarding life. Vitality is one of the five key strengths that are most highly correlated with happiness and well-being. The other four strengths are curiosity, optimism, gratitude, and the ability to love and be loved. Ours Is A Vibrant Community As the saying goes, 'variety is the spice of life,' and that's exactly what we strive to provide for our residents. Whether you want to join us for a friendly game of table tennis, get creative with some tinkering in the bloke's shed, join an art class or take up Tai Chi – there’s always lots to do. Our activities are designed to provide excitement and joy to our residents. Activities to suit every interest Our residents can choose from five to ten activities each day. For the mind Painting, Chess, Art, Crafts, Mahjong. For the body Walk n Talk, Lawn Bowls, Indoor Bowls, Croquet, Table Tennis, Yoga, Darts, Line Dancing, For the soul Tai Chi, Ukulele, Happy Hour, Coffee and Games, Shopping. So come join us at one of our open days and see for yourself how vibrant life can be! There are many activities each day - check them out here. Age With Gusto: The Secret To Successful Aging Having the freedom to pursue what you love goes beyond enjoyment. New research reveals an intriguing link between living a purposeful life and brain health. The study suggests that finding meaning in life can contribute to better cognitive function and potentially reduce the risk of dementia in older adults. Check out our blog on the ‘Many Benefits Of Lifestyle Living’ to learn more about this connection. While previous studies focused on lifestyle factors, such as exercise and diet, this research sheds light on the impact of psychological well-being in slowing cognitive decline. By understanding how mental well-being is linked to cognitive function, researchers are uncovering the keys to maintaining a healthy and sharp mind as we age. Source: Psychcentral Interested in learning more? Check out this article Time Magazine, 2017 Purpose in life also plays a significant role in longevity, leading to longer, more fulfilling lives. By pursuing passions and living with intention, older adults can enhance their overall vitality and, in turn, their happiness. Our vibrant community provides ample activities allowing residents to do exactly that! Have You Lost Your Mojo? As we age, it's easy to fall into a rut and not participate in activities as much. This can impact cognitive and emotional well-being. Some seniors limit pursuits to just the basics because it’s easier than getting out. Budgetary concerns can also weigh heavily on their decision to pursue hobbies and activities. Coming into a community like ours can help you regain your zest for life. It’s so much easier to stay active and pursue interests when they are literally on your doorstep. Our community offers a range of activities, classes, and facilities at no additional costs, so you can pursue a vibrant lifestyle without worrying about financial constraints. But it’s not just what’s on offer here, or how easy it is to participate in a range of activities, it goes much deeper than that. Our community thrives on the power of togetherness, where residents are encouraged to engage in activities and events that keep them vital and energized. It’s a vibe and energy that contributes to feeling vibrant. Positive Energy – ‘It Just Feels Right Our villages have that special something that draws people in. So many of our residents said they immediately knew this was the right village for them. There’s an energy pull, an inexplicable vibe that just feels right. It’s that feeling you get when you know you’re in a place where you truly belong. Staying Active, Fit and Healthy At Settlers Lifestyle Village, staying active isn't a chore, it's a way of life. With many quality amenities like a pool, spa, gym, and landscaped gardens, you'll never be short of options to get moving. And the best part? You have a community of friends to cheer you on, and a raft of resident-led activities to choose from. Staying active can do wonders for your overall health, from managing blood pressure and weight to lowering the risk of diabetes, cancer, and even dementia. Staying active is important for vitality. But you are more likely to exercise if you live in an environment that makes it easy and enjoyable for you to do so. “There’s so much to do here. We had no intention of going into a lifestyle village. But once we saw what was here we changed our mind about it.” “We are more active here than before we came.” “The old-olds are in their 90’s, and they are just so with it and so fit and healthy.” Key Takeaway In conclusion, vitality is a crucial component in living a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. By embracing vitality and living with purpose, older adults can enhance their physical, psychological, and emotional wellbeing, leading to longevity and overall happiness. Our vibrant community takes pride in offering activities that keep residents vital and engaged, promoting a life that's rich and fulfilling. Time To Put A Spring In Your Step? September marks the start of spring. There's no better time to put a spring in your step! Would You Like More Vibrancy In Your Life? If so, then we encourage you to take a visit to our village during our open day. It’s not easy to explain what it’s like to live in a lifestyle village like ours, so take a tour and see what’s on offer. You'll be guided by residents and able to ask them questions first-hand about living here. Many people who move in say they wish they had done so sooner. Come see for yourself - book a tour today! Book A Tour ### Embracing Your Freedom: The Many Benefits of Lifestyle Living There's nothing quite like the feeling of freedom, especially after a lifetime spent taking care of the necessities. In this article, we'll explore what freedom means to us at Settlers Lifestyle Village and how our community provides the perfect setting for doing what you love. Less stress, more time At Settlers Lifestyle Village, we believe freedom comes from having less pressure and more time to pursue your interests. Retirement should be a time for new beginnings, a chance to unwind, spend time with friends, and enjoy hobbies, without the pressures of work, maintaining a home or raising a family. It's a good time to discover new passions and do things you've always wanted to do but didn't have time for. Our community is designed to support your interests, whether that's getting active in our fitness centre, taking up a new hobby, or spending time with fellow residents. With hassle-free living arrangements, residents can bid farewell to time-consuming chores and enjoy their free time. “There is kinda a weight off your shoulder. Once you settle in you think I should have done this sooner”. Doing what you love is good for your brain Having the freedom to pursue what you love goes beyond enjoyment. New research reveals an intriguing link between living a purposeful life and brain health. The study suggests that finding meaning in life can contribute to better cognitive function and potentially reduce the risk of dementia in older adults. While previous studies focused on lifestyle factors, such as exercise and diet, this research sheds light on the impact of psychological well-being in slowing cognitive decline. By understanding how mental well-being is linked to cognitive function, researchers are uncovering the keys to maintaining a healthy and sharp mind as we age. Source: Psychcentral A number of important factors can help reduce dementia risk, according to Alzheimer's NZ. Our village provides the ideal environment for three of them, so we will discuss them here. Source: Alzheimers NZ. Keep active Staying active can do wonders for your overall health, from managing blood pressure and weight to lowering the risk of diabetes, cancer, and even dementia. Having more time for physical activity is another benefit of living in a lifestyle village. You're also more likely to exercise if you live in an environment that makes it easy and enjoyable for you to do so. Settlers Lifestyle Village provides the ideal setting for staying active. You have a pool, spa, gym, bowling green, and beautiful landscaped gardens to explore. From yoga to line dancing, darts to table tennis, resident-led activities cater to a wide range of fitness levels and interests. “We are more active here than before we came.” “Fitter, we are definitely fitter.” “The old-olds are in their 90’s, and they are just so with it and so fit and healthy.” Do activities you enjoy Engaging in brain-stimulating activities like reading, puzzles, or taking up a new hobby helps build new brain cells and strengthens connections to keep Alzheimer's at bay. “This may counter the harmful effects of Alzheimer's disease and other dementia pathologies” Source: Alzheimer's New Zealand. Living in a first-class lifestyle village offers a wide variety of opportunities for staying mentally stimulated. At our village, we like to keep things interesting. Our residents can choose from five to ten activities each day. A lot of activities are resident-led, and if you want to start a new group, it's easy! “You’re here just to enjoy yourself. That’s the fun of it! There is so much to do if you want to do it, and if you don’t, just stay home.” View our weekly activity schedule below! Settlers Activity Schedule Stay socially connected Let's not forget the power of social connections. Remaining socially engaged not only reduces the risk of dementia and depression but also adds a sense of fulfilment to our lives. Our community facilitates many social events including happy hour, women's only happy hour, guest entertainers, special dinners, and mystery tours. Our resident well-being group offers support and check-ins to those who prefer quieter social activities. “We have about 350 friends now that we never had before.” “We often say ‘What would we be doing if we weren’t here’. I don’t think we would be as happy. We wouldn’t have the friends we have here.” “I love the walking, I love the singing group, I love the drama, I’m a bit of an avid reader and we’ve got a cracker library here”. “Every day I have something that works towards my health”. We believe that these three factors identified by Alzheimer’s NZ can be supported by a quality lifestyle village. Being active, socially connected, and doing what you enjoy requires time, as well as the right environment and support. In order to enable these three factors, the right village is crucial. Freedom from chores At Settlers Lifestyle Village, retirement also means being free from the stress of home maintenance and chores. Our staff take care of everything from gardening to repairs and maintenance, so you can spend more time doing what you love. We also provide housekeeping services if you choose to free yourself of that too! “Before I moved in here I saw decks cracking, fences ready to come down, the roof was starting to show signs of wear and tear, and the garden was starting to overgrow. So to come in here and just be with my wife, instead of having to do chores, I feel a lot better”. You’ve got no pressure. There’s no maintenance - it’s all done for you. All the gardens are done for you. To me, it’s more like a resort”. Freedom to do things your way You’ve got no pressure. There’s no maintenance - it’s all done for you. All the gardens are done for you. To me, it’s more like a resort”. But freedom isn't just about leisure and convenience - it's also about having the autonomy to make your own choices and live life on your terms. At Settlers Lifestyle Village, we believe that residents should have a say in the decisions that affect their community. That's why we have a resident's committee that works with our staff to create a sense of collaboration and community. Many of our activities are also resident-led, as is our transportation service. “If you want to start a group, you start it. You’re not being told ‘No you can’t because we’ve already organised it’. You just say ‘Can I have the room on a certain day’ and away you go.” “In other villages, everything is structured – but here we have more autonomy.” “As you get older you have less energy, so you’ve now got more time, and you can use the energy to do the things you want to do rather than the things you had to do”. In summary, retirement should be a wonderful time of life, full of new opportunities and experiences. Our village is designed to provide an environment for you to enjoy your newfound freedom, while also providing you with the support you need to live your best life. You can spend your newfound free time however you choose in a beautiful setting with a wide range of choices. How will you spend your time? Visit us to see just what’s on offer at our exceptional village. Book for a visit today ### Independent living at its best, with all the support you need Retire in style, thrive with support! At Settlers Lifestyle Villages, we are committed to supporting our residents in every aspect of their lives. We understand that life can be unpredictable and that people need different kinds of support to thrive. To meet these varied needs, we offer a wide range of services. We offer assistance with medical and physical needs, emotional support, gardening, housekeeping, and maintenance services. We take pride in being a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone feels welcome and valued. Our residents can enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle, with the peace of mind that comes with having a strong support system. Nursing Support 24/7 We understand the peace of mind in knowing a nurse is available at any hour of the day or night if needed. Our apartments feature multiple call buttons, and our nurses are equipped and trained to provide high-quality care at a moment's notice. As a priority, we ensure that our residents are able to get the support they need, whenever they need it. In addition, residents of Settlers Lifestyle Village have preferential access to private hospital care at Fairview Care. Knowing that a higher level of care is available if needed is reassuring. We believe that peace of mind is of the utmost importance, and we strive to uphold that by offering our residents the security of knowing they have trusted support close at hand. “Four years ago my husband had a stroke. This is another thing that coming in here gives us – the opportunity for nursing, and you’ve got the alarms if anything happens”. “We have 5 call buttons in our apartment. I pushed one by mistake once and the nurse was up in seconds!” Emotional and well-being support But our nurses are more than just medical professionals. They are compassionate individuals who truly care about our residents and are willing to take the time to listen and support them. We believe that providing emotional support is just as important as providing medical care. Whether it's a quick check-in during a shift or a longer conversation during a tough time, our nurses want to make sure our residents live their best lives. With on-site support available around the clock, our residents can take comfort in knowing that they have a dedicated team of caring professionals who are always there for them. Support from a caring community of residents A strong, happy community depends on support. A thriving community is one where residents actively assist each other, lending a helping hand whenever needed. Whether it's a shoulder to cry on during tough times or simply sharing resources to help improve someone's quality of life, the beauty of residents supporting each other creates a sense of closeness and belonging that is unparalleled. Here’s how some residents describe their supportive community: “There is a well-being group here. You can say ‘I’m lonely’, or someone could point to a person and say – ‘that person needs help’ and they will take you out for coffee”. “…and you have the same support for dementia. If your husband has dementia you say ‘I can’t cope with my husband all the time’, and people take him out for an hour. And of course, you’ve got the nurse. There is a lot of care here – a lot of caring people”. “If someone gets Covid everyone cares and drops things off to people. It’s residents in the well-being group. They’ll drive you to the hospital for an appointment which is a huge thing for me because there are a lot of people who can’t drive or won’t”. Support with everyday living Sometimes, it's an accumulation of small daily chores that can add up to a big hassle. This is especially true if you aren't feeling well, or dealing with a stressful life event or health issue. Being able to get help when you need it can be a great relief. So what kind of support do you have access to in our supportive village? Quite a lot. Our staff can assist you with pretty much everything you need on a day-to-day basis. Support with house-keeping Residents can easily request regular or one-time cleanings. We have our own housekeeping team on-site to take care of all cleaning. It costs just $35 per hour which is typically more than enough time to clean an apartment. As we get older, housekeeping routines can be harder to keep up with, so knowing there is help on site is a relief. People who need temporary help due to illness or accidents love this service. Support with maintenance A full-time Handyman is on staff to manage maintenance tasks for residents. Requests can be made through reception. It's a relief to know someone will be around soon to perform a variety of services such as changing light bulbs, unclogging drains, replacing tap washers, repairing door knobs and hinges, and checking appliances. “Before I moved in here I saw decks cracking, fences ready to come down, the roof was starting to show signs of wear and tear, and the garden was starting to overgrow. So to come in here and just be with my wife, instead of having to do chores, I feel a lot better”. “There’s no maintenance – it’s all done for you. All the gardens are done for you. To me it’s more like a resort”. Support with meals With a restaurant and cafe on site, residents have access to great value, nutritious meals prepared by an experienced chef. Support with transport Our community has a resident-led transportation service. Whether you need to go shopping, attend a medical appointment, or go anywhere else, just ask. The group always arranges day trips for special outings, including mystery trips. “I’m on the bus driving list. I’ve become a bus driver now. I’ve done my licence. They’re always going off somewhere on trips. We think when we’re older we’ll go on the bus trips, but we’re the young-old”. Support for extended family Our community is designed to make it easy to entertain extended family and to have grandchildren come and stay. There is a heated pool, BBQ patio and outdoor area, restaurant and cafe. “The pool is a great draw for the kids. We take the grandchildren into the pool – they love it”. “Little Cam, he’s 6 now, he said he loves coming here and he has a meat pie each time”. Support for men Our village has a strong culture of brotherhood. There's also a purpose-built bloke's shed with highly gifted craftsmen on hand to help with building, crafting, and tinkering. Residents understand that men may have a harder time adjusting to village life, so they go out of their way to offer support. Our village has a unique way to check in with each other and welcome new members via a resident-led well-being group. “So many blokes came in with their wives and said they didn’t want to come but are glad they are now”. “There is even a get-together for men, they bring us together for a meeting once a week. No one is isolated . . . You live longer if you aren’t”. Support for women The bond of 'sisterhood' is an important and special one shared by many women throughout life. The bond transcends genetics, culture, and age and connects women in a way that cannot be explained. Such a bond continues in our village. Checking in with each other, taking strolls together, sharing coffee or a glass of wine, and pursuing common interests are all ways that women support one another here. Of course, women love the convenience of an onsite salon, which is open to men as well! Support for physical fitness Vitality is one of the five key strengths most strongly associated with happiness and well-being. Because we know how important it is to feel vibrant, we offer a variety of activities. Our facilities include a gym, heated pool, petanque, and bowls. We also have resident-led groups like darts, table tennis, tai chi, 'walk n talk' and table tennis. “Fitter – we are definitely fitter”. When we say we provide a supportive community, we really mean it. They aren’t empty words. We have carefully thought through what it means to provide support at all levels - physical, emotional and mental and we go to great pains to deliver this to each and every one of our residents because we care. Take the first step towards a supported and fulfilling lifestyle. Book A Tour ### Living a carefree retirement means receiving the best care possible Here at Settlers Lifestyle Village, our motto is simple - care first, always. We prioritize the well-being of our residents above all else, and that's why we offer comprehensive care on every level. From health services to physical and emotional support, we believe these resources should always be within reach, helping our residents maintain both their independence and emotional well-being. Nurses on site That's why our nurses are available on-site around the clock, equipped and ready to provide high-quality care at a moment's notice. Importantly, our nurses are more than just medical professionals, they are also compassionate individuals who take the time to listen, support, and empower our residents to live their best lives. Preferential access to private hospital care We offer 24/7 emergency response, so you can feel secure in knowing you have access to the assistance you need when you need it most. With preferential access to private hospital care at Fairview Care, part of the Premier Lifestyle Villages group, residents can rest assured that they have the highest quality of care available whenever they may need it. For some of our residents, this level of care is paramount to their well-being: “Knowing that help is readily available is very reassuring. Nurses are on-site 24/7, so if assistance is needed just call them or pop on down to see them”. “Four years ago Sam had a stroke. This is another thing that coming in here gives us – the opportunity for nursing, and you’ve got the alarms if anything happens.” “There is a weight lifted off your shoulder. Once you settle in you think I should have done this sooner. People often say we should have been here 5 years earlier.” Ours is a caring community As a community, we understand that care doesn't just mean addressing physical needs - it's about creating an environment that fosters a culture of kindness, compassion, and understanding. Our commitment to care is what sets us apart. Here’s how some residents describe their supportive community: Well-being support “There is a well-being group here. You can say ‘I’m lonely’, or someone could point to a person and say – ‘that person needs help’ and they will take you out for coffee.” “…and you have the same support for dementia. If your husband has dementia you say ‘I can’t cope with my husband all the time’, and people take him out for an hour. And of course, you’ve got the nurse. There is a lot of care here – a lot of caring people.” “ … usually most people are perceptive and very caring. This is a happy village and it’s a homely village. It’s not clinical, it’s a home.” Helping hands “When I came back from the hospital two wonderful people in the village said - ‘Mary, we’re going to do your shopping for you, and they still do my shopping. I make a list and ring them when they’re going, and they get what I need. One day I said to them my garden needs more care. Trudy comes in every now and again and tidies up …” A sense of empathy and understanding “There is a lot of care here – a lot of caring people. If someone gets Covid everyone cares and drops things off to people. It’s residents in the well-being group. They’ll drive you to the hospital for an appointment which is a huge thing for me because there are a lot of people who can’t drive …” Take a Tour of Our Impressive Facilities and Meet Our Caring Team We invite you to come and experience for yourself the ambience of Settlers Lifestyle Village. Chat with residents about life in our village, ask questions and take a tour of our grounds. We believe that everyone deserves to live a life full of comfort, joy and peace of mind. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that each one of our residents receives the highest standard of care and support. From our impressive facilities to our caring staff, every aspect of our village has been designed with your well-being in mind. So why not come and see for yourself? We have premium apartments available now and would love to show you around. Come along to our open home on June 20th: Settlers Lifestyle Village - 11.00am -1.00pm We look forward to welcoming you to our caring community. Book A Tour ### Lifestyle Villages Play A Vital Role In Well-Being – We Understand This Lifestyle villages play a vital role in well-being – we understand this When it comes to well-being, many factors contribute to our overall sense of happiness and fulfilment in life. But what about lifestyle villages? What role can they play in the well-being of seniors? The residents of Settlers Lifestyle Village discuss their well-being and how living in a lifestyle village has enriched it. By sharing their experiences, we hope you will gain a better understanding of what it's like to belong to a community that promotes social, physical, and emotional well-being. Social Well-Being Socialising and solitude – the perfect blend Settlers Lifestyle Village is the perfect place for social butterflies and introverts alike. We understand that not everyone’s the same, and that’s okay. There’s no pressure to be anyone other than who you are – our village is a relaxed and accepting place where you can be yourself. “We have about 350 friends now that we never had before.” “We often say ‘What would we be doing if we weren’t here’. I don’t think we would be as happy. We wouldn’t have the friends we have here.” “You’re here just to enjoy yourself. That’s the fun of it! There is so much to do if you want to do it, and if you don’t, just stay home.” Everyone here genuinely cares about one another “There is a well-being group here. You can say ‘I’m lonely’, or someone could point to a person and say – ‘that person needs help’ and they will take you out for coffee. And you have the same support for dementia. If your husband has dementia you say ‘I can’t cope with my husband all the time’, and people take him out for an hour. And of course, you’ve got the nurse. There is a lot of care here – a lot of caring people.” Positive energy – ‘it just feels right’ It takes more than lovely amenities to make a place feel like home. Our villages have that special something that draws people in. So many of our residents said they immediately knew this was the right village for them. There’s an energy pull, an inexplicable vibe that just feels right. It’s that feeling you get when you know you’re in a place where you truly belong. “If you ask people here they’ll say there is a vibe and on a Friday night it’s really exciting, it bubbles. We have about 150 here for happy hour.” “People say – ‘your village is so different’.” “We live in a lifestyle village, not a retirement village – there’s a difference you know.” Emotional Well-Being We have more autonomy here “If you want to start a group, you start it. You’re not being told ‘No you can’t because we’ve already organised it’. You just say ‘Can I have the room on a certain day’ and away you go.” “If you want to start a group, you start it. You’re not being told ‘No you can’t because we’ve already organised it’. You just say ‘Can I have the room on a certain day’ and away you go.” “In other villages, everything is structured – but here we have more autonomy.” Beautiful, relaxing surroundings with top-notch facilities Take a moment to think about how you feel when you go on holiday. Now imagine feeling that way all the time. ‘Living in a resort’, ‘staying in a hotel’, ‘being on vacation every day ‘- everyone we spoke to used these words to describe what it’s like to live here. It’s no wonder that living in a beautiful environment can do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being. Who wouldn’t want to feel like they’re on vacation all the time? “We walked in and went ‘wow’. There’s something really special about this place – it’s different, it’s like being at a hotel in surfers, you walk in and go ‘wow, this is lovely’.” “Apartments are beautifully renovated, and you can make them your own. You can choose your carpet, drapes, and flooring, and add small details that are important to you. Having the freedom to do that is important. This is your home and we want you to feel at home." No maintenance worries Maintenance issues around their homes were a big worry for many residents before they moved into our village. Here, whenever something breaks, you can call and someone will fix it. “At my old home I saw decks cracking, fences ready to come down, the roof was starting to show signs of wear and tear, and the garden was starting to overgrow, so to come in here and be with my wife, instead of having to go and do chores, I feel a lot better”. Fixed fees for life Fixed fees are also a big relief for residents, especially since living costs keep going up. Settlers Lifestyle Villages fixes fees, but not all villages do. “We are saving more money here than we were at home. Your rates aren’t going up. When something needs fixing you put a form in and it’s fixed within a day. We have two dedicated maintenance people”. Physical Well-Being Staying Active, Fit and Healthy “There’s so much to do here. We had no intention of going into a lifestyle village. But once we saw what was here we changed our mind about it.” “We are more active here than before we came.” “The old-olds are in their 90’s, and they are just so with it and so fit and healthy.” All the support you need with nurses on-site Knowing that help is readily available is very reassuring. Nurses are on site 24/7, so if assistance is needed just call them or pop on down to see them. “Four years ago Sam had a stroke. This is another thing that coming in here gives us – the opportunity for nursing, and you’ve got the alarms if anything happens.” “There is a weight lifted off your shoulder. Once you settle in you think I should have done this sooner. People often say we should have been here 5 years earlier.” There are many reasons that make Settlers Lifestyle Village a truly special place. Come visit us and get a feel for yourself. You’ll be shown around by our residents themselves, so you can learn first-hand what it’s like to live here. QUOTES AND INSIGHTS SHARED ABOVE WERE OBTAINED FROM INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED WITH RESIDENTS OF PREMIER LIFESTYLE VILLAGES FOR A STUDY TITLED – ‘AN EXPLORATION OF RESIDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES OF WELL-BEING IN RELATION TO RETIREMENT VILLAGE LIVING’. NAMES HAVE BEEN WITHHELD OR CHANGED TO PROTECT THE IDENTITY OF THE PARTICIPANTS. Book a Tour Now! ### What defines an exceptional retirement lifestyle? The People's Choice Award WinnerSettlers Lifestyle Village is proud to have been voted the People's Choice Award Winner - twice! But it’s not by chance we won this award. When looking at what makes a retirement lifestyle exceptional, we believe we've focused on a few things.It’s All About Our ResidentsSettlers Lifestyle Village is built around its residents, catering to their every need. Resort-like amenities and activities promote well-being and provide the perfect setting for socialising and staying active. Our welcoming community is a place of acceptance and belonging, where togetherness is supported and celebrated. Plus, our friendly and supportive staff are always available to help with whatever you need.Luxurious HomesEveryone deserves to live in a home that offers peace and comfort as well as convenience. That's why these beautiful, luxurious, spacious retirement homes were designed with care and attention to detail: efficient heat pumps, under-tile heating and double-glazing lifts for ease of access, generous storage space and lock-and-leave capability. Best of all, you'll have a wonderful time entertaining guests on your balcony or in your open living spaces. Our retirement homes blend convenience and luxury for the ultimate private sanctuary - truly a place to call home.Resort-Like AmenitiesResidents can enjoy a wide range of quality amenities like a heated pool, spa, gym, movie theatre, hairdressing salon, restaurant, and dance floor. Among the beautifully landscaped grounds are outdoor patios, BBQ areas, a bowling green, a croquet lawn, and a petanque court. Planning a party or family reunion? Our private function room is available to residents for free.Activities to suit every interestAt our village, we like to keep things interesting! Social participation is seen to be a significant factor in maintaining overall health and well-being as we age. Our vibrant community offers a wealth of activities to help you stay active, mentally sharp, and socially engaged. Whether you want to join us for a friendly game of table tennis, get creative with some tinkering in the bloke's shed, join an art class or take up Tai Chi - there's always lots to do. And, we make sure that all of our activities are designed to provide our residents with a sense of joy and excitement.Vitality-enhancing activitiesOur residents can choose from five to ten activities each day.For the mindPainting, Chess, Art, Crafts, Mahjong.For the bodyWalk n Talk, Lawn Bowls, Indoor Bowls, Croquet, Table Tennis.For the soulTai Chi, Happy Hour, Coffee and Games, Shopping. So come join us at one of our open days and see for yourself how vibrant life can be!Resident Well-being Is Our Top PriorityBut our beautiful environment isn’t the only thing that sets us apart. Our team puts tremendous effort into ensuring the health and well-being of our residents. We want them to feel supported, connected and vibrant and so we are constantly organising social events to bring them together.The importance of community, vitality, and friendship in successful ageing cannot be overstated. We live by these themes.Community >>Friendship >>Vitality >>24-7 Wrap-Around SupportOur supportive community is made up of caring people who are committed to making your retirement living experience enjoyable and safe. We offer a wide range of wrap-around support services, from 24/7 on-site medical support to housekeeping services, so you can focus on enjoying your retirement.Your choice of community is actually more important than you think.Community engagement and social participation are associated with better health in old age and lower mortality rates. How significant is this association? Just as significant as well-established risk factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, exercising and eating well (Holt-Lunstad, Smith & Layton, 2010 [2]). Learn more about the importance of community for the health and mental well-being of seniors >>A new generation lifestyle village awaits youConsider all the qualities of an exceptional retirement community. One that sets the standard and provides a quality of life like no other. One that is dedicated to supporting senior health and well-being. That is what our village offers. But don’t take our word for it, come and experience it yourself by attending our open day.Open Day - Tuesday 21st February 11am – 1pm Book A Tour ### Moving into a retirement home - how do you know when the time is right? Christmas is a time for us to come together as a family and create new memories in that familiar place that means so much to us all. For many of us that means gathering together in the family home. But what happens when it’s time to consider selling the family home? Our emotional attachment to our homes I was fortunate to grow up in the same family home. My mother still resides there today after 40 years. However, it is more than a home, it is “the homestead”. Our extended family refers to it as our marae - the meeting place, as we have gathered as a family there since 1981. All the highs of life have been celebrated here, including wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays, and Christmas. But so too have all the lows, like funerals. We believe there is a spiritual aspect to our home, an energy that is absorbed within its walls and foundations to the point where it really does ‘feel like home’ to us. Throughout the years, my mother has recounted how, at 14, she felt a connection to the house and was curious about what was inside. On her way to school, she wondered who lived in the home. Given its size, was it one or two houses? What was it like inside? She thought, "What a lovely house that would be." Her admiration and curiosity continued for years until it finally hit the market. Now married and much older, she arranged for the agent to take her through it. From the bottom of the drive, she knew even before she had seen inside that it was the house she wanted. Together with my father, she bought it. A home from a bygone era. This big California bungalow was built as a show home with native timbers, imported American cedar, closets and inbuilt cupboards (rare for the time), bay windows, window seats, exposed beams, plaster panels, deep skirting boards, leadlight windows, and front and back porches, and sat proudly on a quarter-acre plot. It even came with a pool table that the first owner built for his boys to keep them out of the local pool hall, which was full of 'undesirables'. It had stood the test of time, with only two other owners, our family would be it's third. Time passed so quickly on its strong and stable foundations. Children were born, raised, married and moved on. There were 40 Christmases, five wedding receptions, five funeral receptions, hundreds of birthdays, graduations and countless more highs and lows. It has been a safe place to return to, rest, recuperate, and reconnect. I never wanted my mother to sell the family home. Having moved many times over the years, it was still the place I truly called ‘home’. That one place of familiarity and stability. Twelve years ago, when my father passed away, I found my family home even more meaningful to me because I could see my father everywhere - hanging wallpaper in my bedroom, reading the paper in his favourite chair, tinkering in the garage. How do you know when it’s time to leave your family home? Mum often told me after Dad died, "This house is too big for me, and it's a lot of work". In spite of the emotional attachment my mother had to her home, the practicality of maintaining such a large property was beginning to burden her. Then there was the cost of heating and maintaining it, not to mention the worry of keeping it secure. Over the years, I've noticed that more of my mother's time is spent maintaining the property and worrying about another repair - after all, it is over 100 years old. Since her well-being is more important than our attachment to the property, we knew it was time for another family to move in. Our family home remains a part of us when we leave it Even when a new chapter begins and it’s time to move on, the warmth and energy a home provides over the years remains with the person who lived there. The fusion between a home and its owner is difficult to describe, but most of us who have lived in a home for a long period of time have experienced that connection. Although my mother will physically move to a new place, everything that represents love, security, and the highs and lows of life is incorporated within her, so when she leaves, she will take it all with her. Why would you want to move into a retirement village? Moving from a family home to a retirement village is a big turning point in life. But downsizing your home doesn't have to mean downsizing your life. The contrary is true - retirement villages can introduce you to a whole new world filled with new hobbies, activities, and people. For some people, moving to a retirement village can be the best decision they ever make. They can enjoy more leisure time, make new friends, and have access to amenities and activities that they may not have had access to before. With the pressure of maintaining a home removed, they can spend more time enjoying life. Furthermore, they can rest assured that support is available if they need it. While knowing you're safe and secure makes getting a good night's sleep so much easier. Research has shown time and time again that the social and physical environment we live in has a big impact on how we age. In part, this is because where you live shapes what you can do there, and in that way, influences your health. Sometimes leaving your home is the best thing you can do for your well-being. Christmas is coming and homes represent memories and love, but those things remain with people forever. Some people may believe that when they leave a place, they leave a piece of themselves behind, but they actually take the home with them since everything it represents stays with them. As Mum moves into her new retirement home, she’s mindful of how she is taking the essence of our ‘homestead’ with her. Have a wonderful Christmas, everyone Let's toast to a new year and a new chapter. We can help you or someone you love if retirement homes are on your mind this year. As a team, we understand this transition well, and our residents' well-being is of paramount importance to us. This is in part why we were voted the best large retirement community in the North Island. Need to chat about your new chapter? Get in touch with one of our friendly team. ### “Living well” and “being well” Go Hand-in-Hand Community plays a big role in successful ageing A well-referenced and highly regarded study on successful ageing by Rowe & Kahn, 1997 [1] finds a clear correlation between better health and community engagement. They define successful ageing as having high levels of physical and cognitive function and being engaged. "Living well" and "being well" go hand in hand. But what does it mean to live well? The social and physical environment we live in has a big impact on how we age. There's no doubt that where you live shapes what you can do there, and in that way, influences your health. Your choice of community is actually more important than you think. Social participation is seen to be a significant factor in maintaining overall health and well-being. Community engagement and social participation are associated with better health in old age and lower mortality rates. How significant is this association? Just as significant as well-established risk factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, exercising and eating well (Holt-Lunstad, Smith & Layton, 2010 [2]). “Social relationships, or the relative lack thereof, constitute a major risk factor for health—rivalling the effect of well-established health risk factors such as cigarette smoking, blood pressure, blood lipids, obesity and physical activity” —House, Landis, and Umberson; Science 1988 [3] A review of five large prospective studies three decades ago suggested that social relationships predict mortality [3]. Immediately after this provocative review was published, studies of mortality that measured social relationships skyrocketed. 148 independent studies found that social relationships significantly predict mortality. How big was the increase in survival odds? Incredibly, the research showed that social relationships increase survival odds by 50%. srefPubMed], [WorldCat] But how can a retirement community support social relationships? In our community, we focus on three key ways to support social relationships. We refer to these as themes. Vitality Among the five key strengths most strongly associated with happiness and well-being is vitality. Curiosity, optimism, gratitude, and the ability to love and be loved are the other four strengths. Vitality comes from the Latin word vita, which means life. Physically, it means feeling strong, capable, and healthy. From a psychological perspective, it gives meaning and purpose to life. We offer a variety of activities to keep our residents active, mentally sharp, and socially engaged. Our community has plenty of activities to help infuse energy into your life; whether it's playing table tennis, participating in tai chi, or attending one of our many social events. All of our activities are designed to provide our residents with joy and excitement. Our variety of activities stimulates curiosity and fosters connections. Learn more about how we foster vitality >> Support Our supportive community is made up of caring people who are committed to making your retirement living experience enjoyable and safe. We offer a wide range of wrap-around support services, from 24/7 on-site medical support to housekeeping services, so you can focus on enjoying your retirement. Learn more about how we support our residents >> Friendship Study after study has found that health and psychological well-being improve for seniors when they: 1. Like and care about other people 2. Have fun together 3. Feel comfortable confiding in each other 4. Remind each other to stay healthy (Blieszner & Adams, 1992). To put it another way - when they have good friends! As social creatures, we are wired to connect from birth. Relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues are an integral part of our lives. Social ties provide us with emotional support, a sense of belonging, and companionship. In late adulthood, friendships can be even more crucial. Social circles can shrink as we age. We retire from work, our kids move away, and our loved ones pass away. Feelings of loneliness and isolation may result from this. We don't want that for our residents. It is well known that social isolation places older adults at risk for both physical and psychological health problems. Our village is designed to support social interaction It is for this reason that Settlers Lifestyle Village has designed its facility in a way that encourages social interaction. We offer a variety of amenities and common spaces that help residents connect. According to Commonwealth champion weightlifter Precious McKenzie, our village has a strong sense of social connectivity. Precious McKenzie moved to Settlers more than a decade ago to be closer to the 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, they bring us together for a meeting once a week. No one is isolated . . . You live longer if you aren’t [isolated]”. It is a great honour for us to support our residents during their senior years. We commit a lot of time and energy to make our community the best it can be for our residents. Learn more about how we foster friendship in our community>> But don't just take our word for it. Experience it for yourself. You will see, hear and feel the difference. We invite you to visit our beautiful resort-like facilities, to see the activities we provide, and to hear what it is like to live here from our residents. References Rowe J, Khan R, Successful Ageing, The Gerontologist, Volume 37, Issue 4, August 1997, Pages 433–440, https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/37.4.433 Holt-Lunstad j, Smith T B, Layton JB, Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review. 2010 Jul; 7(7): e1000316.PLoS Med. House JS, Landis KR, Umberson D. Social relationships and health. Science. 1988;241:540–545. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Blieszner, R., & Ogletree, A M., & Adams, R G (2019). Friendship in Later Life: A Research Agenda, Innov Aging. 2019 Jan; 3(1): igz005. ### The Importance of Friendship in Retirement Settlers Lifestyle Village believes friendship is one of the best ways to support residents' emotional and physical well-being. We are social creatures, and our need for connection is evident from birth. Throughout our lives, we form relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. These social ties provide us with emotional support, a sense of belonging, and a source of companionship. In late adulthood, these friendships can play an even more important role. As we age, our social circles can shrink. We retire from work, our kids move away, and our loved ones pass away. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. That's not what we want for our residents. Social isolation places older adults in jeopardy of both poor health and low psychological well-being (Blieszner, Ogletree & Adams, 2019). This is why Settlers Lifestyle Village has designed its facility to encourage social interaction. We offer a range of amenities and common spaces for people to come together; our team is constantly looking for ways to help residents connect. According to Commonwealth champion weightlifter Precious McKenzie, our village has a strong sense of social connectivity. Precious McKenzie moved to Settlers more than a decade ago to be closer to her 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, they bring us together for a meeting once a week. No one is isolated . . . You live longer if you aren’t [isolated]”. He’s spot on, and he didn’t have to look for research to prove it - it’s his lived experience! But what does the research suggest about friendship and well-being in older people? For seniors, friendship is key for their health and mental well-being Study after study has found that health and psychological well-being improve for seniors when they: 1. like and care about other people 2. have fun together 3. feel comfortable confiding in each other 4. remind each other to stay healthy (Blieszner & Adams, 1992). To put it another way - when they have good friends! The Golden Girls, a popular sitcom from the 1980s, is a non-factual but fun way to illustrate this. Settlers is a bit like this, albeit on a much larger scale and with men playing leading roles too! Friendships help give meaning to older adults' lives by conveying feelings of connectivity (Bruggencate, Luijkx, & Sturm, 2018). Friendship also provides companionship through mutual interests and shared activities (Huxhold, Miche, & Schüz, 2014). Taking part in social activities is another important factor in aging well The importance of participating in social activities has been identified as a key factor in aging well (Rowe & Khan, 1997). Having social connections is important for individual well-being (Pavot & Diener, 1993). Socially connected individuals tend to be healthier and more optimistic about their futures (Antonucci, 2001; Cohen & Janicki-Deverts, 2009). Subjective well-being refers to how happy an individual feels about his or her life. Providing individuals with the opportunity to engage in social activities contributes to subjective well-being (Berkman, Glass, Brissette, & Seeman, 2000). Social isolation and loneliness can reduce health in older adults Having unmet social needs can make you lonely and socially isolated. Social support is important for maintaining cognitive functioning and physical health in senior years (Béland, Zunzunegui, Alvarado, Otero, & del Ser, 2005; Holt-Lunstad, Smith, & Layton, 2010). People who have strong ties to family and friends are more likely to stay independent, have a sense of purpose in life, and have good physical and psychological health. For older adults, understanding the connection between friend support and psychological problems like depression is critical. Santini and colleagues (2015) reviewed 51 studies (published between 2004 and 2014) that examined the effects of social support, social networks, and depression from around the world. They concluded that perceived emotional support within a large and diverse social network can protect against depression. An active friend network can also help buffer the effects of life events that may occur as we age. What role does spaciousness play in friendship and well-being? We value spaciousness in our villages because it provides more opportunities to participate in social activities. We’ve designed our village to encourage friendship and social interaction since there are common social spaces where residents can relax together and enjoy activities. But we’ve also taken great care when designing the homes of our residents. Space for entertaining friends, family, and grandkids An increase in living space (generally) represents an increase in personal freedom. In the UK, for example, having friends around, sitting in peace and quiet and eating as a family are all activities limited by lack of space (Robert-Hughes 2011). Being able to entertain and have people around is important for connectivity. This was an important consideration in the design of our homes, apartments and villas. The spaciousness of each property lends itself to entertaining friends and family. And if you want to host a larger family gathering or even throw a grandchild's birthday party, you have the option of booking a private function room. What role do retirement villages play in fostering friendship? Retirement villages play an important role in fostering friendships. There are numerous ways that Settlers Retirement Village supports friendships among its residents. Facilitating social gatherings and special interest groups are top of mind for our staff. Mutual interests and shared activities offer older adults a chance to combat loneliness and feel connected to others. In addition to the psychological benefits of friendship, research shows that social connections are also important for maintaining cognitive functioning and physical health in old age. For this reason, the Village has invested in a number of amenities and activities to promote friendship: Our hairdressing salon offers the chance for friends to get their hair cut, styled, and blow-dried together. Residents can enjoy movie nights in our purpose-built theatre or one of our big-screen TV rooms. A combination of laughter and exercise is the perfect tonic for physical and emotional health. For this purpose, our dance floor is ideal. Residents can have fun together while staying active. It's no secret that Kiwi BBQs are a mainstay of NZ life. So many wonderful afternoons and evenings have been spent enjoying great food and great company around the BBQ. Residents continue this tradition with purpose-built BBQ patios and outdoor areas. Then there are the gym and exercise classes which Precious McKenzie considers a highlight. They help residents to stay fit and connect with each other at the same time. Heated pools and spas are also a great way to relax, have fun and connect with others. You can enjoy delicious meals together catered by our accomplished chefs. Hobbies play an important role in subjective well-being, and when combined with social connection, they can have even greater benefits. Settlers Lifestyle Village goes beyond providing amenities to connect, we also offer a variety of activities to enjoy. At Settlers, we have a bloke’s shed for building, crafting and tinkering. You can continue to enjoy the activities you always have, in a supportive environment with ample social connections. The staff at our village are some of the kindest and most caring people you will ever meet. They genuinely care about each and every one of our residents and always go above and beyond to make sure everyone feels a sense of belonging. A lot of effort is put into organising social activities to bring residents together, so they can form meaningful connections. It's no wonder we were voted Lifestyle Village of The Year 2022! Our staff truly put their heart and soul into the village, and make sure everyone feels like part of the family. If you're looking for a supportive community where you can form lasting friendships, come visit us. Our community understands the importance of friendship for health and psychological well-being. Get in touch with the team at Settler’s Lifestyle Village today to see how we can help you ease into retirement happy, healthy, and connected! References Béland F., Zunzunegui M. V., Alvarado B., Otero A., & Del Ser T (2005). Trajectories of cognitive decline and social relations. The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 60, P320–P330. doi: 10.1093/geronb/60.6.P320 [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] Berkman L. F. Glass T. Brissette I. Seeman T. E. (2000). From social integration to health: Durkheim in the new millennium. Social Science & Medicine (1982), 51, 843–857. doi:10.1016/S0277-9536(00)00065-4. [Google Scholar], [CrossrefPubMed],  [WorldCat] Blieszner R., & Adams R. G (1992). Adult friendship. Newbury Park, CA: Sage. [Google Scholar] Blieszner, R., & Ogletree, A M., & Adams, R G (2019). Friendship in Later Life: A Research Agenda,  Innov Aging. 2019 Jan; 3(1): igz005. Cohen S. Janicki-Deverts D. (2009). Can we improve our physical health by altering our social networks? Perspectives on Psychological Science, 4, 375–378. doi:10.1111/j.1745-6924.2009.01141.x. [Google Scholar], [CrossrefPubMed], [WorldCat] Holt-Lunstad J., Smith T. B., & Layton J. B (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7, e1000316. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316 [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] Huxhold O., Miche M., & Schüz B (2014). Benefits of having friends in older ages: Differential effects of informal social activities on well-being in middle-aged and older adults. The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 69, 366–375. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbt029 [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] Pavot W. Diener E. (1993). Review of the satisfaction with life scale. Psychological Assessment, 5, 164–172. doi:10.10371040-3590.5.2.164.[Google Scholar], [Crossref], [WorldCat] Robert-Hughes, R. (2011). In W. Fox & A. Scott- Marshall (Eds.), The case for space: The size of England's new homes. RIBA. Rowe J. W. Kahn R. L. (1997). Successful aging. The Gerontologist, 37, 433–440 10.1093/geront/37.4.433.[Google Scholar], [CrossrefPubMed], [WorldCat] ### The Importance of Senior Communities & Mental Wellbeing As we age, it’s important to keep an active social life. Solid senior communities can mean a great boost in mental wellbeing as we foster connections, learn new skills, and find new or exciting things to do with our days in retirement. There are so many reasons to invest in your mental wellbeing as you age, with one of the most important reasons being the joy other humans can bring! Let’s take a look at why having a strong and stable community of friends and family as we get older is important not only for our mental health but our physical health and longevity too. Senior Communities Combat Isolation & Loneliness Humans are social creatures, we love to talk, play, and just be around others. Studies show that the greater social capital (loosely translated to the number of friends) one has, or the level of social activity directly impacts our mental wellbeing. So, the better the quality of our friendships, the better our mental state! A solid senior community is so important in keeping up the human connections that might drop off as we enter retirement age. Our kids might have moved away, or are busy living their own lives, and the friends we used to have might have dispersed into their own retirement enclaves. This loosening of our friendship circles can spiral into loneliness if we don’t actively seek out new people and friends. After the years we’ve had, isolation is a major problem and factor in loneliness. That’s why independent senior living communities can help. They’re an in-built group of like-minded people who have individual lives but are also surrounded by supportive people at the same stage of life, most likely looking for the same type of new friendships and communities! Socialising Can Keep Up Physical & Mental Fitness Socialising is an important part of maintaining the brain’s elasticity and plasticity to adapt to new things and situations. As we interact with new people, we come across different perspectives and life experiences than our own. This helps to keep our brains learning, and our eyes open to different ways of interpreting the world, making sure to keep life interesting! Sometimes these new takes on life can be found in picking up new physical skills such as sports, or even playing new games! Most of the time there’s a great community around sports and social clubs, which is an even bigger bonus in our eyes! Join a Sports Club Communities don’t just have to be great for our social fitness, they can help with our physical fitness too! Join a tennis club or try the local bowling green. These are sports that will not only let your body get some well-needed movement, but they’ll also let you chat and socialise at the same time. Given physical fitness is a cornerstone of good mental well-being, we don’t see a downside at all! Just make sure you pick a sport you enjoy and get out there! Get Involved in a Volunteer Mission Volunteering is a great way to socialise. We get to do good for the community and become part of a community ourselves. Do good and feel better for doing so, as you make a difference in people’s lives, whether it’s operating a fundraising bake sale or manning the desk at the local op shop! Wellbeing Lies in Emotional Support Humans need the emotional support that friends and family can give us, especially as we age. Retirement is a fun, free and exciting time of our lives, but it brings with it a wealth of changes that can affect us in ways we don’t expect. Cultivate a senior community that cares for you and can be a crutch to lean on should you need to. It doesn’t have to be physical, try to FaceTime a friend once a week, or play a game of Words with Friends with a daughter or grandchild. The smallest connections can make a big difference! Create a New Sense of Purpose Through People People help us to create a sense of purpose in our everyday lives. How many times have we considered lying about at home all day, only to remember we promised a coffee-catch up with our friends at noon? Having a good group of friends gives us the motivation to plan, do fun things and live our lives in ways that may have become less important since we finished up work. So, plan that game of bowls, play a game of bingo on a Tuesday night, or join the local op shop rounds! Settle into a Great Senior Community at Settler’s Lifestyle Village Settler’s Lifestyle is an Albany retirement village that has a beautiful community of seniors living their lives to the full in retirement. With a range of senior apartments to suit your lifestyle, it’s independent senior living to suit you. It doesn’t stop at lovely accommodation either, Settler’s has beautifully kept grounds for bowls, croquet and more, as well as great communal areas for games nights and more! Get in touch with the team at Settler’s Lifestyle Village today to see how we can help you ease into retirement happy, healthy, and connected! ### Intergenerational Friendships - Why Pals Shouldn’t Have an Age Limit Friends are an important part of our every day, especially as we get older. Without work to keep us busy, our time should be filled with people whose company we genuinely enjoy, and who bring out the best in us. Our buddies don’t have to be bound by age. Intergenerational friendships can be some of the most rewarding relationships of all! While independent senior living villages are great, it can mean we get stuck in our community of hive minds. Younger friends give us a chance to learn new things & impart our wisdom. Plus, they most likely have a little more energy to spare, so perhaps we can soak in a little of their joie de vivre! Let’s look at some of the benefits of breaching the intergenerational divide, and how to do it in the first place! The Benefits of Intergenerational Friendships Before you turn your nose up at the thought of young hooligans crashing your sophisticated friend circles, let’s look at some of the good things that friendships across the ages can bring. Trust us, there are plenty of reasons to befriend a younger person. Plus, we’re not just talking about becoming besties with a teenager (Google it), just a decade or two counts! Learn Fun New Things! One of the best things about having younger friends is that they’re generally in-the-know with all the new-fangled technology and trends. If we want to keep on top of the latest gadgets and apps but are slightly intimidated, enlisting a younger friend might just make these things more accessible. Younger people have grown up with the digital world at their fingertips, so it makes sense that things come a little easier to them. Propose a skills swap, perhaps we can pass on a trick of our own in exchange for their tech help. These intergenerational friendships can create knowledge circles, so skills keep circulating! Keep on Top of the World’s Happenings It can be hard to keep on top of the world—the internet and digital dominance mean everything moves at such a pace! No worries, simply get your young friends to keep you to date. With friends either older or younger than you, it’s likely they are affected by different happenings in the world. Friends from different backgrounds also mean you can gain new perspectives about things, places, and people that we may not have been exposed to before. It certainly helps to keep the world interesting and might just open our brains to some new pathways to help us navigate through new stages of life! You Can Pass On Your Own Wisdom For all the learnings younger people can teach us, we can teach them just as much. Even if the age gap is minimal, we’ve probably gone through a similar stage in our own lives. Through our own experiences, we can advise them in their journey through certain issues, from relationships to life changes. One of the benefits of being older is we sit more comfortably within ourselves and our knowledge of life. It can be a great help to younger generations when they hear a little kind-hearted advice. Who knows, our wisdom may give them the confidence to live their lives with a little more know-how and pizazz! Gain Confidence Without the Competition Speaking of pizazz, we can become bolder ourselves with the help of our spritelier friends. When we learn new things, it can instil a little more joie de vivre, and a hunger for life! We’re never too old to learn new things and get a special sparkle in our steps. Broach the intergenerational divide, learn new skills, and gain the confidence to operate in many social circles, not just the bingo once a week (although we don’t knock a bit of bingo!). How to Broach the Intergenerational Divide & Make Friends So, we might have convinced you that intergenerational friendships can be a great thing, but how exactly do you cross that intergenerational line? Here are some tips. Join a Local Bowls, Rackets or Golf Club! Do you know what a truly intergenerational pass time is? Sports! Although our high-intensity, high-impact rugby, footie, or netball days might be behind us, golf was literally made for a life of leisure and attracts people of all ages. Take a stroll around your local green, ask if a group in front of you need an extra man, or propose a game of Ambrose to get a conversation started. If golf isn’t your game, join the local bowls club, or the tennis team! It’s a surefire way to meet people from many age groups. A bonus is that these sports are often a weekly occurrence, so you have a guaranteed social event to look forward to. Volunteer at Your Local Charity or Mentor Program Retirement means we might not have the opportunity to make new friends at work, but volunteer work always brings together an eclectic bunch! Volunteer work is a great thing to do for the community and is a great way to meet people younger than you, who have the same kind of mindset and care about the same things. Another option is to join a mentorship program, where we can use our work experience and knowledge to help guide a younger person’s career path. Often mentor/mentoree relationships can create strong bonds, especially as we see them progress. It’s a great way you can pass on your knowledge and feel a sense of fulfilment in helping others. Find New Friends at Settlers Lifestyle Village The best place to find friends across a range of ages is at retirement villages, which can house a number of generations all in one friendly community! Settlers Lifestyle Village boasts apartments for all walks of life, and our independent or assisted living options means both older and younger seniors can live their lives to the full in one place. Get in touch with the team at Settlers Lifestyle Village in Albany to talk through your options. It’s a great place to build a life full of new friends, and new fun! ### The Benefits of Puzzles & Brain Games for Seniors As we get older, the mental benefits of puzzles and brain-boosting games become even more important for maintaining mental strength and health. While solving sudoku or completing a crossword might seem trivial, regularly exercising the brain is just as important as exercising the body. It can make a big difference in our everyday well-being. Jigsaws, chess, checkers, and a cheeky game of dominoes aren’t just fun, they help us socialise, keep quick and keep fit, strong, and ready for a roaring retirement. As a lifestyle retirement village that prioritises senior well-being, we know a thing or two about the benefits of brain games! Let’s delve into some of the benefits of mind maintenance through stimulating games. The Benefits of Puzzles and Brain Games in Later Life No matter what stage of life we’re in, there are very few downsides to puzzles and playtime for the brain. But as we age, the mind needs a little more love to keep on top of everything, especially as the world around us evolves. Puzzle & Mental Games Improve Brain Elasticity Brain elasticity sounds complicated, but it really just refers to how much new information the brain can take in, and keep in. Mind games are a great way to improve the elasticity of our brains. They can help us stretch our depth of knowledge by forcing the brain to think and work, which requires more blood for the brain. More blood flowing into our brain means cells are flushed and invigorated, which allows cells to live longer or be replenished by new cells forming. These new or reinvigorated cells mean our brains can process problems faster and come up with more or increasingly creative solutions. It also means we can store more knowledge. So next time Trivial Pursuit is on the cards, we know who’s first in line! Help to Reduce Anxiety & Depression One of the major benefits of puzzles for seniors is their help in alleviating anxiety and depression. Depression shouldn’t be given in later life, and brain games are a great way to fortify the mind and actively improve our mental well-being. Not only do mind games give us a fun activity to pass the time with, but they also help us feel a sense of accomplishment. The feeling of completing a word search or finally finishing that niggly crossword puzzle provides the pleasure of achievement. Add to this the social nature of board games (such as chess and checkers), which helps us curb the loneliness one can sometimes encounter in later life. Improve Our Motor Skills for Physical Benefits Brain games and puzzle benefits aren’t only for the mind, they’re for the body too. It sounds simple, but the effort it takes to pick up a pen to write or draw can become greater as we age. Writing, drawing, and Jigsaw puzzles help us keep our hands engaged with our minds. The mind-body connection needs to be practised to be maintained, so games involving our hands are fantastic for our mental and physical health! Help to Jog Our Memories As we said earlier, puzzles help to keep our brains engaged and ready, and they also help us retain information. The more a brain works, the stronger it becomes. With this brain strength comes the ability to hold information, and create memories not so easily forgotten. Best Puzzles & Brain Games for Mental Health If we’ve convinced you of the benefits of puzzle and brain games but you’re not quite sure where to start, no worries! Here are a few ideas to kickstart your puzzle party. Sudoku Solving If you’re more of a number nerd than a wordsmith, sudoku is the game for you. You only have to deal in single digits, but don’t let that fool you, even the best can be bamboozled by this deceptively simple square. Complete a Crossword One of the best ways to keep the brain engaged is through a crossword. Revitalise your vocab by finding your local paper’s daily word puzzle, you’ll be a walking dictionary in no time! Card Games Gin rummy, snap, solitaire, or even a cheeky game of poker is a great way to get the brain working. Not only is it a good mental stretch, but cards also improve your dexterity by picking up, putting down, and even holding a hand! We love a game that ticks all the boxes. A Good Old-fashioned (Or New) Board Game! If your social game is suffering, get the whole retirement village involved with a night of board games! Dig up a Scrabble set, unearth the Monopoly board and dust off your dominoes for a friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition! There’s also a huge range of creative new games to try out, such as Dixit (for art lovers), and Citadels (if you’re up for a city-building adventure with a bit of deception and role-play in the mix!). Get to the Top of Your Game at Settlers Lifestyle Village Retirement doesn’t have to be dull, it can be the most exciting and invigorating time of life! Puzzles and mental games are a great way to keep our brains engaged and ready for everything life throws at us. At Settlers Lifestyle Village, our retirement apartments on Auckland’s North Shore offer a great spot to host game nights or find your next friend to compare crossword notes. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you find your perfect place for retirement. ### Healthy Diets for Seniors With Diabetes To remain healthy is to remain happy, but as we age it can be more challenging to keep our health up and enjoy independent senior living to the fullest. One of the challenges some older adults may have to manage is diabetes. Elderly diabetes isn’t uncommon, with around 16% of people over 65 living with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. For seniors with diabetes, it’s a good idea to start diabetes management with our diet, given that diabetes revolves around the food we eat and when we eat it. Planning a healthy diet that manages Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can be tricky. But it doesn’t have to be too complicated. Let’s look at how seniors with diabetes may be affected and suggest some easy diet tips to make food fun again! How Can Diabetes Affect Our Health? Diabetes revolves around insulin or a lack thereof! Whether Type 1 or Type 2, the pancreas stops being able to produce the insulin it needs to regulate blood glucose (commonly known as blood sugar) levels in the body. Essentially, our pancreas becomes more style than substance! Here are some health conditions to look out for if we are senior adults or older person living with diabetes. Increased Falls & Chance of Injury Diabetes can affect our eyesight, and if we have hypoglycaemic episodes, there are more chances of passing out or losing our balance, resulting in falls. Falls are never good, but for an elderly person, a fall can have longer-lasting consequences as their body can take longer to recover. Medication Conflicts There are many available medications to manage diabetes, and some of these will conflict with other medicines you can take. Type 1 relies on insulin replacements, whereas Type 2 diabetics can often get away with tablets to regulate their blood sugars, such as metformin. A great idea is to talk to your doctors or professionals at your independent senior retirement village to learn about what to take, and what not to take! Higher Chances of Medical Complications Diabetes can affect all parts of our bodies, from our kidneys to our eyes, our feet to our thyroid. If we do have medical complications from diabetes, it can mean it’s harder to move our bodies and keep a healthy fitness regime. However, these are often preventable if we get on top of our conditions quickly, and food is a massive part of this. So let’s look at some healthy diet tips! Dietary Tips to Manage Diabetes as We Age Pay Attention to Portion Size A healthy diet starts with a balanced diet. We should pay attention to the portion size of each element on our plates. Try filling half the plate with non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli or green beans, a quarter with good quality lean protein such as fish, tofu or eggs, and the remaining quarter with deliciously starchy vegetables such as kumara. Be Aware of What We’re Drinking Having diabetes doesn’t mean we have to convert to teetotalers, but paying attention to the alcohol we consume is a good idea (even if we’re not diabetic!). When we drink alcohol, our liver doesn’t send the right signals to our pancreas to send out insulin. If we drink too much at a time, our blood sugars can spike and then drop suddenly, leading to hypos (hypoglycaemia) or feeling unwell. Be Carbohydrate-Focussed! Carbohydrates often get a bad rap in the realm of diets and pseudo ‘healthy eating’. But they are important, we just need to take note of the types of carbs we consume. On the whole, slow-releasing, high-fibre options such as wholemeal bread, brown rice or pumpkin are the best! Fun Food Ideas for Diabetes-Friendly Eating Have Fun With Frozen Fruit Fresh fruit is delicious, but frozen fruit is the next level! Not only can frozen fruit last forever, but you can make some delicious treats with them too. Experiment with your favourite fruity treat by making delicious smoothies or even making diabetes-friendly banana nice cream. Eat Delicious Fish for Healthy Omegas Fish is a great option for a diabetic diet. It’s heavy in omega-3 fatty acids and protein to keep our hearts, hair, and eyes healthy. Try a delicious baked salmon, or keep it simple with a tuna and chickpea salad. Delicious! Snacks Are Important for Our Health! The best thing about diabetes is the snacks. Eating regularly throughout the day helps to keep our blood sugars stable, so having delectable snacks lying around is a good idea. Try some peanut butter on crackers, popcorn, a juicy peach, or go all out with Greek yoghurt, berries, and a dash of vanilla for a touch of gourmet three-thirty-itis! Feel Cared for Yet Independent With Settlers Village Diabetes in older adults is serious, but it is also manageable. At Settlers Lifestyle Villages in Auckland, we help you live your life with the assurance of professional help whenever you need it. It’s independent senior living at its best, with 24-hour medical service, and facilities to keep you fit and functional, all while enjoying your own space in an apartment to suit you! Get in touch with us today to talk about how Settlers Lifestyle Village could be a great option for you. ### Celebrating Easter with Family This Year Easter is a holiday for fun and family, no matter our age! Although we usually associate Easter with all things chocolate (and although we love it), the holiday doesn’t have to be entirely sugar rushes and pastels. Easter eggs remain on the agenda but having a little fun celebrating Easter means we can create new traditions for new stages in our lives, or just break free from the usual and branch out a little. Even if we’re not with family this Easter, we can still celebrate with loved ones; it might even let us get a little more creative! If you want to know how to celebrate Easter in style this year, never fear! Here, we suggest five glorious ways to celebrate the holiday with ease. Hunt for Treasure Treats For a little twist on the traditional, why not take the annual Easter egg hunt up a notch by including clues, maps, and games? Instead of setting the kids loose in the garden, which can be difficult in senior apartment living, draw up a simple treasure map or some easy riddles leading to their chocolate booty! It doesn’t have to be complicated; a simple ‘x marks the spot’ will do but feel free to get creative with bunny-shaped notepaper, singed edges, and tea-stained maps. A treasure hunt doesn’t just have to be grandchild exclusive. Why not hide a few mini bottles of bubbles, some delicious dark chocolates, or coffee vouchers around for friends to find? Embrace your silly side and celebrate. Try Some Delicious Easter Baking Easter isn’t Easter without delicious food, so giving some Easter baking a go can be a great way to get the grandkids involved. We love to pass down our recipes for hot cross buns and get creative with carrot cakes featuring delicious cream cheese icing and hidden veggies, but there are so many other bakes you can easily give a go. Resurrection Buns, or ‘Empty Tomb Rolls’, are a delicious and easy way to incorporate storytime into the kitchen. Each ingredient in these scrummy buns ties back to the traditional Easter story. Get the Grandkids in the kitchen, hand them a wooden spoon, and make celebrating Easter delicious and educational! There are so many easy recipes for Easter baking treats online, including recipes to cater for all kinds of dietary requirements. So, get that apron on and get baking! Create Easter-themed Crafts Get crafty ideas on how to celebrate Easter, from dying your eggs to growing your Easter tree. It’s a time-old favourite to decorate eggs and place them around the house. Put your painting skills to the test with this fun activity the grandkids will love. All you need are some hard-boiled or ‘blown-out’ eggs, food colouring, and baking soda to create some jazzy eggs that’ll occupy children and adults alike on Easter weekend. Creating an Easter tree can also be a fun activity for the family. Use your decorated eggs, attach some ribbon, and hang them from a sturdy indoor plant to make a fun and festive piece of art. Host an Easter Brunch Party If you’ve got kids that are a little too grown-up for crafts and Easter egg hunts, why not host a brunch to celebrate Easter? Invite family and friends around to enjoy a meal centred around all things Easter. Think hot chocolate and carrot cake or go savoury with a deliciously eggy quiche and a frittata that’ll please almost everyone. A little morning cocktail wouldn’t go amiss for the more celebratory crowd. Try a chocolate espresso martini to kick off the Easter weekend! It’ll be a true welcome back for those who participate in Lent! Get crafty ideas on how to celebrate Easter, from dying your eggs to growing your Easter tree. It’s a time-old favourite to decorate eggs and place them around the house. Put your painting skills to the test with this fun activity the grandkids will love. All you need are some hard-boiled or ‘blown-out’ eggs, food colouring, and baking soda to create some jazzy eggs that’ll occupy children and adults alike on Easter weekend. Creating an Easter tree can also be a fun activity for the family. Use your decorated eggs, attach some ribbon, and hang them from a sturdy indoor plant to make a fun and festive piece of art. Host an Easter Brunch Party If you’ve got kids that are a little too grown-up for crafts and Easter egg hunts, why not host a brunch to celebrate Easter? Invite family and friends around to enjoy a meal centred around all things Easter. Think hot chocolate and carrot cake or go savoury with a deliciously eggy quiche and a frittata that’ll please almost everyone. A little morning cocktail wouldn’t go amiss for the more celebratory crowd. Try a chocolate espresso martini to kick off the Easter weekend! It’ll be a true welcome back for those who participate in Lent! Virtually Celebrate with an Online Quiz! When the family is overseas, overland, or just that little bit too far to reach in person, the internet can provide us with some great ideas to celebrate Easter from afar. A Zoom call makes it easy to connect with our loved ones, and we can even make it more fun by hosting online games evenings. Scramble together an Easter-themed quiz or DIY Bingo cards to get the family together with some old-fashioned fun in new-fangled ways. Celebrating Easter doesn’t have to be lonely, even if we are in independent senior living, we can use the tools around us to connect with family to truly celebrate the meaning of Easter. Celebrate Easter in Your New Retirement Village There are so many new ways to celebrate Easter that it’s hard to choose just one! Even if you’re not around family this year, Settler’s Lifestyle Village is a North Shore retirement village where you can make friends that seem like family to celebrate your Easter holiday with! We have a range of retirement apartments in Auckland to suit your lifestyle, whether you’re looking for a 1-bedroom or a larger 3-bedroom place to give the grandkids more places to find those hidden treasures! With a friendly atmosphere and amazing community, get in touch with Settler’s Lifestyle Village today and celebrate your retirement. ### Simple Tips to Prevent Falling at Home As we get older, staying up and active on our own two feet can be a feat in itself, especially for independent seniors living at home. There are several ways we can make sure our homes are as safe as possible, so we can get moving and stay on top of our busy lives without fear of falling. While many retirement homes in Auckland offer help around the house, it pays to know how you can trip-proof your home, so you don’t have to suffer falls, only the occasional fool! Here are some simple tips to prevent falling at home. Remove Any Tripping Hazards Let’s start with a simple tip to prevent falling at home: scour your home for any potential obstacles or hazards. Look out for the electrical cords snaking around the sitting room, move the magazine rack and rig the rugs with adhesive tape so they stay snugly on the floor without any pesky slipping or sliding. Once the major hazards are out of the way, pay attention to the little things. Are there any spills or potentially slippery areas to be aware of? We should aim for a full home audit to ensure our house is hazard-free. Plus, it gives us a chance to do a little spring cleanup of any clutter! Get Grab-bars and Handrails Installed Speaking of slips, another top tip to prevent falling in the home is installing grab bars or handrails around high-slip areas. The bathroom is a great place to start. Installing a handrail next to the toilet or a grab bar in the shower gives us some security and confidence as we navigate our living spaces. Shower seats are also great options for those wanting security around water or slippery high-hazard areas. For a little extra security, try non-slip mats around any wet spaces or even the tiles in the kitchen! Light Up Your Life (and Your Home) It may sound like a simple tip but bringing in some extra lighting is an effective way to prevent falls or knocking into things. Our lifestyle retirement homes are great because they already have quality lighting solutions to suit senior needs. But if your home needs a little extra brightness, it's a worthwhile investment! As we get older, so do our eyes, and no matter how many carrots we’ve eaten in our lives, it may not be as easy to see the little things anymore. A well-lit home means we can confidently move around with ease. For example, putting sensor lights in the hallway that light up only when you walk by will keep you safe and save power. Wear Shoes to Sure Your Footing Non-slip soles are a great way to sure up your footing and have you treading confidently around your abode. Ensuring our shoes fit correctly is also key. Your feet should be snug and secure, without any slip-sliding around. Laces are another hidden hazard that can be removed to prevent unnecessary trips around the house. Velcro shoes are a great option to secure your feet, and even save time tying! It’s a win/win situation. Stay Mobile and Keep Moving! One of the best simple tips to prevent falling in the home is just to stay mobile and keep moving! Being active keeps our bodies strong and healthy, meaning we’re less likely to slip in the first place. Regular walking and some light resistance training will increase our bone density, increase the calcium in our bones, and keep our brains alert to watch out for any potential hazards. If we do have a surprise fall, stronger bones and muscles recover quicker and injuries tend to be less severe. So, pick up a racket, go for a walk or even a light cycle - it’ll get you outside and keep you safer inside too. Keep on Your Feet in Lifestyle Retirement Be confident on your feet with these simple tips to prevent falls around the home. Settlers Village offers independent senior living accommodation which means you can feel safe with 24/7 medical support and maximised independence. Settlers Village is a retirement home in Auckland with a lovely community atmosphere, that allows you to keep your lifestyle without compromising on safety and health. Settler’s Village has a range of apartments to suit your living situation, get in touch with the team for a tour, or more information on what’s on offer. ### When to Move into a Retirement Home Choosing when to move into a retirement home may seem daunting, but it can be an exciting time of change, setting us up for a fun and life-loving entry to our retirement years. So, when is a good time to move into a retirement home? Well, it all depends on you—your needs, wants, and circumstances. There’s also a range of options when it comes to housing. Lifestyle Retirement Villages has a range of apartments, from one or two-bedroom senior apartments to three-bedrooms should you want more room. Continue reading to spot the signs that you’re ready to move into a retirement home. When You Want to Downsize That 4-bedroom place with the big backyard was great while the kids were running amuck, but it can be a little overwhelming when they’ve flown the coop. Instead of drifting around a big house, downsizing is a great option. Instead of dealing with the hustle of the real estate market, Lifestyle Retirement Villages makes it easy. Lifestyle villages also simplify safety and security. Access to medical care, such as emergency call buttons, is a great feature as we get older or live alone. Many villages have a great range of housing available, including two-bedroom apartments or houses with room for the grandkids to stay as long as they (or you) want! When You’re Feeling Lonely Retirement can be a lonely time in your life, but it doesn’t have to be! When we go through different stages of life relationships can wane, leaving us vulnerable to loneliness. If we are feeling alone, it can be hard to know where to turn to get ourselves out of a rut. Retirement villages mean friends are on our doorstep, quite literally. Many lifestyle retirement villages offer amazing community spaces built for all sorts of fun, such as arts, indoor sports, or exercise. If a party or a casual get-together are in order, welcome guests into private function areas so you don’t have to venture far to see loved ones. As we get older, it’s important to engage in social and physical activity, so not much is better than a game of croquet, swimming, or tennis. Retirement villages such as Settler’s Lifestyle Village help you keep the body healthy, and the brain fit by taking part in social sports and hobbies. When You Need Independence with Peace of Mind If you’re still physically active but you can sense you may start to need a little help for some of the more taxing chores, moving to a retirement village is a great option for you. After all, at this stage, we’ve all faced enough taxes! Maybe mowing the lawns or water blasting the house starts to seem daunting, or we’re just tired of the to-do list becoming ever longer. Spaces like lifestyle villages can take some of the stress off our plates. Services are just a phone call away. It means we can still lead independent lives through our hobbies and social lives, without having to worry about niggly to-dos we must often deal with when we live on our own. Don’t let a fear of losing your independence dictate when you move into a retirement home; you can have the best of both worlds! When Finances Are Causing You Stress Retirement isn’t all smooth sailing. For a lot of us, unexpected costs can mean a lot of unexpected stress. When money becomes a finite source, it can become a real bump in the road to enjoying what should be our golden years. Living in private homes means we’re responsible for any costs. From rising rates to that surprise plumbing emergency last week, it can all add up, bringing a heap of stress along with it. If we decide to move to a retirement home or lifestyle village, we can have greater control over our finances with costs being fixed, so we have a more stable financial future. Settler’s Lifestyle Villages can provide peace of mind in your piece of paradise Don’t give up the good life; they’re called the golden years for a reason! Settler’s Lifestyle Villages offer a range of apartments to suit you and your lifestyle, as well as all the amenities and services that come with fantastic retirement living. If you’re deciding when to move into a retirement home, why not come and visit us? Our happy and helpful team are just a phone call away from giving you a tour of our lovely facilities and talking you through your options. Get in touch with us today! ### Common Myths About Aging - Debunked! As we get older there are some things that get louder when things should be quietening down – this is especially true when it comes to common myths about aging edging into our expectations of the golden years. But these myths are just that – myths! Aging looks different for everyone, independent senior living comes in all shapes and sizes. While some of us might want to slow down, exercise can energise and repair our bodies. A new sport or activity should never become a long-lost dream. Speaking of dreams, we should be having just as much sleep as we’ve always done, it can help curb those senior moments that don’t always point to the brain-fogging we’ve been told to expect. We should be having fun as we enter elderhood, not waiting for tired old myths about aging to catch up with us. Let’s debunk a few of those pesky stories. Myth: We Can’t Learn New Skills When We Get Older We’ve all heard it – “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. While it’s offensive on many levels, it’s also just not true. Learning new skills or knowledge is never an ability that completely escapes us. Sure, it might take a little longer to get to grips with the nitty-gritty and really perfect the technique, but we humans are wily and never shy from learning something new. Evidence shows that learning new things at an older age can improve our brain function. New skills mean the brain must think in different ways, so we can become better problem solvers than we used to be—a little reverse-aging technique! So, pop into French class or pick up that ping pong paddle; you might get twenty years younger (or at least feel that way)! Myth: You Shouldn’t Exercise as Much Common myths about aging suggest we should let our bodies “slow down”, or even that exercise is detrimental to our health. This is not the case. Exercise is great at any age, and it can even help our bodies recover from chronic ailments. Osteoporosis is a common ailment in both men and women as we age, and gentle resistance or weight training helps strengthen our bones. Sciatica is a silent assassin, but gentle yoga or tai chi can be a welcome relief. Keeping moving is a great way to exercise the ideal senior independent living! Now, we’re not saying sign up for a multi-sport race or the Auckland marathon (although don’t let us stop you!), but keeping our bodies moving helps to prevent illness, and a healthy body is often the way to a healthy mind! Myth: Your Brain Won’t Be What It Used to Be Dementia and deteriorating mental health are often a concern for older people. To expect dementia is a harmful myth about aging, and we’re here to debunk it. Dementia is a serious condition that isn’t part of the normal aging process. Sure, a little wear and tear mean we might not be as quick on the cards, and forgetfulness is common, but that doesn’t mean dementia is imminent. As we’ve said before, if we keep our bodies and brains active, dementia is less likely to loom, and we can keep bright, lively minds that serve us through our golden years. Myth: We Need Less Sleep When We Get Older Here’s a common myth about aging that needs to be put to bed. As we age, we don’t suddenly become early-morning starlings or late-night owls only needing five hours of shut-eye. As we age, we still need to ensure we’re getting 7-9 hours of sleep. However, getting older means our circadian rhythm, which follows the days’ patterns, becomes fragmented. This means that though getting to or staying asleep may be harder, naps are more important. So, bring a little European getaway into your North Shore retirement apartment. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a luxurious siesta? Age however you wish, with grace or with vigour! While some people find it easy to give in to the many myths about aging, we can carve our own path through elderhood. While some are content with slowing down, we needn’t be hemmed in by common aging myths. Our later years are an opportunity to do different things or seek different ways of doing and being. Albany’s Settlers retirement apartments on the North Shore offer independent senior living so you can control how you live. You don’t have to conform to the adage of vintage retirement homes; have your own space to move your way. Get in touch with Settlers Albany today to see the range of apartments on offer to suit your elderhood lifestyle. ### Cultivating Resilience to Overcome Setbacks The concept of resilience in older adults comes from later life experiences. It demonstrates that despite the changes, physical declines, and losses we may experience in life, cultivating resilience can help seniors feel more happy, healthy, content, and more capable of overcoming setbacks. Let's discuss why it’s important to develop resilience and how it can help you deal with what life throws at you. The importance of resilience in senior life Resilience is your ability to successfully adapt to adversity, cope with change, recover from crises, and emerge from these experiences as a better person. You can develop resilience through dealing with a multitude of problems. Sometimes it may manifest when going through a physical and mental recovery from a stressful or traumatic event. Whether it be losing a loved one, caregiving for your partners, or acquiring a disability, seniors who show resiliency have an increased ability to overcome setbacks and thrive in a world of change. How to cultivate resilience in older adults Even if you’re not ordinarily resilient, there are some strategies to becoming so. Here are some of the ways you can develop resiliency: Focus on the positive It’s important to adopt a positive attitude to become resilient. Resilient people consider adversities in life as challenges to overcome, not paralysing events. Maintaining a positive attitude despite hardships can create opportunities for growth and help you develop effective coping styles when dealing with life problems. Maintain perspective Resilient people demonstrate level-headedness. They know that some situations may be overwhelming to experience, but understand that these events shouldn’t make a long-term impact on their self-worth. When you gain the ability to handle your problems and are flexible enough to adapt to the changes that come with them, you’ll more likely demonstrate characteristics that lead to resilience. Set goals Whether you’re living with family or practising independent senior living, you should set personal goals even when you’re at a later stage in life. Setting personal goals can give you a sense of purpose. Involving yourself in activities and accomplishing them can give your life meaning and enable you to have a positive outlook on the future. Connect with others Making a conscious effort to engage with family, and friends, or join close-knit communities allows you to make personal connections that build individual strengths and competencies. When you connect with others, you learn more about yourself, your potential, and your gifts. It also provides you with resources to adapt to adversity, increase your self-efficacy, and persevere in the face of hardships. Make the changes you deserve Now that we know that resilience yields happier and healthier older adults, it’s crucial to find ways to cultivate it. Although easier said than done, incorporating behaviours that lead to resiliency in your daily life can help. Whether through personal connections or engaging in meaningful activities that give you a sense of purpose, you can develop a resilient mindset and attitude, one day at a time. Join the close-knit community at Settlers Lifestyle Village Join the Settlers Community and live the life you’ve always imagined. Settlers Albany is one of the finest lifestyle retirement villages in Auckland. It's a place where you can meet new people, do the things that you love, and gain access to the support services you need! Learn more about life at Settlers today! ### How to Reflect & Take Time to Reset for the New Year Congrats on surviving a new year! Surely, we can all agree that the past year has been a whirlwind for many of us. From quarantines and lockdowns to virtual meetings and stricter health protocols, our everyday lives have undergone massive changes. It’s safe to say there’s a lot to be thankful for now that we have another year to appreciate life and learn its important lessons. If you’re reading this, now is the perfect time to learn how to reflect and take time to reset for the new year. Here’s how! Ponder on what you’ve learned It’s easy to shove to the side the things you’ve learned this past year. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our day-to-day that we don’t stop to look back on what we’ve truly learned. But it’s important to take time to pause, breathe, and look back on the lessons you’ve learned that made you stronger and wiser. We recommend writing them down so that you can concretely see your progress. It’s a great way to boost your self-confidence and motivate yourself to overcome whatever comes your way. List what you’re grateful for A great way to start the year is with an open and grateful heart. The mere fact that you’re reading this is already something to be thankful for! Being grateful puts things into perspective and highlights all the small, underrated blessings that came your way. Start keeping a gratitude journal and list down even the smallest things you're thankful for. Whether that’s your yummy breakfast or simply being in the presence of family, gratitude will make you feel more positive, happy, and hopeful. Pen a letter to yourself It’s normal for our minds to become clouded with anxious thoughts. Living through the pandemic has been no easy feat for anyone. But you don’t have to stay in that state of mind forever. If you feel like you’ve somehow lost a sense of identity, why not sit down and have a conversation with yourself? Writing it down can be a cathartic way to release negative emotions, organise thoughts, and plan actions. Sometimes, you just need to let your thoughts out and have a little positive self-talk. Set goals for the new year After reflecting on the past year, it’s time to create new goals for the year ahead. Don’t overwhelm yourself with big goals. You can start with small ones that are important to you and your growth. Short-term goals give you greater focus and allow you to see measurable progress, which can help build self-confidence. Envision a positive future Visualisations are a powerful tool to attract a future you desire. Plus, it’s really easy to do. Envision your future and believe it’s real. Practise guided visualisation exercises and be specific with them. Where are you? Are you in a beautiful Albany retirement village? What are you doing? Are you playing tennis? Or reading a good book? How do you feel? Do you feel calm and content? Let your imagination flow, and watch your coming days unfold! Make your visions come true and move to Settlers! If you envision a stress-free life doing what you love while prioritising your health and wellness, Settlers Lifestyle Village is the perfect place for you. With one of the best retirement apartments in Auckland, our village provides you with nothing but luxury accommodation and a wide array of activities for you to enjoy. Spend the new year living your best life. Book a tour today! ### Helpful Home Safety Tips for Your Elderly Loved Ones Understandably, nearly 90% of homeowners approaching retirement want to stay in their homes as they age, so to keep your loved ones safe as they age it’s best to start preparing before they experience a life-changing event. Families should incorporate home safety tips and follow a home safety checklist to lessen the risk of falls and injuries and ensure independence while aging at home. These steps, combined with some home care services, can help our seniors age in place longer. We discuss home safety tips for the elderly to make you’re safe at home and highlight the benefits of our accommodation for seniors in Albany. Preventing Falls Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors. If your loved one has difficulty with walking or balance or has fallen in the past year, maybe talk to your healthcare provider about a fall risk assessment. You could also ask them if your parent or grandparent would benefit from an exercise programme to prevent falls. If they have fallen before, or are scared of falling, think about buying a special alarm that they can wear as a bracelet or necklace, such as a St John medical alarm. This is the only alarm that connects directly to St John. The new mobile pendant features a hands-free speaker and built-in GPS technology, pinpointing your location at the press of a button. This is one of the best things you can do to ensure home safety for the elderly. Safety Proof the Home Use rails when going up and downstairs Tape all area rugs to the floor so they don’t move when walked on Put rubber mats in the bathtub to prevent slipping Install grab bars in the shower and toilet If your parent or grandparent struggles to get into and out of the tub or on and off the toilet, ask your provider to help you find a tub chair or raised toilet seat. In the kitchen, fires are the most critical kitchen-related safety risk. To prevent fires, install automatic shut-off devices in the kitchen for stoves, hot plates, toasters, pressure cookers, and coffee makers. You should also purchase a fire extinguisher and check the smoke detectors. Also, to create a safe cooking space, your parent needs to see everything they’re doing, which requires bright lighting. A Working Phone for Your Aging Loved Ones As our parents grow older, keeping in touch becomes even more important. Set them up with a cell phone that offers a ‘call display’ feature, so they can immediately recognise an incoming call. The elderly can’t always remember emergency information, so make it easy for your loved one to call for help by posting a note in large letters on the back of their cell phone. A Retirement Home Gives Safety & Security For those looking for more safety and security, our Albany Retirement Village is a private assisted-living facility and aged-care hospital, with exceptional standards and a high level of care. If you reach a stage where your parent needs extra day-to-day help, we’re here to assist you. For peace of mind and well-being, registered nurses are on-site at Settlers 24/7, with preferential access to private hospital care at Fairview Care as part of the Premier Lifestyle Villages group. ### How to Deal with Loneliness at Christmas With the end of 2021 drawing near, the summer and Christmas holidays are close at hand! However, while the holidays are a time to be merry, for people living alone, especially the elderly in independent senior living situations, this time can make them more vulnerable to feelings of loneliness. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Knowing how to deal with loneliness at Christmas can be hard—but there are plenty of things you can do to help yourself feel better and even enjoy the holidays, no matter if they meet your expectations or not. Read on to discover four effective strategies you can use to beat the blues and appreciate your time this Christmas! 1. Be Good to Yourself When we feel lonely, it can be too easy to start thinking negatively about ourselves. These negative thoughts can be like dominoes, leading from one to the next if we don’t stop them! Taking the time to treat yourself with kindness and compassion and do things that boost your self-esteem can help lift your spirits and take the focus away from feeling lonely. Practising self-care, gratitude, and self-compassion is especially important during the holidays. Here are a few ways you can treat yourself nicely and make the holidays a memorable experience: Go for a stroll Take a relaxing bath Buy yourself something nice Read a good book Enjoy a hobby Learn something new Decorate for the season Watch a movie or TV series 2. Understand that You’re Not Alone While you may feel lonely during the holidays, these feelings won’t last forever, and you are not alone in feeling them. And remember that even if you’re not near your family and friends, those relationships are still in your life and just a phone call or video call away. When you do feel lonely, reach out to people you miss and talk to them. Chances are they’re missing you too. 3. Rethink your Holiday Expectations Rethinking your expectations of the holidays is another important thing to do. If you are feeling lonely, reminiscing over past Christmas times spent with family or friends and thinking about how things have changed will most likely not make you feel better. Avoiding the trap of expectations around ‘what things should be like’—according to tradition, advertisements, and social media—will make Christmas time and the holidays a lot more enjoyable. What you think the holidays should be and what they really are can be very different, especially if your life or living situation has changed compared to last year. People may have left your life and new people have come in—avoiding comparison with others and focusing on what is here and now is the best way to embrace the present. 4. Focus on the Present and Cultivate Gratitude Feelings of gratitude can be an effective antidote to loneliness and feeling a lack of love. By appreciating what you do have—from family, friends, and neighbours to pets, hobbies, and a comfortable home—you can steer your thoughts away from a negative frame of mind and focus on the things that you value and appreciate. Enjoy the holidays with the welcoming community at Settlers Thank you for reading, we hope you found some inspiration to make the most of the festive season ahead! At Settlers, our residents’ health and happiness are our top priority. If you’re looking for a warm and welcoming retirement village in Auckland, get in touch with us today. Our friendly team will answer any questions you may have and can book you in for a tour of the village on the next available date. ### Top 5 Perks of Being a Grandparent Being a grandparent brings so much joy into your life! You finally get to experience the great things being a grandparent has to offer, from watching your children become parents, to filling your home with the laughter of your grandkids, this stage of life brings with it fulfilling experiences and many satisfying firsts. Here are some of the other lovely things you can expect from being a grandparent! Growing family There will be a time in your life (probably when you're in a big family reunion) where you realize how much your family has grown. When you become a grandparent, you have the privilege to witness the expansion of your family, and it’s a fascinating time to see how your genes have been passed down through the generations. As a grandparent, you can stand back and watch your past, present, and the future unfold! Enjoying the company of grandkids The love you have for your grandkids is simply different compared to the love you have for your own kids. Parenting is tough! It's a balancing act between care, guidance, and discipline. With grandparenting, you get to shower your grandkids with unconditional love, without bearing the responsibilities designated to parents! Peace and quiet What was once a busy home is finally empty. While it may seem like a drastic change at first, you’ll slowly enjoy the peace that comes with having your home all to yourself. Now you can have more control over your space – with occasional messes from when your grandkids sleep over! But not to worry, Settlers have retirement apartments on the North Shore that allow you to have your personal space and still have grandkids to come over and visit! Financial freedom One of the best things about being a grandparent is you finally get to reap the rewards of your labour. Your retirement fund will likely bring you a much better financial situation, but aside from having money to spoil your grandkids, you also have the liberty to invest in a new home thanks to one of the premier lifestyle villages in Auckland. Less responsibilities While pre-retirement life overloads you with constant chores, tasks, and responsibilities, grandparenthood is all about having fun. At this stage, you have little to no chores, and there’s no need to run around to get your to-do lists done. All that is left is meaningful time spent with yourself and your grandkids! A new home to welcome a new stage of life As a grandparent who has gone through the many ups and downs of life, you deserve the best of everything retirement has to offer, including a luxurious home! At Settlers, you get to enjoy staying in a premium residence amidst tasteful nature with access to modern facilities such as a swimming pool, spa and gym, and more. Our village consists of two and three-bedroom townhouses and thoughtfully designed apartments where you can enjoy your best life as a grandparent. See what’s in store for you at Settlers Village, and book a tour today! ### 5 Tips to Move into Retirement with Ease It’s easy to feel a bit uncertain when thinking about retirement. You’re entering a new stage in life and experiencing a change in your routine and lifestyle, and perhaps a change in your living situation as well. While these changes can feel unsettling, it doesn’t have to be that way! In fact, with the right perspective, it’s easy to look forward to your retirement and the freedom that comes with it! Below, we cover five tips for retirement, so you can effectively manage the life changes that independent senior living can bring. Create a retirement routine Before retiring, you likely have a set routine. Get ready, eat breakfast, and answer some emails, before finally heading out to your day. Once you retire, a structured day is less likely, and you can easily feel lost when you don’t have a routine. If you thrive on a schedule, it’s good to create a new retirement routine that will help you plan out your days. You don’t have to be rigid with following your schedule but setting expectations for each day can help you feel better adjusted to your newfound freedom. Set goals Pre-retirement life is full of milestones – promoted at 25, married at 30, first baby at 35, and so on. We’re here to tell you that retirement is not the end of the line! You can still achieve milestones by setting goals. Achieving goals that you set for yourself, even if they are small, can give you a sense of purpose and help you redefine your identity. Maybe you want to start travelling to Asia, speak and learn a new language, start a fitness journey, or finally move into your dream 1 bedroom retirement flat. It’s important to set personal goals that make you feel like you can still conquer the world, no matter what age. Build relationships outside the office Once you retire, you’ll quickly learn that you’re more than just your 9-5. That’s why, as you approach the end of your career, it’s important to think about engaging yourself in activities outside the office. Volunteering is a great way to build relationships outside the workplace. Pursuing educational courses and other communal activities can also help enrich your life, helping build new relationships and grow your circle. Embrace change The more we accept that change is an inevitable part of life, the more we can come to terms with it and be resilient to the challenges that come our way. Kids grow up, you lose friends, physical challenges arise, and you can change homes. The best thing you can do is to adjust your perspective and change how you respond to the ebbs and flows of life. Seek social support There are many organisations for older adults that can help you transition smoothly into retirement. Being part of a community of people that are dealing with the same changes can help you feel less alone in your transition to retirement. Join the Settlers community! Embrace this new chapter of your life! Feel at ease as you move into your new home at Settlers Lifestyle Village! Enjoy lush surroundings while being part of a vibrant community. Located in leafy Albany, Auckland, Settlers offer one, two or three-bedroom apartments for seniors that provide the ultimate in carefree living. Ready to live your best retirement life? View our properties and contact us today! ### The Benefits of Charity & Volunteering in Retirement If you’re planning out your retirement in a senior apartment, then you may have given some thought to how you will spend your time with a re-focused lifestyle. While leisure and relaxation will be a top priority after your working life, spare some thought to charity or volunteering too; charity work and volunteering can provide several benefits to you, the community, and the world. Find out more below! Give Back to the Community One of the number one reasons why retirees will get involved in charity and volunteering is the drive to give back to the community. This can take the form of preparing food at food banks, cleaning up local parks, making donations to a locally run charity, and much more. When you give back to the community, it can create a connection with the people you live around, or can deepen your existing relationships. Whether it is just in the local vicinity of your Albany retirement village, or in the wider Auckland community, volunteering in retirement can be a great community-building endeavour. Make New Friends Volunteering in retirement can be an excellent way to make some new friends! It can often be difficult for a retiree to meet new people regularly, so getting involved in volunteering can put you in touch with a variety of new potential friends, young and old. There is a lot of comradery between volunteers, as like-minded people come together to achieve some good, and because loneliness can be a problem for some retirees, getting out and meeting new people can have major benefits for your mental health. Keep Yourself Active It’s not just your mental health that volunteering in retirement can benefit; it can also be a great way to get some exercise in. After retiring from work, people often find they are lacking the physical exercise they would have typically had from their day-to-day job or commute. Luckily there are many volunteering options that can keep your body moving, from practising your old trade for charitable works, to taking long walks door-to-door, fundraising for your chosen cause. Develop & Pass on Your Skills Throughout your life, you will have developed a lot of valuable life skills. It can be incredibly satisfying to pass these along to other people, especially the younger generations. Volunteering to teach, tutor, and mentor others can provide you with a way to pass on your skills for the good of other people. It's also never too late to pick up some new skills! Volunteering and charitable work can be the perfect vehicle for learning about new topics and picking up some new skills of your own. Build a Sense of Purpose One of the most important things to a retiree’s well-being is a sense of purpose. The purpose is the feeling that you are contributing to something greater than yourself and is an important part of feeling wanted and included. By giving to a charity that you believe in, or volunteering for a good cause, you can build your self-esteem, and motivate yourself to do bigger and better things. There are many different types of volunteer work, so it will likely be easy to find some work that will make you feel fulfilled and eager to get up in the morning. Plan Your Retirement Today Getting involved in volunteering is all part of a well-thought-out retirement plan. Settlers is an Albany retirement village with a balanced lifestyle and a range of senior apartments to choose from. We can help you craft your desired retired life; contact us today to find out more! ### How to Feel Youthful in Retirement Contrary to popular belief, youth is not only reserved for those in their early years—there are many ways you can feel young again in retirement too! When we retire, we gain more freedom, more choices, and more time for creativity and reflection. By thinking about our values and what retirement and independent senior living means to us, we can approach our finer years with energy, positivity, and excitement. Great ways to feel young again in retirement There are so many ways in which we can feel younger in retirement. If you don’t want to act your age—that’s a good thing! Below we reveal a list of strategies you can adopt to help you feel younger by the day. 1. Keep a routine Structuring our day and having a routine to follow is not only a great way of bringing healthy habits into our lives, but also one of the biggest daily motivators we can make for ourselves. Things to schedule include walking/exercise, eating, and sleeping—but there are plenty of other great additions that can be added. 2. Set realistic expectations for yourself Don’t set the alarm at 5 am every morning if you know you’re never going to adhere to getting up at that ghastly hour. To ensure that you are not dooming yourself to failure from the get-go, create an achievable routine for yourself. 3. Make exercise a regular occurrence While you don’t need to go to the gym, doing some form of exercise several times a week—be it walking, running, yoga, or golf—should be on your list of weekly priorities. Choose a form of exercise you enjoy and can fit in with your lifestyle. 4. Give yourself something to look forward to each week The feeling of anticipating something can be energising! Whether that’s going to an interesting event, spending time with family, planning a brunch out with friends, or something else entirely, filling up your week with fun things to look forward to is an excellent way to stay motivated and feel energetic. For those who find it difficult to stay up to date on events or plan their time well, keeping a journal or calendar of events is a useful habit to pick up! Whenever a new event you’re interested in comes along, put it in your journal! And alternatively, if you see too many white spaces in your calendar, you can seek out fun activities to fill up the week ahead of you. 5. Treat yourself What with a family, a full-time job, and other responsibilities taking priority in our adult life, much of our time and energy can end up being spent caring for others, while our own interests and well-being get put on the backburner. Retirement is the perfect opportunity to start putting yourself first again. Consider, what forms of self-care you like. What makes you feel good about yourself? Whether that is having regular beauty treatments, buying new clothes, or learning something new and attending interesting classes, come up with ways to treat yourself. 6. Maintain a positive attitude towards aging Managing our mindset is incredibly important and this is true for people of all ages. This is because maintaining a positive outlook on life increases our happiness, and happy people are more likely to search for the positives in life and seek out activities that make them feel happy. When we put our minds to something, it is amazing how much we can achieve. From simply helping a neighbour, taking an exercise class, or making a delicious, nutritious meal, we can feel the purpose in what we are doing and feel younger for it. Approach each day with a positive intention to move forward. Find simple things to enjoy every day, such as your morning cup of coffee, a little retail therapy, accomplishing a goal, or reading a novel in the evening. 7. Get savvy with technology Being computer-savvy and understanding modern technology can be an empowering skill to have at your fingertips. Not only can technology enable you to book appointments, research topics that interest you, and assist you in making travel plans, but it can also bring you many other benefits as well. If you want to buy new clothing or items, online shopping makes this easy. Other people use the internet to take on small business opportunities. One of the biggest advantages of technology, however, is that it can be a gateway to connecting and keeping in touch with people. Electronic tools such as Facebook Messenger and Instagram are two options you can use on your smartphone. Examples of how technology can be used to help us improve our physical well-being include using applications such as step counters for Fitbit and fitness apps for smartphones. If you have the tech, you are more likely to exercise each day, and seeing your progress results can be satisfying and motivating. 8. Bring pastime hobbies back into your life With so many workshops, classes, and clubs available these days to try, the possibilities to use our time in fun and creative ways are endless. Whether you want to bring back old pastime hobbies or introduce new interests into your life, retirement is the perfect time to do so. Feel young again in retirement by taking on new creative projects such as art classes or health-related hobbies like Pilates and yoga. You can also use all that wisdom you have acquired throughout your life to coach others who are just starting out. Take advantage of your newfound freedom in retirement When it comes to approaching pivotal milestones in life, retirement should be thought of as a launching pad—not a landing pad. Retirement gives you the freedom and time to do what you love most. You can even be a bigger part of society than you were in your busy working life. Take advantage of this amazing new freedom and get involved in fun activities that self-generate more good feelings and positivity in your life. If you’re looking for new ways to increase your freedom and maximise your capabilities during retirement, Settlers is here for you. As a lifestyle retirement village on the North Shore, Auckland, our modern and spacious retirement apartments are designed to provide all the comfort, ease, and security you need to live your best life without restraint. If you have any questions or would like to book a tour of our lovely village, get in touch with our team today. ### Enjoying every single day I have resided in Settlers Life Style Village for 12 years and can give testament to the fact that I have enjoyed every day of those years, with still more to fulfil and enjoy. Initially I was working five days a week in three different fulltime occupations. Socially I always had a full calendar, including many of the activities which residents in the Village initiate. I was on several committees such as the active Residents Committee and was one of the original Executive members of the Bar Committee. Interests include Keep Fit exercises with resident and famous Precious McKenzie, and I've always loved being on stage in our wonderful and Stage Shows. Having worked in many residential village homes on the North Shore with foot care I have always found both Settlers and Fairview Life style Villages outstanding, especially with fantastic staff, and the friendliness. This sentiment is always commented on from any of our visitors. The accolades are too many to list. Philippa Zink ### Heart and soul resides at Settlers We live in a safe environment where every care and concern is taken into account. The staff are kind, thoughtful and helpful. Nothing is ever too much trouble. I am in solitary lockdown during Level 4 of Covid-19 and immensely grateful that I live in this vibrant community. The well-being 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. Meals are ordered and delivered. Parcels are delivered to our doorstep. There are occasional surprises of chocolate brownies and shortbread hearts which bring tears of appreciation. I never cease to appreciate the diligence with which the grounds of Settlers are taken care of. Beautiful trees and plants which lift our spirits. Most of us are aware of how incredibly fortunate we are to be in Aotearoa especially at this unprecedented time. 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! Heart and soul appear to be the underlying principles within which staff and residents flourish. Chris Griffiths ### Messages of thanks Delicious treat again today left outside our door. Thank you so much to everyone who organised and cooked the cookie. Another lovely surprise. I've had a really rough week, and this just lifted my spirits. Please pass on my thanks. Thank you for the treats we received this afternoon. I really do appreciate you and the team providing a gluten free option. Well done! Thank you for the very nice shortbread. Please thank the team behind the beautiful cookies. Kia Kaha A heart at my door - so special. Made my day! ### In These Times by Doug Bishop Covid lurks outside our gate Its presence in the air, But living here at Settlers We know we're in good care. From those who run the office To front desk and much much more, Staff who make us tasty food Delivered to our door. They all are here to help us To keep us safe and sound, Better care than Settlers Is nowhere to be found. ### Safe and Informed It is wonderful to be here at Settlers during lockdown knowing that Management are keeping us safe and informed. Even providing us with a weekly eats treat and puzzle/quiz to challenge our brains. It is great to be able to have a chat with other residents while out on our daily walk Allan Hamilton ### Why We Should Celebrate Our Age Aging is a natural and beautiful aspect of life. With it comes wisdom, growth, memories, and more - all are things worth appreciating and celebrating on our birthdays. Whether you are spending the day with family, or with friends in Settlers Retirement Village in Auckland, there are plenty of things that you should be celebrating. Gratitude Getting older can make you realise how lucky you are to have lived the life you’ve had, and prioritise making every day count. Birthdays can be a great opportunity to stop for a minute and say a little thank you to your body and mind for getting you to this point in your life. You may have travelled the world, watched your children and grandchildren grow up, or helped someone out in a time of need. No matter how you choose to live your life, each day is a gift to be thankful for. Wisdom With age comes wisdom. Throughout your life you would have had many experiences that taught you lessons about the world, and the struggles and journeys we encounter as we move through it. Simply living can be one of the greatest educational experiences, and now you have that knowledge to share with the younger generations, to help them get through their own trials and tribulations. Although they may not always follow your advice, everybody can learn when wisdom is shared. Perspective As we age, we gain perspective on our lives and the journey we took to get to where we are today. You’ll know not to sweat the small stuff, and you’ll be able to refocus your energy on what is truly important. By cutting out all the little anxieties that held you back in your younger years, you can live with a newfound confidence and lust for life that makes every day exciting. By the time we reach our senior years, we have a wealth of experience to guide us, and we can confidently face whatever life brings our way. Freedom With retirement comes a lot of freedom. What you do with your time is up to you! You can learn a new hobby, make some new friends, spend all your time relaxing, or help others. Think about something you have always wanted to do. Now’s the time to get it done! At Settlers Accommodation for seniors, we have plenty of activities you can join in on, with a pool, library, building shed, croquet and bowls facilities, all just waiting for you to have some fun. Its time to celebrate at Settlers Aging isn’t something to be feared, it’s something to be embraced! The years of experience you’ve gathered turn into confidence when it comes to making decisions, approaching challenges, making friends, or overcoming obstacles. Birthdays provide a great opportunity to reflect, but also to come together as a family or community to mark a special event. Our Albany retirement villages are a perfect place to meet new friends who can relate and celebrate alongside you. Contact us today to see how Settlers Lifestyle Villages could enrich your life today. ### No Regrets We have never regretted for a moment our move here 7 years ago, even more as Mikes eyesight has steadily deteriorated over that time. It is the best quality of life for us. Since Covid has come into the World we are deeply appreciative of the security of Settlers Village and the extra services made available that make our lives feel safe and supported. More, both our children live in Melbourne and felt reassured when we moved here. Now with Covid, they are doubly grateful to know we live somewhere they can trust to keep us as protected as possible. Jude and Mike Lambert ### Be Private or Social I always say to people ‘we can be as private or as social as we wish’. My husband Brian loves happy hour and is able to wander up, usually making it up there by 3pm for a 4.30 start, sometimes with his shirt or trouser on inside out.. but no one cares. A dear old 90 year old neighbour brings him home. Thank you for all that you guys do in running this place. I’ve enjoyed lockdown, I get creative in the kitchen, have had wonderful walks and phoned neighbours here who are new or alone and left them ‘treats’ at their door step. Kia kaha Te Arohanui Julie and Brian Callaghan ### Great Exercises for Seniors to do Safely at Home Alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise is also a vital part of maintaining our physical and emotional well-being as we age. In this article, we discuss the benefits of stretching, balancing, and strengthening exercises for seniors, and explore a few basic options that are great for keeping seniors strong and healthy. Read on for inspiration and discover simple yet extremely beneficial exercises for seniors that can be completed from the comfort of your 1-bedroom retirement flat at Settlers! Stretch Exercises for Seniors Stretching is an excellent form of physical exercise for everybody, no matter their age. We need flexibility to maintain the range of motion in our joints and stretching or flexing a specific muscle or tendon helps not only to improve muscle elasticity and flexibility, but it also helps keep tendons strong, too. Here are two stretch exercises seniors can easily do from the comfort of their own homes: Neck Stretch Neck stretches are great for relieving tension accumulated in the neck and upper back. 1. Stand with your arms relaxed at your sides, and feet shoulder-width apart. 2. Slowly turn your head to the left shoulder (avoid tipping it backward or forward). 3. Hold it for 15-30 seconds when you feel a good stretch. 4. Repeat this motion with your head turning to the right shoulder. 5. For the best results, do 4-5 repetitions. Upper Back Stretch An ideal stretch for the upper back and shoulders, this exercise needs only you and a chair to complete! 1. First, sit on a chair with your feet positioned shoulder-width apart. 2. Raise your arms out straight in front of you until they are level with your shoulders. Do this with your palms facing outward and the back of your hands pressed together. 3. Reach with your fingertips to deepen the stretch and feel your back move away from the chair. 4. Hold for 15-30 seconds. 5. Complete 4-5 repetitions for best results. Balance Exercises for Seniors Balance exercises help to strengthen our stabiliser muscles which help us stay upright. Stabiliser muscles include the core and legs, and exercises for these muscles are very important for improving stability and preventing falls. Simple balance exercises for seniors include single-leg balance exercises and shifting-weight exercises. Single leg balance 1. Stand up straight with your hands by your side and feet placed hip-width apart. Weight should be evenly distributed on both feet. 2. Shift your weight to the left foot and lift the right foot just off the ground behind you. 3. Bend at the knee and move the heel to halfway between the bottom and the floor. 4. Hold for 12 seconds (eventually increase this to 30 seconds). 5. Return to the starting position and repeat for the opposite leg. 6. Complete around 3 repetitions. Single limb stance with arm 1. Stand with your hands relaxed at your side and feet together next to a chair. 2. Lift your left hand up over your head. 3. Slowly, raise your left foot off the floor. 4. Hold for 10 seconds. Then return to the starting position and repeat for the opposite leg. 5. Complete 3 repetitions. Strength Exercises for Seniors Strength training (otherwise known as resistance training) involves physical exercises that improve your muscle strength and overall endurance. When it comes to independent senior living and maintaining physical mobility, strength exercises to maintain muscle mass are particularly important. As we age, we tend to lose a lot of the muscle mass we had in our youth—couple this fact with the ever-increasing sedentary state we find ourselves in, and it becomes very easy to lose what independence and strength we have in our senior years. To prevent muscle loss and maintain independence as we age, staying active, mobile, and strong is essential. There are so many exercises that seniors can take up to improve their muscle mass, for example: Wall Push-ups Wall push-ups are great for improving strength in our shoulders and chest. 1. Stand in front of a blank wall, about 3-feet away, with feet placed shoulder-width apart. 2. Put your palms flat on the wall, level with your shoulders. Your body should be in a plank position, with a straight spine (not sagging or arched). 3. Lower your body toward the wall while supporting your weight and then push back again. 4. Repeat this 10 times. Abdominal contractions Abdominal contractions are great for increasing strength in the abdominal muscles. 1. Lie on your back on an exercise mat. 2. Take a deep breath and while breathing out, focus on clenching the abdominal muscles—but don’t stop breathing. 3. Hold this clenched position for 3 more breaths and then release. 4. Repeat this 10 times. Maintain independent senior living in Settlers Lifestyle Village We hope you found this useful and motivating! If you’re looking for ways to increase independence and opportunities for you or an aging loved one, Settlers’ retirement community is here for you. Our one, two, and three-bedroom apartments are spaciously designed and have every amenity and convenience for independent living. Contact us today if you’re interested in living in our lifestyle village in Auckland and we’ll happily answer any questions you may have. ### Why Laughter Is the World’s Best Medicine It’s one of the most common phrases out there, so we often don’t think twice when people say, “Laughter is the best medicine”—most will just roll their eyes at this comment and move on with their day, but what many don’t know is just how true it is. If you’re part of an independent senior living establishment, you’re probably quite familiar with medicine, but today we aim to open your eyes to the number of benefits a good laugh can offer your body and mind. Improves Your Mood Starting with the obvious, laughter is incredibly good for your mood. A nice little giggle is enough to lighten your mood and distract your brain from any stress or negative feelings at that moment. Laughing is extremely beneficial for your mental health as being able to laugh immediately makes you feel more positive. The movement and increased oxygen intake that laughing creates a strong body-mind connection which in turn brings on a more positive outlook on day-to-day life. If you can enjoy a good laugh the joys of life will become more obvious, making laughter a valuable way to cope with the world around you. A sense of humour truly is a vital tool for protecting and improving our mental health, especially as we grow older. Natural Pain Killer One of the lesser-known benefits of laughing is the natural painkilling properties it can deliver. It may sound slightly ridiculous, but it’s true; the natural chemicals that are released with laughter have been proven to relieve pain. It may not be the strongest painkiller around, but it’s enough to make clear the potential healing power that laughing holds. Stress Relief Stress can have dramatic negative impacts on our health and can lead to major health complications. Stress is actually key for survival—a healthy stress response is a good sign—but too much stress can weaken the immune system and raise blood pressure, contributing to fatigue, depression, anxiety and even heart disease. Excess epinephrine, more commonly known as adrenaline, can reduce healthy heart function over time. But never fear! Laughing has been proven to decrease stress hormones, such as cortisol, which means that having a laugh with yourself, your neighbours, or even your cat is enough to bring down your stress levels and help you keep a clear mind. A decent giggle will also assist in relaxing your muscles and relieving tension, further helping reduce stress by putting you in a more relaxed state. Tension in the mind and body can often become a feedback loop, with each making the other worse, but laughter can help us break the cycle. Burns Calories As with its painkilling properties laughing isn’t by any means the most effective way to burn calories, but it does burn them! After exercising all night, you often feel Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS, in the morning. Have you ever spent a night out with friends, laughing non-stop, just to wake up tired and sore? Well, it’s because laughing is an exercise! Studies have shown that a 10 to 15-minute giggle can burn up to 50 calories, so skip the gym and put a comedy on—it’s workout time. Get Your Laughing Medicine at Settlers Whether you are stressed, in pain, or upset, laughter can help. Our Albany retirement villages are a perfect place to meet new friends, crack new jokes, and spend your days laughing and enjoying life. Contact us today to see how Settlers Lifestyle Villages could enrich your life today. ### Best Winter Recipes to Keep Away the Cold As winter continues, it becomes harder and harder to find new ways to keep warm! To help make your winter that little bit warmer, we’ve found five of the best recipes to keep the cold away and bring a great sense of comfort to your senior apartments, even during the harshest of seasons. 1. Delicious Apricot Chicken Apricot Chicken is a winter staple. Full of richness, this delicious winter-warmer will be sure to warm you up as you enjoy the delicious combination of flavours. This easy-to-follow recipe for apricot chicken is guaranteed to be an instant favourite and the recipe offers room for you to experiment to add your own flare. The succulent chicken and sweet apricots will be sure to please even the pickiest of grandkids on a cold winter’s night. 2. Succulent Lamb Stew It wouldn’t be a true winter without stew! Here, Jamie Oliver provides an affordable and simple recipe for succulent lamb stew. This one takes a bit longer to get on the table, but it’s mostly oven time! The preparation for this lamb stew is extremely simple and involves minimal ingredients. Once the cooking is done, you’re left with a flavourful, melt-in-your-mouth lamb stew. 3. Baked Three-Cheese Macaroni Probably one of the most recognised “comfort foods”, we couldn’t skip the classic Mac & Cheese. It’s almost certain you’ve got your own personal recipe perfected, but this delicious baked three-cheese macaroni brings some new flavours to the already delicious dish that will truly add to the comfort factor. This simple twist on a delicious classic is going to be your grandkid's new favourite. 4. Warm Tomato Pasta Salad We usually over-look salads when considering some great winter recipes, but that stops here! An easy meal to quickly throw together, warm tomato pasta salad is a go-to winter meal for those nights where you don’t really feel like cooking. Ready in less than 30 minutes, there’s no better salad to enjoy when the cold weather comes around. A simple, light, and easily customisable recipe, we’re sure that you’ll be enjoying this one many winters to come. 5. Hot Cocoa To close off this list we’ve got the absolute greatest winter warmer. This chef-approved hot cocoa recipe—made with real chocolate rather than cocoa powder—creates mouth-watering cocoa, unlike any you’ve had before. Everybody has a bit of nostalgia for hot cocoa bringing warmth and comfort during the coldest of times, and this one’s worth practising if you’ve got grandkids coming to stay. Soon you’ll be known for making the best cocoa ever! Enjoy These Winter Warmers in Our Albany Retirement Village Settlers Retirement Village is a fantastic place for seniors to relax and enjoy retirement. Whether you hosting family, friends, or just having a quiet night alone, our beautiful apartments will provide a fantastic space for you to enjoy delicious meals with the people you love. Our lifestyle retirement villages have a range of services that mean you can save time and energy, to use on the things you love—like cooking delicious winter warmers! If you’re looking to move into secure, high-quality accommodation, and a welcoming Auckland Lifestyle Village community, Settlers is the perfect choice for you. Get in touch with us to register your interest and arrange an in-person tour of our beautiful village. ### Start New Friendships in Retirement When we retire and start enjoying independent senior living, we suddenly have a lot more free time on our hands. Meeting new people and making new friends is one of the best ways you can fill up that time. Interested in making new friends to create wonderful new memories with? Read on! In this blog, we reveal some of the best tips for starting new friendships in retirement. 1. Reconnect with Old Friends or Family Members It can take time to build deep and meaningful friendships so reaching out to old friends, family members, or colleagues that already know you can be a great way to start. Sometimes we already have people within our social group whose company we enjoy, but if we only see them on the rare occasion, it can be hard to build a lasting friendship. Maybe it’s time to invite them over and see what the future brings. You’ll always wonder if you never try, and you’ll never know until you try! Why not reach out to them with a pleasant phone call or share an old photo and ask them how they’ve been? You can make plans to go out for coffee and a catch-up. 2. Start a New Social Hobby One of the best things about retirement is that we gain so much more time to focus on what we want, rather than spending it working a nine-to-five job every day. While this can feel disorientating at first, it’s an incredible opportunity to get out and about, and dip your toes into new waters! If you never had enough time to focus on your hobbies before, why not start now and take the opportunity to socialise at the same time? From dancing groups and reading clubs to walking groups, painting groups, quiz groups, and more! Everyone likes doing something, so why not do it with others? If you’re a complete beginner trying something new, remember—learning something new will take a lot of fumbling for everyone, no matter how old we are when we start. 3. Consider Mentoring If full-time work was your hobby and passion, why not keep it in your life and give back to the community by mentoring? A growing trend nowadays—for seniors who want to stay in the loop with old careers—is for them to utilise their life’s work and give back to the community through mentoring. By sharing your knowledge with younger learners in your field, retirees can have a new meaningful way to connect with the younger generations. Mentoring doesn’t have to be related only to your career, either, it can be anything from mentoring your interests to simply taking a more engaged role in the lives of your grandchildren. 4. Join a Community Club or Meet Up for Seniors Getting out into the community and chatting with like-minded individuals may sound easier said than done but it’s simpler than it seems! Joining a local community group or even a meet-up for seniors is an excellent way to get the ball rolling and start getting to know new faces. Book clubs and coffee clubs are great way of getting to know people and joining a volunteer organisation or a community organisation committee are also great ways you can make new friends. 5. Host Parties and Dinners at Your House Hosting a gathering or dinner at your place gives you the perfect opportunity to grow your social circle. Invite people who you enjoy spending time with and would like to know more about. You can also request that guests bring a friend, and in this way, you can be introduced to a whole new group of people to form friendships! If you feel shy at the prospect of introducing yourself to new people, having friends introduce you to new guests at your party is the ultimate solution. 6. Find Friends Online with Apps! If you are trying to make new friends, why not try to make friends online? It’s not all online dating out there, apps for making friends also exist—just make sure that in your profile online you state that you are “just looking for friendship”—unless a romantic connection is something you’re interested in! Great apps to check out include Tinder, Tinder Social (which is JUST for making friends), Scout, CLIQ, and Bumble BFF. If you’re an animal lover and would like to meet up with other enthusiasts, Meet My Dog is the app for you! Attend Events and Activities at Your Retirement Village Finding new friends isn’t as hard as you might think. Try out these great suggestions and you’re sure to make new meaningful friendships and fill up your calendar with social engagements. So, stay positive, keep on smiling, and enjoy your retirement to the fullest! When you join a community like Settlers, you’re joining a wonderful bunch of like-minded individuals who are also looking to enjoy their retirement to the fullest! This can make it a lot easier to make friends. By simply joining activities and events within the village, you get the chance to meet other retirees and make new friendships within the village. If you’re looking for excellent lifestyle villages in Auckland to retire into, Settlers is the village for you! To register your interest, contact Rosalie, our sales manager, by emailing rosalie@settlersalbany.co.nz or call 0800 102 652 today! ### Feel Safe & Secure in Lifestyle Retirement Considering moving into a lifestyle retirement village in Auckland but still feeling unsure if it’s the right move for you? Changing homes is a big decision for most of us, we know. Besides finding somewhere that feels like home, we want to live somewhere that feels safe. At Settlers Lifestyle Village, the happiness and wellbeing of our residents are what we value most. So, for seniors considering the advantages of living in one of our lovely retirement apartments, we give the assurance that when you live with us, you will be safe, secure, and always supported. Below, we elaborate on the benefits and practicality of living in a retirement village, discussing how retirement security systems and medical support can give retirees both independence and peace of mind. What security & safety measures do retirement villages have? When considering the qualities of a good home for a retirement village, what safety measures and security technologies need to be in place to ensure that residents can feel safe? A retirement village should include a comprehensive range of proven security systems and safety features that residents can rely on. For example, at Settlers, security systems implemented in the village include a wide range of measures such as CCTV, automatic security gates, alarm systems, access control, and more. With a CCTV system in place, residents can relax and have peace of mind knowing that their safety and the security of their property are maintained 24/7. Settlers is also a gated community, fully equipped with intercoms, therefore no unauthorised people can come into the village. The benefits of senior apartments at Settlers At Settlers, our bright and spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments for seniors are fully equipped with appliances, heating solutions, and emergency call buttons that connect residents to an onsite registered nurse 24/7. With fire security systems installed in every home, and easy lock-and-leave capabilities, Settlers’ residents can have peace of mind knowing that their home is always safe and secure. Should they wish to go on holiday, their residence will be well cared for in their absence. For seniors who like peace, quiet, and independent senior living, but would also appreciate a little extra support and not need to deal with taxing chores, these apartments are the ideal solution. At Settlers, you can enjoy your home and personal hobbies both within and outside the village with ease. Our amazing Lodge facilities are also right on your doorstep—if you feel like going for a swim in our heated pool, having a social BBQ, going to a movie, or visiting our café and restaurant, you can! Our passionate staff are also readily available should you need any assistance. Gain more time and freedom to enjoy your golden years with Settlers Compared to living in your home on your own property, life in a retirement village is not only safer and more secure, but it also removes the hassle of tiring tasks and gives seniors more time and energy to focus on what really matters to them. If you’re interested in finding out more about the safe and secure retirement apartments, townhouses, and facilities at Settlers, contact Rosalie, our sales manager, by emailing rosalie@settlersalbany.co.nz or call 0800 102 652 today! ### 8 Best Tips to Tackle that Bucket List When it comes to achieving our dreams and working towards our goals, it’s never too late to start! 2020 may have been the year that put the brakes on most of our plans and ambitions, 2021 gives us a new opportunity to get them rolling again. As one of the best retirement villages in Auckland catered towards lifestyle retirement, we know that no matter the age, it’s never too late to start focussing on our passions. This blog brings you the latest tips and ways to start effectively tackling your bucket list. Let’s kick off the new year with a bang and enjoy independent senior living to the fullest! 1. Make It Personal Creating a bucket list that is personal and represents your goals and interests is an excellent way of giving yourself direction in the new year. With this in mind, you don’t have to label your list as a “bucket list”, you can call it whatever inspires you and resonates with you most! A few ideas include: Dream List My Aspirations List My Lifetime Goals Meaningful Life Goals Things to Conquer! My Life’s Must-Do’s Dream List to Achieve The Life Plan 2. Give Yourself Realistic Timeframes The key to creating accomplishable goals is to challenge yourself a little but also to be realistic with the timeframes you create to complete them. No matter your goals, whether it’s to start a new hobby, take a road trip, write a book, or improve your fitness, spend some time calculating and give yourself a practical timeframe to achieve it. An excellent way of doing this is to create mini-lists within the main bucket list, such as: A Seasonal Bucket List – Some goals will be seasonally based, such as growing a flower garden, skiing, taking a fishing tour, or going berry picking. A One-Year Bucket List – Sometimes long-term planning with no defined dates can deflate our motivation and decrease any urgency we feel towards planning for it. Creating a one-year bucket list is a great way of focusing on what we want to achieve within the short term, while still giving us adequate time to complete our goals. Goals Before 80 List – another way to approach long-term goal planning is to choose goals that you want to achieve before reaching a certain age or milestone. 3. Pick Your Starter Goals While it’s a great idea to get all our future aspirations out on paper, a long list of goals to accomplish can sometimes seem overwhelming. It can be hard to even know where to start! To reduce distraction and help you start working at your goals, pick two or three to work on at a time. A good rule of thumb is to at least choose one long-term goal and one short-term goal. This way, while your long-term goal will likely take a while to achieve, short-term goals will help you feel accomplished and stay motivated as you go. 4. Break Them into Actionable Steps When you choose the goals you want to focus on, try breaking them down into actionable steps that you can complete over time. Want to go travelling around the South Island in a camper van? Give yourself time to sit down and research what you want to see on your travels, the best camping sites to stay in, when you want to travel, and which flight deals are the best for you. If learning a new language is on your bucket list, start learning a word a day, or find a class near you to start attending on a regular basis. 5. Invite a Friend Sometimes the best motivation comes from team effort! Why not invite a friend to create a bucket list alongside you? Not only will they be able to give you inspiration for your bucket list, but together you will be able to motivate each other and provide accountability. 6. Make Time to Review Remember to set aside time every now and then to check in with your goals and see how you’re progressing. That way, if something you are trying to achieve just isn’t working for you, you can make revisions to your strategy and try to approach the problem from a different angle. Alternatively, you could even drop a goal altogether if you realise along the way that it’s not something you want to pursue after all. Changing your mind is completely fine! In fact, it will give you more head space to focus on the next best thing. 7. Start Today! When it comes to achieving goals, overthinking can make us feel overwhelmed. Sometimes, the more we think about something, the less we feel like actually doing it. If you have a tendency of overthinking and procrastinating, then you’ll know all too well how easy it can be to let plans sit on the back burner until they’re all dried up. Basically, if you’re trying to decide when to start working towards your goals, there’s no better time to start than now! 8. Remember to Celebrate Your Successes No matter how big or small, you should celebrate the steps you take towards accomplishing your goals. If we are too focused on reaching the end goal, we can often forget to appreciate the opportunities and experiences we gained along the way, which are what make accomplishing the main goal so much more meaningful. Every challenge is there to make us grow, and every step is a small victory that will take us forward! Maximise Independent Living in your Retirement As a full-time working adults, we may have the resources to enjoy life, but not the time to use them. In comparison, retirement is just the opposite! With newfound freedom, retirement gives us the perfect opportunity to start focusing on personal goals and interests again. So, what are you waiting for? Start creating your bucket list and make the most of retirement today! We hope you enjoyed this piece! If you are interested in reading other items by us, explore our blog posts for articles covering lifestyle, culture, and more. If you are interested in moving into one of our quality retirement apartments in Auckland or would like to know more about life in the Settlers community then contact Rosalie, our sales manager, by emailing rosalie@settlersalbany.co.nz or call 0800 102 652 today! ### Best 6 Activities to Enjoy this Summer With summer well underway, it’s the perfect opportunity to get out of your retirement apartment in Auckland and enjoy the season to the fullest. Spending time with friends and family while eating ice cream and basking in the sunshine has never been more appealing! Below, we’ve listed 6 excellent activities for spending a great Auckland summer. Invite some friends, pick up the grandkids, and create a summer filled with memories! 1. Beach Day at Mission Bay On a hot sunny day, Mission Bay is the place to be! Loved as an excellent location in Auckland for swimming and sunbathing, the beach is surrounded by picturesque views of Rangitoto Island. During the hottest hours of the day, beachgoers can also find respite from the heat at one of the many superb restaurants or cafes that sit along the waterfront, including Movenpick, Portofino, Bodrum Kitchen, and more! 2. Excellent Views from the Sky Tower If you’re feeling like a day out in the town, consider taking a ride to the observation deck of the Sky Tower. At 328 metres tall, the view from the deck is impressive, to say the least! Stand on the glass-bottomed floor for an unnerving look at the streets and cars below. You can also go during the evening and enjoy a breathtaking sunset, night-time views, and elevated dining—literally! 3. Fishing Trip with Friends What better way to spend a summer’s day than out on the water? Why not take a friend and join a fishing tour out around Auckland? There are plenty of excellent touring opportunities to consider such as Zefiro Luxury Charters and Ultimate Charters NZ who regularly send out fishing tours and island explorer trips. 4. Play Mini-Golf in an Enchanted Forest For a fun and affordable activity that’s great for the whole family, the Enchanted Forest Mini Golf course is a perfect choice. Come with friends or bring the grandchildren and enjoy a game of mini golf in Onehunga. With mature trees and gardens surrounding it and 18 full-length mini-golf holes, you can bring along a picnic and make a day of it! It’s also not very far from Dress Smart Outlet Shopping Centre if you or the grandkids are keen for some shopping! 5. Have a Picnic or BBQ in the Park Organise a picnic or BBQ out in your local park and catch up with friends and family in the best of settings. Auckland has some of the best spots to gather around for a sizzling BBQ such as Long Bay Regional Park and Cornwall Park. You can provide the food yourself or ask everyone to bring a plate to share. 6. Whale and Dolphin Watching Whale and dolphin watching is the ultimate pastime for marine lovers young and old! If you would love to experience breathtaking encounters with marine wildlife, join one of the unique dolphin and whale spotting tours held by Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari. If that’s not enough to tempt you, each ticket purchased also contributes to Marine Mammal Conservation in New Zealand. You’ll get to enjoy a boat ride while helping with Auckland’s conservation efforts! Keep Up to Date on Events in Auckland If you’re looking for fun events and activities to do this summer, you can keep up to date on upcoming events held in Auckland easily at Heart of the City. From art and comedy events to music and food festivals, there’s a smorgasbord of choices to suit every taste! Remember: Stay Safe this Summer If you’re planning on being outside in the sun this summer, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe in the heat. 1. Drink plenty of water as it’s important to stay hydrated. 2. Use sunblock with at least 30 SPF, especially between 10am to 4pm. 3. Cover up and protect your skin with long sleeves, pants, a dress, etc. 4. Use sunglasses and a wide-brimmed sun hat to provide further protection for the face, ears, and eyes. Enjoy Independent Senior Living to the Fullest with Settlers We hope you enjoyed this article and feel inspired to enjoy the warm summer days ahead! Whether you plan on spending your time enjoying activities within Settlers’ lifestyle retirement village, or going out and about within Auckland, Settlers is here to support you. We have many social events and a variety of activities available in the village for residents to enjoy. On top of this, our village bus provides excellent transportation for residents to-and-from the local Westfield Shopping Mall and can be arranged to be used for other trips as well. If you would like to know more about our activities held within the village or would like to express interest in joining the Settlers community, contact Rosalie, our sales manager, by emailing rosalie@settlersalbany.co.nz or call 0800 102 652 today. ### Retired? Time to Kickstart Your Passions! Many people think that growing older means fewer opportunities and less room for personal growth, but this isn’t true. While we may get stuck in repetitive ways or habits as we age, we never stop learning, and we’re never too old to learn something new. In fact, while the hubbub of working life may have left you feeling tired and drained, entering into retirement is the perfect opportunity to recentre yourself, kickstart your passions, and work towards your personal goals again. As a lifestyle retirement village, encouraging independent senior living and enabling seniors to live their life to the fullest is our passion. Let us help you discover yours! Below, we explain the benefits of goal setting and practising new hobbies and provide a guide on how to start working towards them. 1. Hobbies Keep Us Young Continuing to learn and practice new hobbies is one of the best ways to stay young in mind and spirit. This is because tackling new activities, such as finally taking that guitar lesson or studying a new language, keeps our mind challenged while also nurturing the soul. The phrase “Use it or lose it” doesn’t only apply to our physical bodies, but also our mental capacities. The more we take care of our minds and bodies, the better we can maintain them long-term. 2. Hobbies Keep Us Positive Hobbies not only help seniors to maintain their mental capacities for longer but also promote positive mental health and well-being overall. A study researching the possible health benefits of singing for the elderly found that singing had numerous positive effects. From decreased cortisol levels and tension to promoting more positive and balanced moods, these findings show us how what we do really impacts our mental well-being. Another thing to note is that these findings were true, whether or not the participants found pleasure in singing at the time! 3. Hobbies Keep Us Connected Staying connected to friends and family is important no matter our age, but as we grow older, it is even more important to stay connected to those around us. Many hobbies are social and therefore give us an opportunity to socialise while we learn. If you worked hard throughout your life but had little time for building friendships outside of the office, taking up a new hobby in retirement offers the perfect chance to meet like-minded individuals and start new friendships. 4. Hobbies Keep Us Healthy Hobbies that get you up and onto your feet every day, like walking, swimming, and hiking, keep you active and healthy without ever needing to go to the gym! Partaking in physical activities that we enjoy not only helps us stay physically healthy and capable, it also lowers our stress levels and boosts our mental well-being. Ultimately, if we have activities in our lives that we enjoy, fitness can change from something we “have to do” into something we genuinely appreciate and love doing. 5. Hobbies Give Us Purpose Having motivation and purpose in our everyday lives is empowering! No matter our age, pursuing activities that are important to us, that we do just for our benefit, and that gives us a sense of accomplishment, is the best way to enrich our lives. Choose activities and tasks that nourish the mind and motivate you to do your best. Where do you start? Having activities to look forward to and goals to work towards are important parts of being human. While no path is smooth, setting goals gives us direction, and motivation, and improves our overall happiness and well-being. Starting something new is never easy but starting something intentionally is the best way to improve. If you’re ready to start something new but are in need of some inspiration, here are some tips to help. Decide. Is there something you want to do or work towards? Choose something that is for your sake, something that you will enjoy. Remember: goals that challenge us can be motivating, so choose something that will grow you beyond your current abilities. Write it down. Bringing our plans out and laying them on paper makes them all the more real and increases our chance of sticking to them. Describe your goal and what completing it will look like and feel like to you. How will it bring value or connection to your life? Tell someone. Telling someone important to you what you want to do or work towards can make it feel more real and motivate us to stick to it. Break your goal into bite-size pieces. Big goals can often seem vague or overwhelming, but if we break them down into smaller goals, ones that we can achieve slowly over time, we can more easily move forward and feel accomplished with each task completed. Plan your first step. Getting started is often the hardest part! So, plan the first step—what you will do, when you will do it—then make it happen. Keep going. Working toward our goals can often be frustrating and challenging, but remember, the key to success is consistency and perseverance. There is no one right way to success. Work on your goals bit by bit, give yourself time to reflect and think up new ways of approaching them and achieving them along the way. Celebrate! When you achieve your goal, savour the accomplishment, celebrate with those you love, and thank those who helped you get there. Reflection. Reflect and think about what you enjoyed most and what you learnt from the journey and start planning… What’s your next goal going to be? Enjoy independent senior living to the fullest in lifestyle retirement Retiring and joining luxury lifestyle villages in Auckland is the perfect option for anyone wanting to enjoy their independence to the fullest. At Settlers, the happiness, comfort, and security of residents is our priority. Every apartment is made for ultimate convenience and enjoyment, so our residents, and seniors can gain more time to do what they love. If you’re looking for excellent retirement accommodation in Auckland, explore our range of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments online and contact us today to register your interest. ### Easy Baking Recipes to Make with Your Grandkids Having your grandkids over to visit you in your new North Shore retirement apartment and not sure what to make them? Piece of cake! We’ve curated some easy recipes for you to enjoy with them. Explore our selection below and find the perfect baking recipes for any occasion! 1. Berry Crumble Muffins The first on our list of baking inspiration is scrumptious berry crumble muffins. Quick and easy to make, this snack is a delight you can easily enjoy with your grandchildren at the park or while relaxing in the comfort of your retirement home. Just choose the berries you both love and make your muffins with your grandchildren, before they arrive, or while they are playing! 2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Rich and fudgy, these chocolate peanut butter cookies are the perfect treat for children and adults alike who love peanut butter. With thick ribbons of peanut butter swirled into each bite, this decadent cookie looks as good as it tastes, and is super easy to make. Prep it together on the day or make the dough a few days in advance as you can easily store it in the freezer and use it at a later date. 3. Big, Fat, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Does the idea of fresh steaming cookies with a glass of milk bring back wistful memories of bygone days? For many, chocolate chip cookies are the epitome of comfort and warmth and the perfect solution for any rainy day stuck indoors. So, if you’re unsure what your grandchildren will love most, try these chocolate chip cookies! They’re thick and chewy, perfect for dunking into a fresh glass of milk. 4. Easy Banana Bread No matter the weather, easy banana bread is a delicious and refreshing baking option to consider baking with your grandchildren. Just whip together a simple batter of mashed bananas, sugar, egg, butter, flour, baking soda, and salt, and put your loaf in the oven at 165 degrees C. You can play a game together while it bakes and enjoy the tantalising aroma coming from the oven, or simply sit and watch the loaf bake and rise before your eyes. 5. Vegetable Savoury Muffin For a delicious and healthy savoury snack, vegetable muffins are an excellent way of sneaking in a little extra nutrition. Veggie muffins make for a great breakfast, lunch, or snack for adults and children alike. You can even customise your recipe to suit the taste buds of your grandchild or choose all your favourite veggies. If your grandchild doesn’t like one of the vegetables, simply replace it with another veggie or add more of the veggies you’re already using. 6. Homemade Pizza Lastly, a yummy and easy savoury recipe to consider is homemade pizza! Pizza is not only delicious, but it can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. You can make your own base with an easy-to-follow pizza recipe or buy a pre-made base of your choice and have half the work done before you have even started. If you don’t have any pizza bases on hand and are short on time, you can even use bread and make a simple pizza toast! Enjoy quality time in the ease and comfort of your North Shore retirement apartment As Settlers Lifestyle Retirement Village, we want you to be able to enjoy your time to the fullest, that’s why each beautiful apartment we provide is made with maximum comfort and efficiency in mind. If you want to host your family and friends or spend an afternoon with your grandchildren, there’s no need to worry about the little things. Settlers provide housekeeping and gardening services for all our residents, so they don’t have to use their time and energy on tiring chores. If you’re looking to move into retirement apartments in Auckland, the secure, high-quality accommodation and welcoming village community at Settlers is the perfect choice to consider. Contact us today to register your interest and come in for a tour to see our lovely village in person. ### The Importance of Staying Social for Seniors Like a fine wine, our finer years are meant to be enjoyed in good company. We explore the benefits of social interaction and explain how staying connected can positively affect us as we age. Read on and discover the advantages of independent senior living in a welcoming retirement community! How important is socialisation for our well-being? Socialisation is vital for people of all ages, no matter if you are one year old, fifty, or a hundred years old. And this is true for all community-based beings, not just humans (our pets too!). From birth, we are surrounded by loved ones, our parents, grandparents, and siblings. It is from them that we first learn how to connect with others, and as we grow over the years, this helps us to foster friendships, build our communication skills, and promote a sense of security and community. The importance of socialisation that started from a young age never fades or wears off as we grow older. In fact, it’s even more important for us to maintain a social life as we come into our senior years. Not only does socialising keep us young at heart, it also helps us stay mentally alert and emotionally resilient. For older adults and seniors continuing to grow and enjoy their lives, staying connected and maintaining a social life remain important, especially for the longevity of our physical and emotional well-being. How a social life supports our emotional wellbeing Maintaining meaningful social connections with those around us has profound effects on our mental well-being, explained below. Staying social boosts brain health and reduces the risk of dementia. If you need a little motivation to go out and spend time with your friends, this is a good one! Socialisation promotes positive well-being and reduces the risk of depression. Social isolation is a leading cause of depression in seniors worldwide. While loneliness can have a negative impact on people of all ages, adults entering their senior years are particularly vulnerable as their routines change and so does their level of independence. Continued socialisation can help the elderly feel connected and remind them that they are loved and needed. Maintaining social activities and interaction can give us meaning and purpose, and spending time with others, especially when doing something we enjoy or find rewarding, helps us keep a positive life perspective and maintain a healthy state of mind. How a social life supports our physical wellbeing Maintaining a social life not only helps older adults maintain their mental health but their physical well-being as well. Socialisation goes hand in hand with staying active, and the two can be used to support one another and hit two birds with one stone—so to speak! Here are some of the ways a social life can improve our physical health. Community keeps us motivated. This is peer pressure in the best of lights. There’s nothing more motivating to help us beat our lazy days than friends and community holding us accountable. If going to the gym or going for a walk goes against your lazy day-loving soul, then getting out and about with friends may be the motivation you need! Friends increase our level of enjoyment in physical activities. While exercise and staying active are great on their own, staying active and working out, going for walks, or club activities with friends are twice as fun! Socialisation supports a healthy lifestyle. By being actively social, we can increase our physical well-being and reduce the risk of health issues later in life. Physical activity has been shown to help reduce the risk of health issues in a multitude of ways, from lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems to reducing the risk of osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The positive health effects are boundless! The Social Benefits of Senior Living Communities For those worried about their health or the health of their elderly loved ones, lifestyle retirement villages can offer you the solution you’ve been looking for. Joining a retirement community that gives you access to excellent facilities, health care assistance, and a wide range of social activities is an excellent way of bringing community into your life. For older adults who do not have easy access to regular social interaction, senior living communities can bring them the emotional, physical, and social activities they need to remain healthy. Examples of social activities available in retirement communities include group outings to the local shopping mall, movie nights, game nights, and meals shared in common living spaces. Residents can also easily get to know other like-minded individuals in the community and can organise and enjoy meals and activities with their neighbours as well. Make New Friends in Lifestyle Retirement at Settlers For seniors looking for lifestyle villages in Auckland, Settlers offers its residents the best opportunities to lead happy, fulfilling lives. If you’re looking for a lifestyle retirement village to settle down in, Settlers offers not only offers fun social activities for residents; we also bring peace of mind. Residents can enjoy their independence completely while enjoying the safety, security, and excellent facilities of the village. For more information on life at Settlers, register your interest with us today! ### Mid-20th Century Pop Culture Explained: What Your Grandkids Have Learnt from You What is popular culture, and how did it come about? For those of us who enjoy a tranquil lifestyle in independent senior living accommodation, it may be easy to feel disconnected from the rise of today’s technology, culture, and the present generation. Today we take you for a short walk through history, explaining the origins of pop culture, and how it’s relevant today! What is Pop Culture? As a general definition, pop culture is the prevalent culture that teenagers or young adults identify with. This is expressed by trends in fashion, music, and ideas that they feel express who they are – usually in contrast to the generations before them. Although pop culture is everywhere today, the idea of pop culture as we now experience it is a relatively new concept. The Origins of Pop Culture Before the 50s, the idea of “pop culture”, i.e. youth culture, didn’t really exist. For example, in the 1930s, a young person would be a child up until their 15th year, when they would suddenly enter into the adult world as a trainee or an apprentice. There was no in-between “teenage world” where young person was relatively free to follow their own interests and ideals. Pop Culture arose in the 1950s with the new post-war prosperity and the rock n’ roll youth culture of the time. Exemplified by the likes of Elvis Presley, Bill Halley and The Comets, and Chuck Berry, what started in America with college students listening to African American radio stations turned into a youth movement that became mainstream once it arrived in Liverpool, England via American sailors and their music. After the War The youth of the 50s wanted to push boundaries and bring excitement into their lives. This was in contrast to their parent’s generation, who had experienced and come out of five years of war and destruction and just wanted peace and quiet. The technological boom that happened after the war was also a catalyst for this cultural change. The increasing stream of new technology (washing machines, fridges, record players, and more!) brought with it the promise of endless possibilities. There was a sense that science could fix everything and that machines would continue to make life more comfortable. The idea of rockets and space travel also entered the popular imagination. All of these promising advancements allowed this new youth culture to grow. Kids didn’t have to enter straight into the adult world after childhood, they could develop their own culture and had the freedom to create their own identity, unlike those that came before them. The Ideal of “Live Fast, Die Young” The image of teenage disillusionment and social rebellion during this time was epitomised by James Dean, who became famous for his portrayal of young and carefree youth (Jim Stark) in the movie “Rebel Without a Cause”. Footloose and carefree, James Dean wore denim, rode a motorbike, didn’t conform to social norms, and died tragically in a motor accident in 1955. The idea that growing up and joining the adult world wasn’t something to aspire to, became part of the new culture – teens could stay in this new youthful world and the old would be overtaken by it. In Comes the Media! This youthful pop culture flowered in the 60s as young people crowded into tiny clubs to hear this new music and experience the excitement of it. While this movement started as a youth rebellion against the strict social norms of the time, some from the older generations saw an opportunity to make money in this new environment. Up-and-coming groups were signed up and recorded by established record companies as a way to generate profit from this growing youth culture. By managing them and honing their often-unpolished music, they created a product that could be distributed worldwide. A good example of this is The Beatles, who started out playing in small clubs and were then taken under the management of EMI Recording Studios and George Martin (their producer), who worked with them to produce a very sophisticated product that we all are now so familiar with today. Clothing and Fashion During this time, suits and ties were still seen as the acceptable clothing to wear, no matter the occupation. Youth styles sought to rebel against these social norms. The idea of going out in public in colourful clothing, jeans, and letting your hair grow long, was a blatant expression of this. During this time, clothing and styles were also increasingly influenced by the media, and clothing manufacturers started creating fashion that catered to this youth culture. Carnaby Street in London is an iconic example of this. With its new cultures, exciting music, vibrant lifestyle, and rebellious identity, it became the place to be for the young and the ‘hip’. Famous pop stars like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks, as well as fashion icons like Brigitte Bardot and Elizabeth Taylor, were all regulars on Carnaby Street. Pop Culture of Today How has pop culture continued into the present? We can see this phenomenon in modern times in young people’s search for personal identity and desire to rebel against the old order rather than conform to social norms about what they should do or how they should think. An important point to note is that the youth culture we see today is in fact a by-product of this youth pop culture that came into life in the 50s. All that idealism, (e.g. “think for yourself”, “don’t be told what to do”) has been carried through to the present generations by parents who strived to bring these ideals to their kids. Therefore, the current generation and the pop culture of today are a direct result of parents’ experiences through these changing times since the 1950s. So if you’re wondering, what have my grandchildren really learnt from me? They have learnt a great deal! Unlike the generations that came before you, your children and grandchildren learnt from you that they were allowed to have their own ideals and that they also had the freedom to grow and follow their dreams. Settlers Lifestyle Retirement Village We hope you enjoyed this brief turn down memory lane! Feel free to explore our blogs online to learn more about lifestyle, culture, and life at Settlers lifestyle village in Auckland. If you’re interested in joining the welcoming community at Settlers, explore our excellent accommodation for seniors online and contact us to book a tour of our lovely village today! ### Retiree Commuting Options in a Lifestyle Retirement Village Do you want to live in the reassuring safety, security, and comfort that lifestyle villages can offer, while still maintaining your freedom and independence? If so, chances are you’re looking for Settlers Lifestyle Village. If you’re considering moving into the village and wondering what commuting options there are available for you, we’ve compiled and listed below all you need to know about transportation within Settlers and the surrounding area. What transport options does the village provide? At Settlers, residents have a wide range of transport options available to them. Residents who feel like spending a day out enjoying the local area can easily do so. Settlers provide a village bus, which all residents have access to. It can accommodate up to twelve people for a trip and is a very convenient option for exploring the area—join one of the regular trips taking residents to and from the Westfield Shopping Mall, or arrange to use the bus for personal trips you want to take. Besides the village bus, a small car is also available to residents for transport to and from medical appointments. Do residents have access to public transport? Residents living at Settlers are also able to enjoy easy public transport options if they choose to. With just a short walk, seniors can hop on a public bus and have nice a day out, enjoying the local shops, parks, and amenities. Much of the area is also within walking distance, so if you feel like some fresh air outside of the village environment, you can feel free to explore. Can I keep my car when I move into Settlers? If you want to keep a personal vehicle when you move into Settler, you can. So long as you or your partner are currently in possession of a valid driver’s licence and own a car, you can bring your vehicle into the village with you. Our basement car park has undercover parking spaces allocated for all of our two- and three-bedroom apartments. Our one-bedroom homes can be allocated a parking space if one is required and available. Your safety & security are our top priority While residents living in Settlers have easy access to an abundance of local shops, parks, and amenities outside of the village within the surrounding area, your safety and security are still our top priority. We have various measures in place for onsite security, such as security cameras and security guards, to make sure that Settlers remains a friendly, safe, and secure environment. Seniors can have peace of mind if they live alone or travel often because Settlers is also known as a “gated community”, which means our main entrance gates are closed and locked at night. Key entry points are also monitored by cameras and our buildings are only accessible via electronic keys. Seniors can happily enjoy their time away from home, rest assured that their property is secure and well looked after in their absence. Interested in living in one of Settlers' one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartments? If you’re considering starting the next chapter of your life in one of Settlers’ independent senior apartments, you couldn’t have chosen a kinder or more welcoming community! Feel free to contact us on 0800 102 652 for more information on the area or to book a tour and register your interest in joining our community. Our FAQ’s and online resource centre are also very helpful and will give you easy answers to any queries you might have. ### A Guide to Retirement: Healthy Foods Your Body Will Love Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the key to longevity! Although eating the right foods won’t single-handedly cure a disease or prevent dementia, a healthy diet packed full of nutritious goodness does have its merits. For those wanting to enjoy their independence while living in Settlers’ Albany retirement village to the fullest extent possible, read on to find out which foods are the most important to include in your diet to promote healthy digestion and overall well-being. An apple a day… Keeps the doctor away? Not exactly, but apples are an excellent snack for those trying to maintain their blood sugar levels because the fructose and antioxidant polyphenols in apples help to slow the rate of sugar absorption, and balance the metabolic system! The full explanation doesn’t quite roll off the tongue the same way the classic saying does, though! Apples also contain potassium and vitamin C, and are a brilliant source of fibre which works wonders for digestion and can help to lower cholesterol. Dark-skinned fruits & berries Dark-skinned fruits and berries are a wonderful addition to your morning oatmeal, whole-grain pancakes, or yoghurt, but did you know they’re nutritionally beneficial, too? Packed full of antioxidants, dark-skinned fruits and berries can also protect and fight against cell damage in our bodies. The next time you feel like enjoying a sweet and refreshing snack, try raspberries, plums, cherries, or any other dark-skinned fruit or berry! Eggs There’s nothing better than sitting down to a hot breakfast! If you love eggs, then you’ll be happy to know that eggs are a great source of protein, and they also contain vitamin B (choline), which is beneficial for both memory and stress management. A cup of Greek yoghurt Greek yoghurt is not only good for you, but it can also easily be included in all kinds of meals, from pancakes to cucumber salads, to curries! Yoghurt has many beneficial properties; it’s low in sugar and high in calcium and protein, and because of the digestion-friendly probiotics it contains, Greek yoghurt is also great for your gut health. A handful of nuts Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, etc. all provide a good source of fibre, fats, and proteins. The fats they contain are mostly monounsaturated fats, omega-6, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, with a small amount of saturated fat. They also contain a number of minerals and vitamins, such as magnesium and Vitamin E. Asparagus Asparagus is another excellent choice for seniors. While the vitamin A it contains provides a boost for the immune system and promotes eye health, the fibre in asparagus contributes to heart health and aids in the reduction of cholesterol. Asparagus also contains lycopene which is known as a powerful antioxidant with many health benefits; this can also help to lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Salmon and other cold-water fish Salmon and other cold-water fish, like tuna, halibut, sardines, and mackerel, all provide a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being low in unhealthy saturated fat. This makes them nutritious options that are good for the heart and brain. They are also a great source of selenium, vitamin D, iron, phosphorus, and iodine. Shellfish Shellfish are another excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Scallops, crabs, and oysters are a perfect choice for those who want to increase their iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B12 intake, which support the health and function of the brain. Greens Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, turnip greens, and broccoli are an important component of any healthy diet. They are a rich source of minerals, vitamins, and fibre, while also being low in calories. They can also offer numerous health benefits, including lowering the risk of heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. According to a 2018 Neurology study, green leafy vegetables are also linked to lower levels of mental decline as we age. A good cup of coffee! If you love a hot cup of coffee in the morning, you’re in luck! Whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, coffee also contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and when consumed in reasonable quantities (between 1-4 cups a day) it can provide various benefits for our overall well-being. According to various studies, coffee may help to reduce the chance of developing a range of health problems, from Alzheimer’s disease and some cancer types to reducing the likelihood of strokes, heart attacks, and diabetes. The best way to enjoy a nutritious meal… …is in good company! At Settlers’ Lifestyle retirement village, our community lodge is the perfect place to come and enjoy a light off from cooking. Our restaurant, café, and bar services offer delicious and nutritious options for residents and guests alike, so come relax, share a meal, and feel refreshed in the friendly and welcoming environment of Settlers Lodge. To learn more about the independent senior living opportunities available to residents, contact us by phone at 0800 102 652 or email today. ### Retired & Ready for Something New? While many of us look forward to retirement, it’s not uncommon to be unsure of what to do with all the newfound freedom and spare time. That’s why in this blog, we’re talking about how to make the most of our golden years! Read on to learn how to enjoy your freedom to the fullest, and discover the perks of living in lifestyle retirement villages. 1. Take up New Hobbies & Learn New Skills Retirement is the perfect time to focus on your favourite pastimes, or even take up new hobbies! Working life is taxing and time-consuming; often, we can end up unintentionally putting our interests on hold, and prioritising other things. That all changes when you reach retirement—learning and improving our skills is what motivates us and keeps the mind young! Retirement is the perfect opportunity to start prioritising your hobbies again. If you’ve always had a curiosity for photography or art, indulge in that curiosity now! Alternatively, if you’ve always wanted to try dancing, gardening, or reading your way through a stack of the best historical novels ever written, now is your chance. Think about what interests you have, and start doing things you’ve always been curious about, but never had time for. 2. Prioritise Your Mental & Physical Health A retired lifestyle is not only the perfect time to start prioritising your interests, it also gives you an excellent opportunity to focus on your health and wellbeing. Some of the ways you can do this include focusing on your physical and mental well-being, maintaining a healthy diet, and keeping on top of your health check-ups. Physical Wellbeing While staying physically fit and active is important for all ages, it is especially important for seniors. This is because as we age, our body naturally slows down, and our muscles start to weaken. Muscles are essential contributors to our balance and bone health, and strengthening them will provide you with countless benefits. Not only will strong muscles improve your bone density and mobility, they will also keep your heart healthy, boost your immune system, and improve your ability to recover from injury. Mental Wellbeing While we all know that staying healthy and strong is key to a good life, less commonly known are the health benefits of keeping your mind active. Seniors who regularly partake in hobbies that are mentally challenging—like reading, chess, or learning a new language—are more likely to maintain and improve their mental clarity, sharpness, and memory. Diet & Nutrition Besides maintaining our mental and physical health through hobbies and activities, another key component of a healthy lifestyle is diet. Consuming foods that provide the best nutrients will help you in all areas of your life. Nutrient-rich food can help improve your concentration, immunity, and recovery time, to name just a few benefits, so make sure that the foods going into your body are as nutritious as they are delicious! Regular Health Check-Ups Our final health tip is for you to attend regular health check-ups, such as blood pressure checks, vaccinations, and eye exams. This is a great way to stay organised and on top of your health. Your doctor will be able to stay fully informed and up to date on your well-being, and will also be in the best position to spot any irregularities early. 3. Stay Social When entering retirement, maintaining a social lifestyle might be hard, but it is one of the main things every senior should prioritise. To some, a social life might sound less important than taking care of physical health and well-being, but this is not the case. Maintaining regular social interaction is proven to increase happiness, have a positive effect on general well-being, and lower the risk of mental health issues like depression. While finding a supportive community to be a part of can be difficult, especially if you live on your own, or feel disconnected from the society around you, there are plenty of ways you can improve your quality of life and social surroundings. Moving into a lifestyle retirement village is a great example of how one could do this. Enjoy Your Finer Years in Lifestyle Retirement For seniors ready to turn a new leaf and start a new chapter in their life, joining the supportive community of a lifestyle village is an excellent choice. As we get older, we have less energy to expend throughout the day, which can make it harder to accomplish everything we want to do. Thanks to the services retirement villages like Settlers can provide, you don’t have to worry about the little things, such as housekeeping, or gardening. Retirement villages also provide you with excellent access to recreational and leisure facilities, making it easy for residents to maintain a lively, social lifestyle. Join Our Friendly Albany Retirement Village If you’re ready to get the support you need and live in a warm and welcoming community, Settlers is the Albany retirement village for you. Live your life in ultimate luxury with our onsite recreational and leisure facilities, including restaurant/café and bar areas, a pool and gym area, a purpose-built movie theatre, and more! Explore Settlers online now, and learn about the perks of lifestyle retirement. You can also get in contact with us today to register your interest and book a tour of the area! ### Retirement Lifestyle Villages: What to Know Before Moving In As a leading lifestyle retirement village in Auckland, we know the process of moving into a retirement home inside and out. It can be complex, so we’ve gone over the basics in this blog post, so you know what to expect. After all, the decisions you make when selecting a retirement village can have a significant legal and financial impact on your life, so it’s best to know exactly what you’re doing and be as informed as possible. Choosing the right property for you is a big part of the process, and this is because there can be big differences in how retirement and lifestyle villages operate, as well as the services they provide. Take your time choosing the right property The key lesson is to make sure you don’t rush into anything. To help you make a more informed decision, we’ve come up with a few different steps to make sure that a village is the best fit for you: Think about the future. Not all villages provide medical support, and some focus entirely on lifestyle and community aspects. This might be exactly what you need today, but it’s best to double-check and consider what your options will be in the future if your mobility or health declines. Compare the documents of different villages. Retirement villages are required to give you a copy of their documentation before you sign anything. This includes the disclosure statement and the occupation rights agreement. Comparing these documents can help you get a better understanding of what each property offers. Find out what you can about costs. Different villages handle costs differently. Some may require you to pay into a body corporate fund to help maintain common areas, but others might not. It’s also a good idea to find out if you will keep any shares in capital gain should you choose to leave. Talk to your family and friends. By no means should you feel as though you need to make a choice alone! Talk to your loved ones and find out what they think as well. Retirement village costs Talk to the retirement villages you’re interested in to find out what their cost structure looks like. The main costs you’ll want to ask about are those associated with entering or exiting the village, but there may also be ongoing expenses to consider. Here at Settlers Lifestyle Village, we offer Occupation Right Agreements (ORA’s) on your choice of an apartment or townhouse. This application is made subject to acceptance by Settlers and (if appropriate) the selling of your existing property. To find out more about our process for purchasing, just get in touch with us. We’re happy to explain our full system. Legal Requirements The next considerations when moving into a retirement village are the requirements laid out by the Retirement Villages Act 2003. This act requires that anyone wanting to sign an ORA must have independent legal advice from a lawyer not connected to the retirement village in question. This lawyer is primarily required to explain the ORA to you and ensure that you understand it, but they may be able to help you with other questions as well. For example, your independent legal counsel will also likely be able to outline the differences between legal titles if you are comparing two villages offering different types of ownership. It’s important to find a lawyer with experience in retirement village documentation. If you’re having trouble finding a lawyer that has the experience you need, you can approach the Law Society. They can assist you in finding good independent legal counsel. Want more details about us? We have outlined the most important factors of moving into lifestyle retirement villages, but if you want to know the specifics of the moving process itself, feel free to contact us. We’re more than happy to help answer your questions! ### How to Stay Active & Mobile in Retirement We all want to relax in retirement, but there’s a reason nearly every retirement village in Auckland - and the rest of NZ for that matter - strives to provide facilities for keeping active. Simply put, staying mobile is great for both your mental and physical health, and can keep you looking younger for longer! Many people who hit retirement age find that switching from a more active lifestyle to a relaxed one can actually be quite a shock to the system, and this is part of why exercise is so important. The level of activity that’s best for you will be unique to your situation, but it won’t need to be a massive amount. Often, it can be easy to figure out the optimum amount of activity for you, and the real difficulty lies in deciding what to do! Do different kinds of physical activity In many cases, your doctor will suggest activities that are a good match for your medical circumstances, and this is especially important if you are managing illnesses or injuries. But, if you’ve got the all-clear to simply pick something you’re interested in, we have a few ideas to spark your imagination below. Yoga Yoga can be extremely demanding for those who take it very seriously, but for beginners, it can actually be a low-intensity way to stay flexible and mobile. There are no age restrictions on Yoga, making it a great form of exercise for the elderly. Yoga is often thought of as more of a philosopher than just simply exercise, but the fact is that it’s one of the best ways to stay in control of your body, and can be easy to start with. Walking Walking goes a long way toward good health—much more so than many people think. Walking for a few minutes every day can make a significant difference to overall health, relative to a sedentary lifestyle. Walking is also a great way to stay mobile because it can be social and practical. More often than not, it doesn’t feel like exercise. Swimming Swimming is slightly higher on the scale of intensity than our previous two examples, but it’s still easy on the joints. This is why it’s a popular recommendation by doctors for rehabilitation and recovery from certain injuries. Swimming can also be social if you take classes with others. Here at Settlers Lifestyle Village, we have a heated pool on offer as part of our gym facilities, and many find it to be a great way to keep active. Trying something new We’ve already mentioned that staying active isn’t just great for your body, it’s also great for your mind. It’s very common for those in retirement to feel as though they need something new to occupy themselves, and most find that retirement is the perfect time for learning new skills or picking up new hobbies. This is relevant to staying active, because you may find that a new sport or outdoor activity is something you want to try. Alternatively, why not try a new outdoor activity each week or each month? Trying many new things can lead you to find a new passion, and once you’re passionate about something, it’s easy to stay active around it. Most importantly, have fun! The point of retirement is to enjoy yourself. Once you’ve found something you love, whether it’s gardening, golf, volunteering, or something else, you’ll be able to stay mobile, occupied, and satisfied with little effort. The truth is, no one is too old to get out there and keep active! Here at Settlers Lifestyle Village, helping you stay active is a core priority. Browse our website to find out more about the facilities that make us one of the best lifestyle villages in Auckland, or get in touch with us to ask any other questions you might have! ### Great Benefits of Learning a New Language There are many great benefits to learning a new language in our senior years. Maintaining and improving our cognitive abilities as we age is just the tip of the iceberg! If you’ve never had time to pursue your own hobbies in the past, then retired life is the perfect time to start doing so. Read about the positive effects language learning has on your mental health and wellbeing and enjoy your time living in Settlers Albany retirement village to the fullest. 1. It improves cognitive ability & confidence While physical exercise keeps the body healthy and young, exercising the mind is equally important. Learning a foreign language challenges the brain to negotiate meaning, recognise words, and communicate in a whole new way. Therefore, conveying comprehensive meaning in an entirely different language system is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding, a feeling everyone enjoys no matter their age. Language learning opens us to a whole new realm of communication, and studying a foreign language regularly can not only help to sharpen the mind and increase our problem-solving abilities, but it can also help us improve and maintain our memory as well. In fact, there is increasing evidence showing that bilingualism is connected with sustained mental health and can even help to stave off cognitive decline. The results of the studies showed that those who regularly used two languages (or more) throughout their lifetime developed onset dementia 4 to 5 years later than participants who only spoke one language. 2. Creates new opportunities to connect Learning a foreign language offers the perfect opportunity to stay connected and meet new people. There are no doubts about the health benefits associated with companionship and intimacy, and as we age, maintaining social contact and connection becomes even more important for maintaining our happiness and well-being. If you’re bored, or looking for new ways to connect with those around you, try learning a foreign language and its accompanying culture. You can study with a friend or attend language classes and meet like-minded people. Language is meant to be communicated, and there’s no better way of studying it than learning together. Doing so will help develop your skills and allow you to meet people who share the same passion for learning as you do. 3. Takes you out of your comfort zone Learning about foreign languages and cultures is an adventure that is bound to take us outside of our comfort zones. Being a little uncomfortable is the perfect way to challenge ourselves to grow and gain new perspectives. In fact, challenging yourself and learning a new language will keep the mind young and will help you keep a positive and open mind towards the future. Live with comfort & freedom in Settler’s retirement village in Auckland If you were too busy working and taking care of the family before, use retirement as an opportunity for self-improvement and do the things you never had time for! Looking to join a warm and inviting community of like-minded individuals? Here at Settlers, our aim is to help you live your best life in a supportive and welcoming environment. Our one, two-, and three-bedroom North Shore retirement apartments are designed for maximum comfort and efficiency. With our available cleaning and care services, our residents are free to enjoy independent senior living without worrying about taxing, menial tasks, and chores. Get in contact with Settlers today with any questions you might have and book a tour with us to view our lovely retirement homes and facilities. ### Benefits of Having a Furry Friend Considering bringing a furry companion with you to live in our North Shore retirement apartments? While pets can be physically demanding and taxing to care for, with our excellent housekeeping services, Settlers residents can enjoy the vitality-boosting effects of owning a pet, without the hassle of continually tidying up after them. But what are the benefits of having a pet in our lives, and what animals can you bring with you into your Settlers retirement home? We explain all below! 1. Fuzzy companionship Having the loving companionship of a pet can bring you years of happiness, and even increase your health and longevity. Seniors who want to add a little warmth and quality social time to their lives should consider the perks of having a fuzzy friend! A pet can give us a feeling of purpose, not only helping us feel needed and wanted but also helping to reduce loneliness and depression. 2. Lowers blood pressure People who have high blood pressure are more at risk of developing illnesses, such as coronary heart disease. However, seniors who own pets have been shown to generally have lower blood pressure than those who do not own pets. In fact, research suggests that even just touching a pet can have beneficial health effects, and reduce blood pressure in the body. 3. Promotes living in the moment Having the friendship and comfort of a pet by your side can be especially good for the soul, and promote living in the moment. Just knowing that they are there in the same space as you can be soothing and grounding. Knowing that another being is enjoying the warmth and comfort of your home or apartment makes us appreciate the space all the more, not to mention has a positive effect on our mentality. 4. Brings routine to your life Another perk of owning a pet is that many of them require regular feeding and exercise schedules. Not only does routine keep animals composed, calm, and happy, it does the same for us, too! While owning a pet might be too tiring for some seniors, maintaining a daily routine is a great way of taking care of our well-being. So, whether you have a furry roommate or not, creating a daily routine that motivates you to do the things you love can help you live your life with purpose, and pets are a great way to achieve this. 5. Promotes a healthy, active lifestyle Pets help increase our mobility and independence by motivating us to live healthy, active lifestyles. Sometimes we don’t realise that all we need to do to cure our fatigue, irritability, or gloomy mood is to go out for a walk and change our perspective. But when dogs feel restless, we are far more likely to notice their change in behaviour. Dog owners are far more likely to achieve their daily exercise goals. Going on walks together is not only a great time to bond with your pet, but it will also help boost your spirits and calm your nerves. 6. Reduces anxiety & eases pain Anxiety affects the levels of pain we feel in our bodies. Whether the pain seniors feel is post-operative or arthritic, research has shown that pets can help to alleviate this discomfort and ease anxiety at the same time. Pet therapy even exists as proof of this theory, and is often used in hospitals and care homes to energise and comfort patients. Owning a pet at Settlers Here at Settlers, we know the positive role and health benefits that pets can have in our lives. If you’re considering moving into our Albany retirement village and want to bring your pet with you, get in touch with us today! We’d be more than happy to discuss our pet policy with you. In most cases, well-behaved cats and small dogs (who have been approved by management) are welcome on the premises, but this will also depend on the style of dwelling you choose to live in. ## Pages ### Property Page Newsletter Thank You Thank you! An email with the available properties will arrive in your inbox within a few minutes. Go Back to Homepage ### For Sale At Settlers Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore For Sale at Settlers Get the latest property listings Register your name and email below to receive a list of all available homes, sent straight to your inbox. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *Email * Sign Up Now Townhouses Surrounded by Nature | Selling Now Imagine sipping wine on your balcony or patio, surrounded by native bush and birdsong. That’s the lifestyle Settlers residents cherish.Orchard 245 is a west-facing, middle-floor townhouse with peaceful views over established native bush and plenty of afternoon sun. Thoughtfully designed for easy living, it features double glazing, underfloor heating, a heat pump, generous storage and a single garage with internal access. Priced at $1,298,000.Foley 49 is a ground-floor, north-east-facing home with direct access to a private patio and lawn, ideal for pet lovers. Small dogs are welcome with approval. It offers the same comfort, modern features and internal-access garage. Also priced at $1,298,000.Both homes are a short stroll from the Lodge, where you’ll find the pool, spa, gym, library and a lively calendar of resident events. Book A Tour Download a Floorplan Ingham 99 - A Stylish One Bedroom Corner Apartment This bright and airy one-bedroom apartment is perfectly positioned on the corner, with windows facing north and east to capture all-day sun. At 74sqm, it offers generous space and a thoughtful layout, including a full kitchen, open-plan living, and a private balcony—ideal for morning coffee or entertaining friends.Corner apartments are always in high demand, and this one won’t be available for long. Priced at $650,000 and ready for you to make it your own. To view this apartment and learn more, book a tour with Linda Neale, Sales & Marketing Manager below. Book A Tour Download a Floor Plan Complimentary moving package value - $6,000 As a thank you for joining the village family, you’ll receive full assistance with your move-in.Our dedicated move-in team will plan every element of your relocation to ensure the process is as stress-free and relaxed as possible. They’ll take care of you and your belongings every step of the way—making your next move your best move. Contact Us ### Booking Thank You Thanks for Your Booking! Your appointment has been successfully booked, and we can't wait to meet you in person.We're delighted that you've chosen to schedule a viewing appointment with us. Our team is eagerly looking forward to showing you around our beautiful community and helping you discover the perfect home that fits your lifestyle. Go Back to Homepage ### Newsletter Thank you Thanks for Signing Up to Our Newsletter We're thrilled to welcome you to our community! Your subscription was completed with success.  Go Back to Homepage ### Thank You Thanks for getting in touch! Your message was successfully received, and one of our team members will get back to you shortly.  Go Back to Homepage ### Book A Tour Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore Book A Tour "We have never regretted for a moment our move here 7 years ago, even more as Mikes eyesight has steadily deteriorated over that time. It is the best quality of life for us." - Jude and Mike ### Our Philosophy Settlers Lifestyle Village Where Philosophy Shapes Lifestyle. Book A Tour Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore Our Philosophy At Settlers Lifestyle Village, we adhere to a set of guiding principles that places our residents first.These principles were carefully selected in support of the overarching purpose of our existence: resident well-being. Care Here at Settlers Lifestyle Village, our guiding principle is to prioritise care. We understand that peace-of-mind is knowing that a registered nurse is available around the clock, should assistance be needed.Residents of Settlers Lifestyle Village have preferential access to private hospital care at Fairview Care, located at our sister village Fairview, just five minutes down the road, subject to the availability of suitable care beds. This arrangement provides added reassurance to our community, knowing that higher-level care is available if ever required. Book A Tour Learn More "I have resided in Settlers Life Style Village for 12 years and can give testament to the fact that I have enjoyed every day of those years, with still more to fulfil and enjoy." - Philippa Support In our community, resident support is a key element of our philosophy.We recognise that life can be unpredictable, and people may need different kinds of support to maintain their well-being.To meet these needs, we offer a variety of services that help with daily living, enabling our residents to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle without worry. Learn More Kindness As a community, we understand that care doesn’t just mean addressing physical needs – it’s about creating an environment that fosters a culture of kindness, compassion, and understanding. We take pride in being a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone feels welcome and valued. Friendship Research consistently shows that seniors experience improved health and psychological well-being when they have friends. That's why our village is designed to support connectivity, while also respecting the preferences of those who value quieter, less frequent interactions. Learn more Lifestyle We are more than just a retirement community - we offer a luxury, independent lifestyle for people over 65. In order to make our residents' golden years truly golden, we provide every comfort, care and convenience possible. Our goal is to offer our residents the very best lifestyle, and they’ve told us we’ve achieved exactly that by awarding us the Aged Advisor award for Best Village in the North Island multiple times. Learn More "I never cease to appreciate the diligence with which the grounds of Settlers are taken care of. Beautiful trees and plants which lift our spirits." - Chris Vitality Vitality is strongly associated with happiness and well-being. Our vibrant community offers a wealth of activities to help you stay active, mentally sharp, and socially engaged.  Vitality is strongly correlated with happiness and well-being. It derives from the latin word ‘vita,’ meaning life. As a physical state, it refers to feeling energetic, capable, and healthy. Psychologically, it provides a sense of meaning and purpose. We offer activities to engage the mind, body, and soul. Learn More Freedom Retirement living doesn’t mean giving up your independence. Settlers Lifestyle Village is designed for seniors who want to enjoy all the best parts of retirement living, with the added peace of mind that comes from knowing you can lock up and leave, confident that your home and belongings are safe.  Book A Tour Watch Video "It is wonderful to be here at Settlers during lockdown knowing that Management are keeping us safe and informed." - Allan ### Why Choose Us A new generation luxury retirement community Book A Tour Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore Why Choose Us Resort-like surroundings with beautiful amenities Looking for a luxury retirement community in the North Island? You’ve found the undisputed leaders! The vision behind Settlers was to create a lifestyle village that embodied excellence in every aspect. We are delighted to have our vision acknowledged. For four years running Settlers Lifestyle Village has been awarded The Aged Advisor Award for Best Large Retirement or Lifestyle Village Award - North Island. People’s Choice Awards reflect what retirement village residents think about their village. We’re thrilled they chose us – four times! Book A Tour “There is a well-being group here. You can say ‘I’m lonely’, or someone could point to a person and say – ‘that person needs help’ and they will take you out for coffee.” - Barbara Lifestyle villages play a vital role in well-being – we understand this We truly understand the critical role lifestyle villages play in promoting well-being. Our team is dedicated to creating a nurturing and vibrant community where residents can thrive both physically and mentally. From our state-of-the-art amenities to our compassionate staff, every aspect of our village is thoughtfully designed with resident well-being in mind. The holistic approach we take truly makes a difference in the lives of our residents. It is our privilege to support and care for our residents during their senior years, ensuring they enjoy a life filled with comfort, happiness, and peace of mind. We invite you to visit Settlers Lifestyle Village to experience the welcoming atmosphere for yourself. Chat with our residents, ask questions, and explore our beautiful grounds. View Homes For Sale Consider all the qualities of an exceptional retirement community One that sets the standard and provides a quality of life like no other. That is what our village encapsulates. Settlers Lifestyle Village is built around its residents, catering to their every need. Every aspect of our village is designed with your well-being in mind, from our facilities and recreation activities to our care and support services. Watch Video Book a Tour Now! ### Complimentary Moving Package Making your next move your best move. Contact Us Today! Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore Complimentary Moving Package Moving package value - $6,000 As a thank you for joining the village family, you’ll receive full assistance with your move-in. Our dedicated move-in team will plan every element of your relocation to ensure the process is as stress-free and relaxed as possible. They’ll take care of you and your belongings every step of the way—making your next move your best move. Contact Us "They were very considerate and listened to requests for special care for fragile items. They were also willing to drop off a large pot plant to a neighbour on the way to my place." - Noeline Davey What you get: Below is a detailed explanation of the services provided. 40 hours of moving services Planning Sorting/ organising Packing Relocation Unpacking Sale/ donation of unwanted/ unneeded items Setting up of the new apartment/ villa Contact Us Professional cleaning of your home - move out clean All surfaces cleaned Drawers, benchtops, cupboards (inside excluded), sink, stove top Front of dishwasher Skirting boards Window sills and tracks Walls washed (where possible) Bathrooms and toilets cleaned and sanitised Spiderwebs decobbed Bins emptied Dusting and vacuuming All floors washed excluding carpets Contact Us Relocation A truck and two personnel to carry out the relocation Transit Insurance to the value of $50,000 Skip bin - 6cbm Packing materials 30 small boxes, 15 big boxes, 10kg of packing paper, ½ roll of bubble wrap All packing materials removed from your property once the move is complete Contact Us What you get: 40 hours of move management services Planning Sorting/ organising Packing Relocation Unpacking Sale/ donation of unwanted/ unneeded items Setting up of the new apartment/ villa Contact Us Professional cleaning of your home - move out clean All surfaces cleaned Drawers, benchtops, cupboards (inside excluded), sink, stove top Front of dishwasher Skirting boards Window sills and tracks Walls washed (where possible) Bathrooms and toilets cleaned and sanitised Spiderwebs decobbed Bins emptied Dusting and vacuuming All floors washed excluding carpets Contact Us Relocation A truck and two personnel to carry out the relocation Transit Insurance to the value of $50,000 Skip bin - 6cbm Packing materials 30 small boxes, 15 big boxes, 10kg of packing paper, ½ roll of bubble wrap All packing materials removed from your property once the move is complete Contact Us How Long will it take? All of the above usually begins a week before moving day and is completed in around 4-5 days.Please speak directly with the team at Senior Move Managers if you have other requirements and how they may be able to help. Give Us A Call "We had a very successful and pleasant move thanks to the wonderful team who certainly went more than the ‘second mile’ to get us moved. Thank you." - Bryan and Christine ### Village Site Map ### Three Bedroom Apartment Tailored for Excellence, Independent Living Apartments That Reflect Your Lifestyle. Book A Tour Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore Three Bedroom Apartment Resort-style facilities Settlers Lifestyle Village’s beautiful new Independent Living Apartments are designed to capture both the sun and the views. There are two options to choose from – 2 or 3 bedrooms, both with 2 bathrooms. They’re light and spacious, fully fitted with quality flooring, heat pumps and appliances, under tile heating and double-glazing. Fabulous recreational and service facilities are just a stroll away in ‘The Lodge’, the heart of the village. Settlers’ new apartments tick all the right boxes! Book A Tour Features Modern kitchen Fisher & Paykel appliances Quality bathroom Double glazing Heat pumps in living and master bedroom Under tile heating Emergency call buttons to on site Registered Nurse Peace of mind living Book a Tour Now! 3 Bedroom Retirement Apartment Explore 3D Space   Three Bedroom Floor Plan "The apartments are beautifully renovated, and you can make them your own." - Liz ### Two Bedroom Apartment Tailored for Excellence, Apartments That Reflect Your Lifestyle. Book A Tour Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore Two Bedroom Apartment Outstanding lifestyle Settlers’ beautiful new apartments are designed to capture both the sun and the views. There are two options to choose from – 2 or 3 bedrooms, both with 2 bathrooms. They’re light and spacious, fully fitted with quality flooring, heat pumps and appliances, under tile heating and double-glazing. Fabulous recreational and service facilities are just a stroll away in ‘The Lodge’, the heart of the village. Settlers’ new apartments tick all the right boxes! Book A Tour Features Modern kitchen Fisher & Paykel appliances Quality bathroom Double glazing Heat pumps in living and master bedroom Under tile heating Emergency call buttons to on site Registered Nurse Peace of mind living Book a Tour Now! 2 Bedroom Retirement Apartment Explore 3D Space   Two Bedroom Floor Plans Two Bedroom Floor Plans "The apartments are beautifully renovated, and you can make them your own." - Liz ### One Bedroom Apartment Tailored for Excellence, Luxury Retirement Apartments That Reflect Your Lifestyle. Book A Tour Award-winning Luxury Retirement Apartments on Auckland’s North Shore One Bedroom Apartment All under one roof Seize the opportunity to move into a luxurious one bedroom retirement home. These spacious apartments are in high demand and there are a lot of reasons why – feeling safe in your own home is one of them. Uncompromising quality, unparalleled facilities where someone else has to worry about the lawns. Quality flooring, quality appliances, heat pumps, undertile heating and double glazing are all included in the price. Make the move. Discover just how good retirement living for the new generation of 65 + can be. Book A Tour Features One bedroom Modern kitchen Fisher & Paykel appliances Quality bathroom Double glazing and undertile heating Heat pumps in living and master bedroom Emergency call buttons to on site Registered Nurse Peace of mind living Book a Tour Now! 1 Bedroom Retirement Apartment Explore 3D Space   One Bedroom Floor Plans One Bedroom Floor Plans "The apartments are beautifully renovated, and you can make them your own." - Liz ### Three Bedroom Townhouse Settlers Lifestyle Village, Your Perfect Choice. Book A Tour Award-winning Luxurious Retirement Homes on Auckland’s North Shore Three Bedroom Townhouses A home of your choice Experience the pinnacle of retirement living at Settlers Retirement Village, where our three-bedroom townhouses redefine comfort, luxury, and community. Crafted with your needs in mind, our Luxurious Retirement Homes provide a tranquil sanctuary enriched by thoughtful details. Book A Tour Our features and amenities Spacious Living Enjoy ample living space ranging up to 200m² (including a balcony/patio of up to 35m2 and a 25m2 garage), providing room for relaxation and entertainment for you and your loved ones. Our three bedrooms have the option of a corner house that allows for a wraparound patio and a Juliette balcony for two of the three bedrooms. These sought-after Townhouses even have room for a grand piano, enquire about their availability below. Safety Measures Rest easy with emergency call buttons linked to our onsite registered nurse, providing peace of mind in case of any urgent needs. Car parking Our three-bedroom Townhouses all come with a single garage. Some have internal access directly into the townhouse while others have internal access into a common area hallway with access via lifts or stairs to your dwelling. Modern Kitchens Indulge your culinary passions in the modern, well-appointed kitchens featuring Fisher & Paykel appliances (excluding fridge, washing machine, and dryer), designed to make cooking a joy. Year-Round Comfort Experience ultimate comfort with underfloor heating in all tiled areas and heat pumps in the lounge and master bedroom, ensuring warmth and coziness no matter the season. Energy Efficiency Benefit from double glazing throughout the townhouse, providing insulation and energy efficiency to keep your home comfortable and environmentally friendly. Accessibility Enjoy ease of access with lifts and stairs available in all buildings, ensuring that every part of the townhouse is easily reachable for all residents. Entertainment Options Stay connected with Village SKY dish and UHF options, as well as ultra-fast broadband availability, allowing you to enjoy your favourite entertainment and stay connected with loved ones. Pet-Friendly Environment Embrace the companionship of your furry friends with our pet-friendly policies (conditions apply), ensuring that your beloved pets can share in the joys of retirement living. Book A Tour Our Features and Amenities Spacious Living Enjoy ample living space ranging up to 200m² (including a balcony/patio of up to 35m2 and a 25m2 garage), providing room for relaxation and entertainment for you and your loved ones. Our three bedrooms have the option of a corner house that allows for a wraparound patio and a Juliette balcony for two of the three bedrooms. These sought-after Townhouses even have room for a grand piano, enquire about their availability below. Safety Measures Rest easy with emergency call buttons linked to our onsite registered nurse, providing peace of mind in case of any urgent needs. Car parking Our three-bedroom Townhouses all come with a single garage. Some have internal access directly into the townhouse while others have internal access into a common area hallway with access via lifts or stairs to your dwelling. Modern Kitchens Indulge your culinary passions in the modern, well-appointed kitchens featuring Fisher & Paykel appliances (excluding fridge, washing machine, and dryer), designed to make cooking a joy. Year-Round Comfort Experience ultimate comfort with underfloor heating in all tiled areas and heat pumps in the lounge and master bedroom, ensuring warmth and coziness no matter the season. Energy Efficiency Benefit from double glazing throughout the townhouse, providing insulation and energy efficiency to keep your home comfortable and environmentally friendly. Accessibility Enjoy ease of access with lifts and stairs available in all buildings, ensuring that every part of the townhouse is easily reachable for all residents. Entertainment Options Stay connected with Village SKY dish and UHF options, as well as ultra-fast broadband availability, allowing you to enjoy your favourite entertainment and stay connected with loved ones. Pet-Friendly Environment Embrace the companionship of your furry friends with our pet-friendly policies (conditions apply), ensuring that your beloved pets can share in the joys of retirement living. Book A Tour Get in touch today Enquire now to discover availability and receive a price list for our exquisite three-bedroom townhouses at Settlers Retirement Village. Experience the epitome of modern retirement living with these exceptional features and amenities designed to enhance your quality of life. Get In Touch Three bedroom floor plan "The apartments are beautifully renovated, and you can make them your own." - Liz ### Two Bedroom Townhouse Settlers Lifestyle Village, Your Perfect Choice. Book A Tour Award-winning Retirement Townhouses on Auckland’s North Shore Two Bedroom Townhouses Sunny and spacious luxurious Retirement Townhouses Welcome to the allure of retirement living redefined at Settlers Retirement Village, where our two-bedroom retirement townhouses offer the perfect sanctuary for over 65’s seeking comfort, luxury, and a true sense of community. Of our 181 properties, just 62 of them are townhouses, their size making downsizing a breeze. Book A Tour Our features and amenities Spacious Interiors Enjoy generous living spaces of approximately 150m² (including a 20m2 balcony/patio and 25m2 garage), providing ample room for you and your partner to relax and entertain in style. A Modern Kitchen Cook up culinary delights in the well-appointed kitchen, equipped with Fisher & Paykel appliances for your convenience and enjoyment. Year-Round Comfort Stay cozy year-round with underfloor heating in all tiled areas and heat pumps in the lounge and master bedroom, ensuring a comfortable living environment regardless of the season. Connectivity Stay connected with loved ones via our ultra-fast broadband and Village SKY dish. Safety and Security Rest easy knowing that emergency call buttons are installed throughout the townhouse, providing direct access to our onsite registered nurse in case of any need. Pet-Friendly Bring along your furry companions to share in your retirement adventure. Our pet-friendly policy extends to both cats and small dogs. Parking Our Townhouses come with a single garage. Some have internal access directly into the townhouse while others have internal access into a common area hallway with access via lifts or stairs to your dwelling. Settlers is lifestyle village living at its best! Book a Tour Now! Our Features and Amenities Spacious Interiors Enjoy generous living spaces of approximately 150m² (including a 20m2 balcony/patio and 25m2 garage), providing ample room for you and your partner to relax and entertain in style. A Modern Kitchen Cook up culinary delights in the well-appointed kitchen, equipped with Fisher & Paykel appliances for your convenience and enjoyment. Year-Round Comfort Stay cozy year-round with underfloor heating in all tiled areas and heat pumps in the lounge and master bedroom, ensuring a comfortable living environment regardless of the season. Connectivity Stay connected with loved ones via our ultra-fast broadband and Village SKY dish. Safety and Security Rest easy knowing that emergency call buttons are installed throughout the townhouse, providing direct access to our onsite registered nurse in case of any need. Pet-Friendly Bring along your furry companions to share in your retirement adventure. Our pet-friendly policy extends to both cats and small dogs. Parking Our Townhouses come with a single garage. Some have internal access directly into the townhouse while others have internal access into a common area hallway with access via lifts or stairs to your dwelling. Settlers is lifestyle village living at its best! Book a Tour Now! Get in touch today Enquire now to discover availability and receive a price list for our exquisite three-bedroom retirement townhouses at Settlers Retirement Village. Experience the epitome of modern retirement living with these exceptional features and amenities designed to enhance your quality of life. Get In Touch Two Bedroom Floor Plans "The apartments are beautifully renovated, and you can make them your own." - Liz ### Homes for Sale Your New Home Could Be More Than You Hoped. Book A Tour Settlers, an award-winning retirement village on Auckland's North Shore Retirement Homes For Sale Retirement Homes For Sale at Settlers Lifestyle Village Whether you choose an apartment or townhouse, with one, two or three bedrooms, your new retirement home at Settlers will have the best of everything. Sunny and spacious, the luxurious retirement homes are: Convenient with lots of storage, lift access and exclusive use of carparking Superbly well-appointed with Fisher & Paykel appliances Warm and comfortable from the heat pumps, under-tile heating and double glazing Safe and secure, with emergency call buttons to onsite registered nurse, fire security systems and easy lock-and-leave capability Perfect for entertaining with balconies and open living spaces For Sale at Settlers "We walked in and went ‘wow’. There’s something really special about this place – it’s different, it’s like being at a hotel in surfers, you walk in and go ‘wow, this is lovely’." - Ray The Types of Properties at Settlers Browse our retirement homes for sale featuring townhouses and apartments. 2 & 3 Bedroom Townhouses Our fabulous townhouses are spacious and well-appointed. You will be cozy with double glazing and under-tile heating, you may never want to leave home. But if you do, our amazing Lodge facilities are right on your doorstep. Contact Us Today 2 Bedroom Townhouse Double glazing and under-tile heating, you may never want to leave home. But if you do, our amazing Lodge facilities are right on your doorstep. Find Our More 3 Bedroom Townhouse Fabulous townhouses, spacious and well-appointed featuring double glazing windows and under-tile heating for your convenience. Find Our More 1 Bedroom Apartment Our one-bedroom retirement apartments do not come up often. Completely refurbished with double glazing and under-tile heating. Our amazing Lodge facilities are only a short walk all undercover along the hallway. Find Our More 2 Bedroom Apartment Beautiful new apartments designed to capture both the sun and the views. They’re light and spacious, fully fitted with quality flooring, heat pumps and appliances, under-tile heating and double glazing. Find Our More 3 Bedroom Apartment These spacious three-bedroom luxury apartments with 2 baths are designed to capture both the sun and views. Fitted with quality flooring, heat pumps and appliances, under-tile heating and double glazing. Find Our More 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments Elevate your living experience with Settlers Lifestyle Village's range of premium apartments, offering an array of thoughtfully designed 1, 2, and 3-bedroom options. These luxurious residences combine modern aesthetics with functional elegance, providing the perfect canvas for you to craft your retirement haven. Whether you seek the intimacy of a cozy one-bedroom space, the versatility of a two-bedroom abode, or the spaciousness of a three-bedroom sanctuary, our premium apartments are tailored to cater to your unique preferences and needs. Discover a world where every detail is carefully curated to ensure comfort, style, and an unmatched sense of belonging within our vibrant community. Contact Us Today Making moving easy We make moving to Settlers retirement village as simple as possible. When you choose your new home at Settlers, we take it off the market so you’ll have time to sell your current property and move in. Premium residences available now Experience the pinnacle of retirement living with Settlers Lifestyle Village's premium residences and embrace a life of luxury, comfort, and unparalleled community connections with Settlers Lifestyle Village. See the homes for yourself and see the better side of life with Settlers Lifestyle townhouses and apartments. Book a Tour Now! ### FAQ's Your Story Continues at Settlers Lifestyle Village. Book A Tour Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore FAQ's We've curated a collection of frequently asked questions to ensure you have a clear understanding of what Settlers Lifestyle Village has to offer. Join us in exploring this resource, and embark on a journey toward a more enriched and fulfilling lifestyle with us. What’s the process of moving into Settlers?Apply to purchase an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) on your choice of home, along with a $5000 deposit. This application is made subject to acceptance by Settlers and (if appropriate) the selling of your existing property. We are happy to talk you through this process at any time. Is there an age restriction? Yes, Settlers is designed for independent living for those aged 65 plus. Can I have friends and family stay? Of course! This is your home. Please let our office receptionist know if you have up to two guests staying overnight. If you would like to have more than two guests stay at the same time, or if you would like guests to stay for more than one month in any 12-month period, you will need to discuss this with the village manager. Guests must comply with village rules and may be asked to leave if their stay negatively affects other residents. Guests and visitors are welcome to share the village facilities with you at any time, as long as you accompany them. Can I make decorative or minor structural changes to my apartment?Please discuss your ideas with the village manager first. Any changes will be at your cost and we may ask that your home be returned to its original condition before resale. What happens when I go on holiday?Just lock up and leave! When you return, your home will be just as you left it. Please let our receptionist know your departure and return dates. We can also arrange to have your mail collected. Can we continue to have the Herald newspaper delivered?Yes, you can – simply contact the NZ Herald and let them know your change of address. A single Herald is also delivered daily to the library and is available for all residents to read. What activities do you have in the village? We have many social events and a variety of activities at our village. Please contact us to see the events coming up, and click here to view our recreational facilities. What transport is provided at the village?Our village bus is available to you and can accommodate up to twelve passengers. You can join one of the regular trips to and from the local Westfield Shopping Mall, or arrange to use it for other trips. A small car is also available for transport to medical appointments. Does Settlers have fixed fees? Settlers offer fixed fees for life. Terms and conditions apply, please call us for further information. Dispute resolution arising from the provision of utilities The village on charges the supply of electricity to residents at a fixed (reviewable) rate, calculated on what the village is charged for by its power supplier. If you have a complaint, please call the Village Manager in the first instance to notify us and allow us to resolve the issue internally. If we cannot resolve your complaint you can contact Utilities Disputes on 0800 22 33 40 or go to www.utilitiesdisputes.co.nz Utilities Disputes is a free and independent service for resolving complaints about utilities providers. Can I bring my pet with me?In most cases your well-behaved cats and small dogs are welcome. This will depend on the style of home you choose, and we are happy to discuss our pet policy with you. Is there carparking for residents? Our two and three bedroom townhouses all come with their own lock up garage. All two and three bedroom apartments come with undercover basement carparks, as long as at least one of the residents has a current driver’s licence and owns a car. Our one-bedroom homes can also be allocated a space if one is required and available. Do you have emergency assistance? Yes, Settlers has at least one of our registered nurses on site 24/7. After hours, the RN on call also acts as the duty manager. Each home is equipped with multiple call buttons to alert the RN on duty. Pendants are available upon request. Who owns Settlers?Settlers is a privately owned limited liability company which is part of the Premier Lifestyle Villages group of companies. For further information please refer to our Disclosure Statement. What legislation protects residents and village operators? The Retirement Villages Act 2003 (the Act), its regulations and the Code of Practice protect the interests of residents and intended residents of retirement villages. It also defines the obligations of retirement village operators. For further information please refer to the Commission for Financial Capability website by clicking here. What is the role of the statutory supervisor? The Retirement Villages Act 2003 (the Act) requires, with a few exceptions, that every retirement village must be registered and that the operator of a registered retirement village must appoint a statutory supervisor. Settlers Albany is a registered retirement village and has appointed Covenant Trustee Services Limited (Covenant) as their statutory supervisor. By way of an agreement called a Deed of Supervision, Covenant’s role is to financially monitor the village and ensure it operates to protect your rights as residents in accordance with the Act. This gives incoming residents peace of mind and security under the law. What happens when there is a need to leave the village? If you must permanently leave the village, you’ll need to advise the Village Manager in writing that you wish to terminate your Occupation Right Agreement (ORA). You will then need to complete a termination form giving a minimum of one month’s notice. We will establish a plan to refurbish your home, and begin actively marketing it. Once it has been relicensed to the new occupant, you will be refunded the original purchase price, less the Village Contribution and any other amounts owing. Weekly fees will continue for no more than three months after the date of vacant possession or the settlement of a new ORA whichever occurs first. We can deactivate the direct debit for weekly fees upon request and the balance of the fees will be deducted on final settlement. Am I charged refurbishment costs on leaving the village?No, Settlers is responsible for all refurbishment costs and you are only responsible for any damage beyond fair wear and tear and any agreed reinstatement costs. A guide to retirement living Tips, insights and checklists for navigating the retirement village industry. Click here to download information ‘Thinking of Living in a Retirement Village?‘ Apartments are beautifully renovated, and you can make them your own. You can choose your carpet, drapes, and flooring, and add small details that are important to you. Having the freedom to do that is important - Liz ### Testimonials Settlers Lifestyle Village, Where You're Known, Valued, and Loved. Book A Tour Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore Testimonials Our residents are the true architects of the vibrant atmosphere that defines our village, and through their voices, you'll gain insight into the enriching connections, cherished memories, and remarkable moments that shape life. Discover the depth of friendships, the sense of belonging, and the exceptional care that Settlers Lifestyle Village is known for. The wow factor! “We walked in and went ‘wow’. There’s something really special about this place – it’s different, it’s like being at a hotel in surfers, you walk in and go ‘wow, this is lovely’.” - Ray A homely village! “Most people are perceptive and very caring. This is a happy village and it’s a homely village. It’s not clinical, it’s a home. You’re here just to enjoy yourself. That’s the fun of it! There is so much to do if you want to do it, and if you don’t, just stay home.” - John Bringing men together! “There is even a get-together for men, they bring us together for a meeting once a week. No one is isolated . . . You live longer if you aren’t. ” - Precious Well-being group! “There is a well-being group here. You can say ‘I’m lonely’, or someone could point to a person and say – ‘that person needs help’ and they will take you out for coffee.” - Barbara Caring for each other! “When I came back from the hospital two wonderful people in the village said – ‘Mary, we’re going to do your shopping for you, and they still do my shopping. I make a list and ring them when they’re going, and they get what I need.” - Mary All the care you need! “There is a lot of care here – a lot of caring people. If someone gets Covid everyone cares and drops things off to people. It’s residents in the well-being group. They’ll drive you to the hospital for an appointment which is a huge thing for me because there are a lot of people who can’t drive …” - Robert Choosing your freedom! “If you want to start a group, you start it. You’re not being told ‘No you can’t because we’ve already organised it’. You just say ‘Can I have the room on a certain day’ and away you go.” - Bruce I'm happy here! “We often say ‘What would we be doing if we weren’t here’. I don’t think we would be as happy. We wouldn’t have the friends we have here.” - Shirley So much to do here! “There’s so much to do here. We had no intention of going into a lifestyle village. But once we saw what was here we changed our mind about it. We are more active here than before we came.” - Liz Beautiful and renovated apartments! “Apartments are beautifully renovated, and you can make them your own. You can choose your carpet, drapes, and flooring, and add small details that are important to you. Having the freedom to do that is important.” - Margaret Safety first! “We have 5 call buttons in our apartment. I pushed one by mistake once and the nurse was up in seconds!” - Pamela We walked in and went ‘wow’. There’s something really special about this place – it’s different, it’s like being at a hotel in surfers, you walk in and go ‘wow, this is lovely’. - Ray ### Healthcare & Security Health, Happiness, and Peace of Mind. Book A Tour Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore Healthcare & Security Registered nurse on site 24/7 With on site emergency nursing support available around the clock, our residents can take comfort in knowing that help is nearby if they need it. Our apartments feature multiple call buttons, and our registered nurses on site 24/7 are equipped and trained to provide assistance at a moment's notice. Residents of Settlers Lifestyle Village, along with Fairview residents, have preferential consideration for private hospital care at nearby Fairview Care, subject to the availability of suitable care beds.. Knowing that a higher level of care is available if needed is reassuring. Book A Tour "Four years ago my husband had a stroke. This is another thing that coming in here gives us – the opportunity for nursing, and you’ve got the alarms if anything happens." - Margarent Emotional and well-being support We believe that providing emotional support is just as important as providing health care. Importantly our nurses are more than just health professionals, they are also compassionate individuals who take the time to listen and offer encouragement too. Whether it's a quick check-in during a shift or a longer conversation during a tough time, our nurses want to make sure our residents live their best lives. View Homes For Sale Security Our village is a gated community. Gates are locked overnight and open early in the morning. When the gates are closed, family and friends are still able to visit by using an intercom at the gate. Many residents find it reassuring that the gates are locked at night. It is comforting to know that you can go to bed at night without having to worry about your safety, CCTV cameras are installed in and around the village for your added security. Book a Tour Now! "We have 5 call buttons in our apartment. I pushed one by mistake once and the nurse was up in seconds!" - Pamela ### Facilities & Recreation Endless Choices, Limitless Enjoyment. Book A Tour Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore Facilities & Recreation Beautiful, relaxing surroundings with resort like facilities Take a moment to think about how you feel when you go on holiday. Now imagine feeling that way all the time. ‘Living in a resort’, ‘staying in a hotel’, ‘being on vacation every day ‘- these are words our residents use to describe what it’s like to live here. It’s no wonder that living in a beautiful environment can do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being. Who wouldn’t want to feel like they’re on vacation all the time? Settlers Lifestyle Village delivers far more than you’d ever get from a standard residence. Here are just some of the things our residents enjoy every day. Book A Tour "When I came back from the hospital two wonderful people in the village said – ‘Mary, we’re going to do your shopping for you, and they still do my shopping. I make a list and ring them when they’re going, and they get what I need." - Mary The Lodge Our main shared area in the village gives Settlers a luxurious resort-like feel. The Lodge features a range of facilities and shared common spaces to be enjoyed, such as: Heated pool and spa Gym BBQ patio and outdoor areas Purpose-built movie theatre and big-screen TVs Restaurant/café Bar Stage and dance floor Library, billiards/pool and games areas Bloke's shed for building, crafting and tinkering Hairdressing salon View Homes For Sale Kell Lounge The Kell Lounge is a multipurpose activity lounge in the village Lodge. This space is used for arts, indoor sports, and exercise classes. Avenues Lounge This is a private function room that is available to residents for free. Outdoor Spaces A bowling green Croquet lawn Petanque court Ready for use in any weather, these areas are set amongst our lush, landscaped gardens. Shaded outdoor seating is also available within the area, perfect for relaxing on hot summer days. Butterfly House With the recent setup of a Butterfly House, an exciting and inspiring project has been started. Breeding butterflies has become a passion for our community, with a beautiful and natural cycle of life being observed within the walls of our butterfly home. The Butterfly Association has donated caterpillars that thrive on the swan plant growing inside the butterfly house. The cycle of life is an awe-inspiring thing to witness, and the interest and excitement generated by this project are truly remarkable. To raise awareness and preserve butterfly populations, Settlers donates to the Butterfly Association. We walked in and went ‘wow’. There’s something really special about this place – it’s different, it’s like being at a hotel in surfers, you walk in and go ‘wow, this is lovely’. - Ray There’s so much to do here. We had no intention of going into a lifestyle village. But once we saw what was here we changed our mind about it. - Liz Recreational Activities Vitality is the fullness of life Our vibrant community offers a wealth of activities to help you stay active, mentally sharp, and socially engaged. Vitality is strongly correlated with happiness and well-being. It derives from the Latin word ‘vita,’ meaning life. As a physical state, it refers to feeling energetic, capable, and healthy. Psychologically, it provides a sense of meaning and purpose. Book a Tour Now! Ours is a vibrant community Whether you want to join us for a friendly game of table tennis, get creative with some tinkering in the blokes shed, join an art class or take up Tai Chi – there’s always lots to do. Our activities are designed to provide excitement and joy to our residents. Activities to suit every interest Our residents can choose from five to ten activities each day. For the mind Painting Chess Art Crafts Mahjong For the body Walk n Talk Lawn Bowls Indoor Bowls Croquet Table Tennis Yoga Darts Line Dancing For the soul Tai Chi Ukulele Happy Hour Coffee and Games Shopping So come join us at one of our open days and see for yourself how vibrant life can be! There are many activities each day! Find Out More Here We are more active here than before we came. - Liz The old-olds are in their 90’s, and they are just so with it and so fit and healthy. - Ray Watch Our Video ### Community & Friendship Fostering Connections, Enriching Lives. Book A Tour Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore Community & Friendship Community plays a big role in successful ageing “Living well” and “being well” go hand in hand. The social and physical environment we live in plays a major role in how we age. Where you live influences your lifestyle, opportunities, and overall well-being. A community with a strong sense of belonging can have a profound impact on your quality of life, making it an essential factor in supporting your health and happiness. Book A Tour Learn More "When I came back from the hospital two wonderful people in the village said – ‘Mary, we’re going to do your shopping for you, and they still do my shopping. I make a list and ring them when they’re going, and they get what I need." - Mary Socialising and solitude – the perfect blend Settlers Lifestyle Village is the perfect place for social butterflies and introverts alike. The beauty of Settlers is that you can do as much or as little as you want, be involved or just enjoy the solitude View Homes For Sale Collaborative Community Residents are actively involved in our community. We work together to achieve more through our unified culture and shared knowledge. Everyone has a say in what happens, creating a true sense of community and belonging. We understand that autonomy is crucial to well-being. The resident wellbeing group and residents committee, as well as activities and transportation, are all resident-led. There is a strong sense of togetherness here Study after study has found that health and psychological well-being improves for seniors when they have friends. But as we age, our social circles can shrink. We retire from work, our kids move away, and loved ones pass on. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. That’s not what we want for our residents. Social isolation places older adults in jeopardy of both poor health and low psychological well-being. For this reason, Settlers Lifestyle Village has been designed to foster interaction. We offer a range of amenities and common spaces for people to come together. Residents are always looking out for each other, as are our staff members. Get in Touch Now! If you want to start a group, you start it. You’re not being told ‘No you can’t because we’ve already organised it’. You just say ‘Can I have the room on a certain day’ and away you go. - Bruce In other villages, everything is structured – but here we have more autonomy. - Mary We have about 350 friends now that we never had before. - Barbara We often say ‘What would we be doing if we weren’t here’. I don’t think we would be as happy. We wouldn’t have the friends we have here.  - Shirley You’re here just to enjoy yourself. That’s the fun of it! There is so much to do if you want to do it, and if you don’t, just stay home. - John Commonwealth champion weightlifter Precious McKenzie "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, they bring us together for a meeting once a week. No one is isolated . . . You live longer if you aren’t” - Precious. Supporting our residents during their senior years is a great honour for us. We invest a lot of time and energy into making our community a friendly one. It is no wonder we have been awarded the very best large lifestyle village on the North Island multiple times. Learn more about the link between friendship and health in later life, and how Settlers Lifestyle Village supports this. Learn More ### Well-Being & Support Your Wellbeing, Our Priority. Book A Tour Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore Well-Being & Support Wellness & Independence Here at Settlers, we prioritise the well-being of our residents. Our village is designed for seniors who want to enjoy the best aspects of retirement living, with the reassurance that support is available when needed. Book A Tour "An attractive lifestyle village with a very friendly atmosphere surrounded by beautiful tranquil gardens - highly recommended." - Nicci We want you to feel supported We are here to help you feel secure and cared for, within a community committed to your well-being. What does support look like at Settlers Lifestyle Village? We understand that life can be unpredictable, and that people need different kinds of support to thrive. In order to meet these varying needs, we offer a wide range of support services. Get in Touch Now! How we support Support with everyday living There are times when small daily chores add up to become a burden. This is especially true if you don’t feel well, or are dealing with a stressful event in your life. Being able to access help when you need it can be a great relief. So what kind of support do you have access to in our village? Quite a lot. Our staff can assist you with pretty much everything you need on a day-to-day basis. Support with house keeping Residents can easily request regular or one-time cleanings. These can easily be tailored to your personal requirements. We have our own housekeeping team on-site. As we get older, housekeeping routines can be harder to keep up with, so knowing there is help on site is a relief. People who need temporary help due to illness or accidents love this service. Support with maintenance A full-time Handyman is on site to manage simple maintenance requests from residents. It’s a relief to know someone will be around soon to take care of these chores. Support with meals With a restaurant and cafe on site, residents have access to great value, nutritious meals prepared by an experienced chef. Our onsite cafe also offers delicious homemade cabinet food. Support with transport We have a shopping bus which goes to Albany mall twice a week. Our community has a resident-led transportation service if you need to attend a medical appointment.  They also arrange day trips for special outings, including mystery trips. Support with physical fitness Vitality is strongly associated with happiness and well-being. Because we know how important it is to feel vibrant, we offer a variety of activities. Our facilities include a gym, heated pool, petanque, and bowls. We also have resident-led groups like darts, tai chi, ‘walk n talk’ and table tennis. Learn More Support for men Our village has a strong culture of camaraderie. We have a purpose built bloke's shed which attracts a number of highly gifted residents who enjoy building, crafting and tinkering. Our village is a member of the Menz Shed New Zealand, which is a registered charity that exists to encourage, support and provide good information to those interested and passionate about Menz Shed in New Zealand. Our shed is run under their guidelines. But of course, the shed isn't just for men, and women are most welcome to use this facility. Our village has a unique way to check in with each other and welcome new members via a resident-led well-being group. There is even a get-together for men, they bring us together for a meeting once a month. No one is isolated . . . You live longer if you aren’t - Precious Support for women The bond of 'sisterhood' is an important and special one shared by many women throughout life. The bond transcends genetics, culture, and age and connects women in a way that cannot be explained. Our village maintains such a bond. Checking in with each other, taking strolls together, sharing coffee or a glass of wine, and pursuing common interests are all ways that women support one another here. Of course, women love the convenience of an onsite hair salon, which is open to men as well! We also host a Ladies Happy Hour. As our once-a-month sessions are women-only, they tend to be quieter and more peaceful than our usual happy hours. This informal gathering draws around 50 women at any given time, making it a great place to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Support for extended family Our community is designed to make it easy to entertain extended family, and to have grandchildren come and stay. There is a heated pool, BBQ patio and outdoor area, restaurant and café. This is a private function room that is available to residents for free. Get in Touch Now! Ours is a caring community As a community, we understand that well-being doesn’t just mean addressing physical needs – it’s about creating an environment that fosters a culture of kindness, compassion, and understanding. A thriving community is one where residents actively assist each other, lending a helping hand whenever needed. Whether it's a shoulder to cry on during tough times or simply sharing resources to help improve someone's quality of life, the beauty of residents supporting each other creates a sense of closeness and belonging that is unparalleled. We take pride in being a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone feels welcome and valued. Here’s how some residents describe their supportive community: Well-being support “There is a well-being group here. You can say ‘I’m lonely’, or someone could point to a person and say – ‘that person needs help’ and they will take you out for coffee.” - Barbara Well-being support “If your husband has dementia you say ‘I can’t cope with my husband all the time’, and people take him out for an hour. And of course, you’ve got the nurse. There is a lot of care here – a lot of caring people.” - Shirley Well-being support “Most people are perceptive and very caring. This is a happy village and it’s a homely village. It’s not clinical, it’s a home.” - John Helping hands “When I came back from the hospital two wonderful people in the village said – ‘Mary, we’re going to do your shopping for you, and they still do my shopping. I make a list and ring them when they’re going, and they get what I need.” - Mary A sense of empathy and understanding “There is a lot of care here – a lot of caring people. If someone gets Covid everyone cares and drops things off to people. It’s residents in the well-being group. They’ll drive you to the hospital for an appointment which is a huge thing for me because there are a lot of people who can’t drive …” - Robert Watch Our Video ### Our Location Nestled in Nature, Nurtured by Community. Book A Tour Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore Our Location Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of birdsong, and opening your curtains to breathtaking views of tropical gardens and native bushland. That’s exactly what you’ll experience at Settlers Lifestyle Village. Our resort-style community is located in an idyllic, tranquil area of Albany close to many parks and reserves. Set on 12 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, this is more than just a place to retire - it's a luxury, independent community for people over 65 who want to enjoy the best possible lifestyle. From the moment you drive through the gates, you'll feel as though you've entered an exclusive destination. The combination of modern facilities and breathtaking surroundings creates an outstanding living experience, where every day feels like a holiday. Despite feeling like you're in a secluded oasis, you're only minutes from the motorway, Westfield Albany, cafes, restaurants, and more. We are also only a two-minute walk from Old Albany Village, a handy little village with a doctor, pharmacist, dentist, coffee shop, and dairy. Enjoy the best of both worlds - a serene retreat that’s yours every day, with all the conveniences of city life just a stone's throw away. Book A Tour View Map We walked in and went ‘wow’. There’s something really special about this place – it’s different, it’s like being at a hotel in surfers, you walk in and go ‘wow, this is lovely’. - Ray Positive energy – ‘it just feels right’ It takes more than a beautiful location to make a place feel like home. Our village has that special something that draws people in. So many of our residents said they immediately knew this was the right village for them. There’s an energy, an inexplicable vibe that just feels right. It’s that feeling you get when you know you’re in a place where you truly belong. Learn more about our community's unique culture. Learn More Watch Video ### Our Properties From Cozy Retreats to Spacious Sanctuaries. Book A Tour Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore Our Properties Luxurious and spacious retirement homes Everyone deserves to live in a home that offers peace and comfort as well as convenience. That’s why these beautiful, luxurious, spacious retirement homes were designed with care and attention to detail: efficient heat pumps, under-tile heating and double-glazing lifts for ease of access, generous storage space and lock-and-leave capability. Best of all, you’ll have a wonderful time entertaining guests on your balcony or in your open living spaces. Our retirement homes blend convenience and luxury for the ultimate private sanctuary – truly a place to call home. This is your home and we want you to feel at home. Book A Tour "Apartments are beautifully renovated, and you can make them your own. You can choose your carpet, drapes, and flooring, and add small details that are important to you. Having the freedom to do that is important." - Liz Spacious, modern, and attractive Being able to entertain and have people around is important for connectivity and well-being. This was an important consideration in the design of our homes, apartments and townhouses. The spaciousness of each property lends itself to entertaining friends and family. And if you want to host a larger family gathering, you have the option of booking a private function room. Book a Tour Now! What’s on offer Our apartments are available in one, two, and three bedrooms, while our townhouses come in two and three-bedroom options. Because these units are in high demand, not all configurations will be available at the same time. However, we would love to show you around and give you a tour of what's currently available. If we don't have anything that suits your needs, don't worry! You can simply put your name on our waiting list and we'll let you know as soon as something opens up. Homes For Sale 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Aged Advisor People’s Choice Winner for New Zealand’s Best Large Retirement or Lifestyle Village Award – North Island ### Life At Settlers Settle into Happiness at Settlers Lifestyle Village. Book A Tour One of the Best Retirement Villages on Auckland’s North Shore Life At Settlers Lifestyle Village Life at Settlers Lifestyle Village is a seamless blend of modern comfort and the warmth of a close-knit neighborhood, providing residents with an opportunity to enjoy their golden years in style. With a range of amenities designed to cater to diverse interests, a strong sense of community camaraderie, and easy access to both urban conveniences and serene nature, Settlers Lifestyle Village stands as a testament to a fulfilling and rewarding way of life. Our Location Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of birdsong, and opening your curtains to breathtaking views of tropical gardens and native bushland. Find Our More Care & Support Here at our community, providing support is not just a cliché, it is a deeply ingrained value that guides everything we do. Find Our More Community & Friendship A well-referenced and highly regarded study on successful ageing finds a clear correlation between better health and community engagement. Find Our More Facilities & Recreation Take a moment to think about how you feel when you go on holiday. Now imagine feeling that way all the time. Find Our More Healthcare & Security With on-site medical support available around the clock, our residents can take comfort in knowing that help is nearby if they need it. Find Our More Testimonials Exploring the narratives of those who have chosen to make this village their home, and learn how our commitment to quality living, camaraderie, and a fulfilling lifestyle has truly made a difference in their lives. Find Our More FAQ's From inquiries about amenities, services, and events to details about the application process and daily life, we've curated a comprehensive collection of frequently asked questions to guide you on your journey. Find Our More Premium Apartments Available Now! Book A Tour "If you want to start a group, you start it. You’re not being told ‘No you can’t because we’ve already organised it’. You just say ‘Can I have the room on a certain day’ and away you go." - Bruce ### Contact Embrace the Extraordinary with Settlers Lifestyle Village. Book A Tour Award-winning retirement village on Auckland’s North Shore Contact Settlers Lifestyle Village Get In Touch Experience a resort-like feeling at Settlers for yourself! Please take a few moments to send us your questions, comments or suggestions, and we will respond as quickly as possible. Book a fun and relaxed tour with Linda today: linda@settlersalbany.co.nz 0800 102 652 Reception (09) 415 2617 Location Settlers Lifestyle Village 550 Albany Highway, Albany, Auckland - 0632 New Zealand Get Directions PO Box PO Box 300 213 Albany Mega Centre Auckland 0752 New Zealand Send a Message Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *Email *PhoneSubjectMessage Send Message "I always say to people ‘we can be as private or as social as we wish’." Julie and Brian ### Home Looking for the very best lifestyle village in the North Island? You’ve found the undisputed leader! Book A Tour Life At Settlers Looking for the very best lifestyle village in the North Island? You’ve found the undisputed leaders! Life At Settlers Book A Tour Welcome to the North Island's award winning large lifestyle village. Settlers Lifestyle Village For four years running, Settlers Lifestyle Village has been named the best large lifestyle village in the North Island. People’s Choice Awards reflect what retirement village residents think about our Auckland Retirement Village. It’s not by chance we won this award. Settlers Lifestyle Village is built like a luxury resort. In addition to a heated pool and spa, residents can enjoy a gym, movie theatre, a hair salon, restaurant, and a cafe. There is a bowling green, a croquet lawn and a petanque court on the beautifully landscaped grounds. This is a village more akin to an exclusive retreat.But our beautiful environment isn't all that makes us unique. Our Auckland Retirement Village has that special something that draws people in. So many of our residents said they immediately knew this was the right village for them. There’s an energy, an inexplicable vibe that just feels right. It’s that feeling you get when you know you’re in a place where you truly belong.  Book A Tour 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 Aged Advisor People’s Choice Winner for New Zealand’s Best Large Retirement or Lifestyle Village Award – North Island Our properties Our retirement homes blend convenience and luxury for the ultimate private sanctuary – truly a place to call home. With the choice of one, two or three-bedroom apartments, or two or three bedroom townhouses, you're sure to find the perfect place to fit your lifestyle.Our spacious and easy-care homes come equipped with modern-day conveniences. What's more, you'll love entertaining your guests on your balcony or in your open living area, creating cherished memories with loved ones. View Homes For Sale “ I’m pleased to share my experience at Settlers. From the warm welcome to the outstanding amenities, it has been a truly rewarding experience. The sense of community is excellent, and the care and support from the staff are exceptional. The wide range of activities and the beautiful location enhance the lifestyle even further. It is one of the most attractive retirement homes in Auckland, surrounded by nature. There are plenty of green plants, fresh air, and a beautifully landscaped area. For recreation, there is a small café, bar, lodge, and park. Movie and book lovers can enjoy the library and theatre. For those dedicated to exercise, there is a gym available. An excellent lifestyle village, offering modern facilities to suit everyone’s needs. The residents and staff are friendly, and there’s always plenty to do, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. View More Testimonials “ I am thrilled to share my experience at Settlers. From the warm welcome to the exceptional amenities, it has been a life-changing journey. The sense of community is remarkable, and the staff's care and support are exemplary. The wide range of activities and beautiful location add to the vibrant lifestyle. It is one of the gorgeous retirement homes in Auckland. It is surrounding by full of nature. Lots otf green plant pure air, lookerative landscape and ppant are there. Small cafe, bar, Lodge and park as well for amusement. Movie and book lover sped their time at library and theater. A gym for thos who addicted about exercise. Excellent lifestyle village, modern with all the facilities anyone would want. Friendly residents and staff, plenty to do to occupy everyone, never a dull moment. View More Testimonials Resort-like surroundings with beautiful amenities ‘Living in a resort’, ‘staying in a hotel’, ‘being on vacation every day’ is how our residents describe what it’s like to live here. It’s no wonder that living in a beautiful environment can do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being. Who wouldn’t want to feel like they’re on vacation all the time? Explore Facilities “Life after 50 is a new beginning.It is the chapter where you finally have the wisdom to embrace your true self and live a life of fulfilment." - Oprah Winfrey Book A Tour