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.”
“The pool is a great draw for the kids. We take the grandchildren into the pool - they love it.”
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].
