Halcyon Greens, Australia’s largest lifestyle community, scored a rare double win at the prestigious Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Queensland Awards for Excellence held recently.
The $325 million over-50s lifestyle community at Pimpama was named the state’s best Master Planned Development as well as the best Seniors Living Development of 2020.
The award comes off the back of the community’s win at the Master Builders Association Gold Coast at their awards in July. The community’s $20 million Recreation and Lifestyle precinct won Best Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million, beating out hotels and tourist resorts on the Gold Coast.
Halcyon Joint Managing Director, Dr Bevan Geissmann said he was humbled at the achievements and industry recognition for Halcyon Greens’ pioneering over 50s lifestyle community.
“Our vision for Halcyon Greens was to create a modern, country club-style community, the size and scale of which has never been seen in over 50s living. Halcyon Greens really is Australia’s biggest lifestyle for over 50s – the scale and variety of functionality across Halcyon Greens’ leisure facilities rival those found in many Queensland 5-star tourism resorts.”
Halcyon Greens is located on a 34ha island and is surrounded by native wetlands, nature reserves and is adjacent to Gainsborough Greens Championship golf course.
Dr Geissmann said key criteria of both UDIA categories was that the development must be large enough to generate a sense of community. “A strong sense of connection and enthusiastic community management creates the social fabric that binds Halcyon Greens; from a packed schedule of weekly events and activities to generous fundraising initiatives to the formation of more than 40 interest and sporting groups.”
The Seniors Living category judged entrants on their ‘regard for an energy and water-efficient lifestyle’ in addition to design standards and meeting specific needs of retirement-age residents.
“Driving everything we do is a deep commitment to delivering an outstanding master planned community with quality homes and an abundance of facilities to keep our homeowners active and socially connected,” Dr Geissmann said.
Australia’s biggest lifestyle community facilities:
■■ Recreation Club with fireplace, gym, dance floor, treatment rooms and salon
■■ The Lodge with fireplace, private dining, Gold Class-style cinema and library
■■ Pavilion including games and craft room
■■ Outdoor resort pool and fire pit
■■Heated 25 metre covered pool and spa
■■ Floodlit tennis court
■■ Floodlit pickleball courts
■■ Floodlit championship sized bowling green
■■ Bocce and wood firepit
■■Herb and vegetable gardens
■■ Landscaping includes fruit orchard and rose garden
A LOT OF YOU HAVE had your eye on an exciting new retirement development at Burleigh Golf Club, called The Verge. And now is your chance to get an eyeful. Their display apartment has opened, so you can get a feel for what it will be like living in the community. Go and have a look, it is worth it just for the views!
The view down onto the fairway from The Verge
This is a high-rise development (no garden maintenance and super-safe!) and the apartments can be adapted as you go along, according to whatever stage of life you are at. But here’s the best part – the community is located alongside the 10th fairway of Burleigh Golf Club. Residents are only a chip-shot away from the Clubhouse. But, let’s not forget about the proximity to Australia’s top beaches, entertainment hubs, shopping, and health clubs.
Go golfing with some friends at the Burleigh Golf Club
The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses at The Verge have floor-to-ceiling glass doors to the balconies. They have sweeping outlooks from every angle. Sales have now opened on the development, so if you have had your eye on these during construction, now is the time to act.
How the Verge is expected to look upon completion
Prices start at $510,000, so swing by the sales office for a sneaky peak at 61 Hillcrest Parade, Miami. Or you can book an appointment to be shown around. Go to thevergeburleigh.com.au or call 1800 955 070.
AS THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING era draws in, you may notice that across the Gold Coast, finding a car park can become a bit of a scrimmage. If searching for a park is not your thing, but you want to spend your day shopping in glorious aircon, then make your way to Pacific Fair. Now, they have valet parking. All you do is drive up to the valet parking area, hand over your keys, and these delightful little elves park your car for you. And for seniors, it’s only 5 bucks! If you try out this service and like it, then you can become a member of the Valet Parking service. Just ask the team on arrival.
Stress-free parking is not the only advantage of using the valet parking. They also have a hands-free shopping service. This is amazing! When you are in a shop and you buy things, you can leave your stuff in the shop. Tell the shop staff that valet will come and get it. Then you call the number on the ticket that the valet desk has given you (07 5581 5152). They will come to the shop, pick up your parcels, and put them directly into your car! Isn’t that amazing! And you can do that all day long! The valet elves will just keep coming back to pick up your stuff!
Valet parking is located on Level 1 of the Purple Car Park, up the ramp off Hooker Boulevard. Hours are: Monday – Wednesday – 10am to 4pm, Thursday – Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm.
Harbour Town mobility scooters are up for hire…at our fave price! FREE!
Fancy a solid day of shopping but you don’t think you can cover the distance?
Well have we got news for you. Harbour Town Premium Outlets in Biggera Waters have mobility scooters and wheelchairs to hire – FOR FREE. This means you can put all your shopping on the scooter with you and KEEP ON SHOPPING. Yay!
Another good thing to know is that Harbour Town Premium Outlets are all on one level, so you don’t have to worry about stairs or lifts. At this time of year, it is wise to book ahead at least the day before (07 5529 1734).
To collect the mobility scooter, go to the information kiosk outside Tommy Hilfiger. ■
As the sun-kissed Gold Coast beckons with its sandy shores and picturesque landscapes, it also conceals a retail treasure trove that caters specifically to the discerning tastes and needs of the over-50s crowd. The HarbourTown Shopping Centre, nestled amidst the stunning vistas of the Gold Coast, isn’t just a shopping center; it’s a sanctuary for those who want to enjoy their golden years in style. Here’s why HarbourTown is the perfect place for the over 50s to indulge in some retail therapy.
One of the most appealing aspects of HarbourTown is its accessibility. Situated just a short drive from the heart of the Gold Coast, this shopping center boasts ample parking and a well-designed layout. For those who may not want to traverse sprawling malls, HarbourTown’s compact size is a welcome change. It’s easy to navigate, allowing seniors to shop at their own pace and comfortably explore the diverse array of stores.
Who doesn’t love a good deal? HarbourTown is renowned for its outlet stores, where savvy shoppers can find quality products at discounted prices. For those looking to manage their finances in retirement, the numerous outlets offer a range of options, from fashion to home goods, ensuring that the budget-conscious over 50s can enjoy a fulfilling shopping experience without breaking the ban
Relaxation and Dining
Shopping can be exhausting, but HarbourTown has you covered with cozy seating areas and a delightful dining precinct. Seniors can take a break, enjoy a cup of coffee, and savor delectable meals at various cafes and restaurants. This offers the perfect respite for tired shoppers and a chance to catch up with friends or family in a pleasant environment.
HarbourTown is not just a shopping destination but also a hub for entertainment and events. From seasonal festivals to live music performances, it provides an enriching experience beyond just shopping. Seniors can engage in cultural activities, meet new people, and stay connected with the community.
Hundreds of thousands of boomers are deciding to volunteer abroad. An increase of more than 60 percent in less than a decade, a recent study found. While Covid-19 issues will skew the statistics this year, the trend seems likely to stay.
Adults aged 55 and older are increasingly interested in performing volunteer work in other countries, and host communities are clamouring to recruit them. This is especially true if the boomers have professional and specialised skills that may not be readily available in local labour markets. This is according to researchers Benjamin J. Lough and Xiaoling Xiang, who authored the study.
Rising Boomer Volunteer Population
Of the millions of people who volunteer overseas annually, the greatest percentage are teens and young adults ages 15-24. However, participation by older adults has risen steadily in recent years, driven in part by the growth in the over-55 population.
Accordingly, charity organisations that traditionally catered to younger people have ramped up efforts to recruit greater numbers of late-life volunteers.
“Growing numbers of adults age 65-plus are going abroad to volunteer, partly because boomers have more free time with retirement and are interested in active engagement,” said Lough, a professor of social work. “They spent their lives working and raising children, and now that they’re retired, they want leisure, but they also want to give back while satisfying their thirst for adventure.”
Preference for Experience
Host countries consistently express a preference for older workers who have greater experience and skills to offer, Lough said. Nearly half of the older adults in the study who volunteered abroad had master’s, doctoral or professional degrees. “As volunteers age, they have more professional skills to contribute, and that’s what hosting organisations want. Hosting organisations and communities are less interested in hosting young people who have fewer skills. They want competent people who can contribute something really useful, who have lifelong experience doing things. There is a consistent demand for volunteers who have meaningful skills and can stay for longer periods of time.”
The average duration of older volunteers’ stay abroad was about 13 weeks. This is the same amount of time as the youngest volunteers, who were ages 15-24.
International service organisations could better meet communities’ needs for skilled workers by addressing some of the barriers that prevent older people from volunteering abroad. These barriers are things like concerns about access to health care services and financial constraints, the researchers said.
Older adults with higher incomes were more likely to serve abroad, the researchers found. Nearly a quarter of older international volunteers in the study reported annual household incomes of $150,000 or more.
Offering stipends or help with travel expenses could boost participation of older adults with lower incomes, the researchers suggested.
Rather volunteer closer to home? Check out this website that gives you all the details on volunteering on the Gold Coast.
Don’t let your age stop the party… there are so many new aids that will keep you at the top of your game. Adaptive Equipment will help you achieve what you want even through the restraints of old age.
Adaptive Equipment
Adaptive Equipment are a Gold Coast family-owned and operated business. Silver Magazine had a spin around their products. They have everything from mobility scooters, walkers, wheelchairs to daily living aids. Here are our favourites!
Uccello Tipper Kettle
This amazing gadget gives you effortless pouring action. Its non‑weight-bearing ’tilt and pour’ action directs hot water to the fixed position of the cup, without removing the kettle from its cradle. It has an ergonomic handle. The weighted base arcs on a rotating axis to deliver hot water safely and easily. You can pick it up for $143.
The Uccello Tipper Kettle
Merits Transit Wheelchair
If you are out and about with relatives or friends this is a great lightweight mobility aid that can be thrown into the boot of any car. This handy wheelchair is a superlight gadget that weighs just 9.5kg in total. Its aluminium frame is easy to fold, and the backrest folds for a quick pack‑up. It has puncturefree tyres and is a bargain at just $379.
The Merits Transit Wheelchair
Jarkey Jar Opener
With the JarKey hidden away in your kitchen drawer, all your jar problems will be solved – for good! Just position the JarKey against the rim of the lid of the jar you want to open and gently lift the key until the middle of the lid pops up. The JarKey provides you with the leverage you need to open any jar…and you don’t need to be Hercules to use it! And it is just $15!
The Jarkey Jar Opener
TOPGUN TG1150G Golf Mobility Scooter
This is the Rolls Royce of scooters. This beast commands respect with its authoritative presence. Designed for dynamic performance under all conditions, the TG1150G delivers remarkable standard features like multi tilt steering adjustment for ergonomic positioning of the tiller, classy alloy wheels, and LED lighting for maximum brightness. It has two side mirrors and centre review mirror, sturdy canopy roof, protective full windscreen and a huge lockable rear box included as standard. It has a lightweight lithium battery combined with a powerful 1300W motor and world class electronic. The TopGun Scooter range has an industry-leading 5-year warranty.
The TOPGUN TG1150G Golf Mobility Scooter
TOPGUN Tranzforma Mobility Scooter
This is mobility genius. This indoor-outdoor transformer goes from power chair with indoor manoeuvrability to outdoor scooter in seconds. So many fantastic features are jam-packed into this gadget. It has a lightweight, long life lithium battery. But they have thought of the little things too, like a double drink holder. It has on-board storage under the seat, as well as a front carry basket on the scooter section. The tyres are puncture proof, and it has a quiet, seamless motor. You’ll be at that party in no time. This is a snip at $3,799. The TopGun Scooter range has an industry-leading 5-year warranty.
The TOPGUN Tranzforma Mobility Scooter
Etac Immedia Swivel Cushion
This little piece of brilliance is a soft swivel cushion that makes it easier for the user to get in and out of a car or bed. It helps prevent strain on your knees, hip and back, while the non‑slip underside prevents you from sliding out of position. And it is just $150.
The Etac Immedia Swivel Cushion
Aspire Vogue Carbon Fibre Walker
This flash-looking walker is super lightweight – it has a 5kg carbon fibre frame. And, it comes with a bonus cane holder. It has a luxury look and feel – Danish design, profiled tubing, moulded fittings, ergonomic handles and refined colours. It has a small turning circle for excellent manoeuvrability. It locks when folded, making transportation and storage easier. Also, it features advanced locking handbrakes – for increased user safety when walking and sitting. The removable utility bag can hold up to 5kg and can be removed for shopping. This is a hot deal for $665.
