New Year = A New Life! Decide today who you will become, what you will give, how you live.

– Anthony Robbins

We have been celebrating the start of each New Year for at least four millennia and making resolutions for the new year forms part of that tradition. With every new year comes new opportunities and the chance to make a fresh start. A New Year doesn’t automatically change us or our outlook on life, but it can serve as a natural starting point for changing both the way we think and the things we do in pursuit of happiness and contentment with life.  This mindset is just as important for the happiness of those of retirement age. The first step to becoming happier often means changing the way we think. A recent study has shown that the happiest people owe some part of this to optimism and positive thinking. The New Year is an annual opportunity to alter our mindsets and to believe that we can change – no matter what age we are. Retirement can also be a whole new chapter filled with exciting opportunities and possibilities.

A new beginning may be as simple as trying something new that makes you happy. This could be a popular resolution like taking more exercise or eating better — these things do, over time, tend to make people healthier and happier. Moving into a retirement community such as the ones operated and managed by the award-winning LifeCare Residences could help to provide the perfect opportunity to foster positive, new beginnings. And one of the greatest benefits of retirement can be embracing the newfound freedom and flexibility it brings for retirees to pursue their passions and interests without the constraints of a traditional work schedule.

It is well known that physical activity and exercise are good for you and there are many studies that prove the health benefits associated with exercise, which becomes even more important as we age. Regular physical activity and exercise for those of retirement age helps improve mental and physical health, which in turn, helps maintain a sense of independence. The team at LifeCare Residences recognises the importance of staying physically active for the wellbeing of their residents. Their communities offer a wealth of opportunities for residents to exercise in all weathers – both indoors and outdoors. Despite being situated in the heart of London, residents at luxury retirement community Battersea Place can simply step over the road to enjoy the beauty and 200 acres of wide-open space of Battersea Park; whether for a brisk walk, a gentle stroll in the lovely gardens or a spot of tennis, boules, bowls, or croquet. Grove Place, a beautiful retirement community operated by LifeCare Residences set in rural Hampshire countryside, provides access not only to spectacular grounds, but also borders the beautifully wild New Forest, a haven for dog walkers and nature enthusiasts alike. Residents at Grove Place can enjoy almost unlimited access to 27 acres of beautifully designed grounds– including a historical sunken garden, stunning meadows bursting with flowering plants and woodland walks with approximately 875 trees – as well as the New Forest beyond. For those keen to get more actively involved outdoors, residents at Grove Park can enjoy the bespoke croquet lawns and the immaculate nine-hole putting green or even turn their hand to a spot of gardening. At Somerleigh Court in Dorchester, Dorset residents are on the doorstep of Borough Gardens, a beautiful 19^th century park laid out to the design of William Goldring – who was the brain behind Kew Gardens. Residents can access the adult fitness equipment at the park as well as the four tennis courts which are open all year round. Both Battersea Place and Grove Place boast well-equipped gyms and heated indoor swimming pools which are only available for the exclusive use of residents and their families. Residents at Battersea Place can take part in on-site physical activities such as regular Pilates, ballet, reiki, and meditation classes which are held in the gym. At Grove Place, residents benefit from the services of a dedicated fitness trainer who offers personal training and aquarobics which are popular with the residents. Strength training has been proven to reduce symptoms of many chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and osteoporosis obesity.

There are so many ways the new year can bring you happiness. For instance, a new hobby. This could be reading more, taking photos, crafting, cooking, or another activity that enables you to gain new skills and explore your creative side. It could also include enjoying more social activities as meeting people after retirement can prove a challenge for some, with social circles becoming smaller.  As a result, some may find themselves spending more time alone or relying on family for company. It has often been reported that staying socially active is as important as staying physically active. All residents at the LifeCare Residences Communities in Battersea Place in London, Somerleigh Court in Dorchester, Dorset and Grove Place in Hampshire benefit from the services of a lifestyle co-ordinator who organises local excursions, talks from visiting speakers on a variety of topics, on-site activities and functions.  Many new residents find their social circle expanding once again, as they have an opportunity to meet and make friends in the comfort of their own home with like-minded, vibrant people. With numerous opportunities to socialise, including during meals, leisure experiences and outings, many residents find a restored sense of purpose and joy in their social lives once they move in! Grove Place, operated by LifeCare Residences set in the rural Hampshire countryside, is now home to retirees Elaine and Philip Gaussen who made their rightsizing move there to begin the next chapter in their lives and have never looked back. Elaine adds, “We hadn’t realized how strong the Grove Place community was before we arrived. It’s so lovely to have nice friends and neighbours to socialise with. Everyone is so kind, and we feel at home here.” Like all LifeCare Residences communities, Grove Place provides ample opportunity for residents to meet like-minded people and even get involved in a range of activities and clubs on offer – be it board games, craft, ukulele, cards, falconry, archery, bridge, or music. Rightsizing to a retirement community can give retirees back their independence and a renewed sense of living life on their own terms. Freed from chores, less reliant on family or friends for assistance, and with more time and energy to enjoy meeting new friends and hobbies – many residents feel happier and healthier in their new lifestyle.

A new beginning can mean a time to get finances in order. Moving to a retirement community can also save living costs. Living in a large family home may have worked perfectly, but as you get older, the advantage of all that space soon becomes outweighed by the disadvantage of large bills and the sheer effort needed to clean and maintain it. It is estimated that the energy bills for a small house or flat will be just two thirds that of a medium house and less than half of the bills for a large house. Moving to a retirement community will also help save on other expenses such as council tax and buildings and contents insurance.

A new beginning could simply be the desire to maintain a sense of independence in retirement. The sense of maintaining one’s independence is one of the key drivers for retirees to right size to a retirement community. It is reassuring for residents and family members alike to know that a caring team is at hand, 24-hours a day.  All residences operated by LifeCare Residences have guest apartments available for visiting friends and family. Tricia Caffyn and her husband Neville made the move to Grove Place and relish the sense of security that comes with such a supportive community and a sense of newfound independence. They still enjoy running their own lifestyle but with the added knowledge that they can choose between entertaining friends in their apartment for example – or popping out to enjoy a meal at the restaurant with other residents. Tricia comments, “We are still very much in charge of our own routine. Grove Place has enabled us to enter the next stage of our lives with the confidence that our lifestyle doesn’t have to be compromised.”

Like New Year, retirement may mark the end of one’s working life, but it can be the start of a whole new chapter. As we look forward to the New Year, it’s important to remember that retirement is not the end, but a new beginning.

If you would like to learn more about our offering and how we can enhance the ‘every day’ please call 0800 009 6950. For those who are unable to visit in person, we are also able to offer virtual tours of our communities at your convenience.

LifeCare Residences.  We care about living life.