Reaching retirement means having more time on your hands to do the things you’ve always wanted to do. It’s also an ideal stage in life to try different pursuits and explore new horizons and challenges. The time during retirement and later life can be one of the most enjoyable periods of one’s life. ‘More time for personal activities’ is often cited in polls of over 70-year olds as one of the greatest benefits of growing older and the Office for National Statistics found that those aged 65 and over, spent an average of seven hours and ten minutes a day on leisure activities; the most out of all age groups. Retirement means that you now have the time to do whatever it is that you’ve always wanted to do.

The award-winning UK retirement communities, operated by LifeCare Residences, provide vibrant places to not only live, but to fully embrace and enjoy the time afforded by retirement. Following a lifetime dedicated to a career, many residents enjoy the luxury of time to appreciate the pastimes and hobbies they’ve longed to enjoy. At all LifeCare Residences’ communities, residents benefit from the services of a lifestyle coordinator who organises local excursions, talks from visiting speakers on a variety of topics as well as on-site activities and functions. Many new residents find their social circle expanding once again, while day-to-day living is made easy and as maintenance-free as possible. 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. For example, Grove Place a beautiful retirement community in the rural Hampshire countryside, is now home to retirees Elaine and Philip Gaussen. The couple made the move to begin the next chapter in their lives and have never looked back as they thoroughly embrace the buzz and sense of community. 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.”

They are called your golden years for a reason, and retirement provides plenty of time and the perfect opportunity to pursue new activities. Whether it is gardening, watching sports or getting back into crosswords, the time afforded by retirement is perfect for doing things just for fun! All LifeCare Residences’ communities provide 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. Award-winning Battersea Place not only provides a full spectrum of five-star amenities and services for its residents, the team is dedicated to helping facilitate a wide array of clubs and classes to get involved in, such as the popular Theatre and Opera Supper Clubs, a Book Club and a Discussion Club. In addition, the Battersea Place team host Musical Dinners, Murder Mystery Nights, live screenings from the Royal Opera House, as well as talks and lectures from visiting film and art historians. It doesn’t end there – residents at Battersea Place can join a Bridge Club as well as turning their hand to scrabble or even an art class. At Grove Place in Hampshire, residents can enjoy a wide-ranging plethora of activities set up by the LifeCare Residences’ team. Weekly activities on offer include a Gardening Club, Craft Club, an art class, a Creative Group, Bridge and a Choir. Ten pin bowling also takes place on a regular basis. Many of the apartments and bungalows at Grove Place have their own balconies and terraces which residents greatly enjoy. Resident Barbara Wood not only relishes the many walks in the rolling Hampshire countryside, but also the ability to turn her hand to gardening. “Our apartment is on the ground floor, and we have easy access to a private terrace and the grounds beyond. This allows me to indulge my green-fingered gardening hobby in my own patch of Grove Place.” Peggy Bigglestone, who retired to Grove Place in Hampshire five years ago concludes, “I feel utterly spoilt here. There is a range of activities you can try out; I am part of the choir and a ukulele club, and I go out on lots of day trips; some of my friends use the pool or the gym. There is always something interesting happening that you are welcome to join in with.”

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 both indoors and outdoors. All of their communities benefit from easy access to outside space. Despite being situated in the heart of London, residents at luxury retirement community Battersea Place are able to enjoy an onsite garden or the 200 acres of nearby Battersea Park for a brisk walk or gentle stroll in the lovely gardens or a spot of tennis, boules, bowls or croquet. Grove Place 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 are able to enjoy almost unlimited access to 27 acres of beautifully designed grounds within the Hampshire countryside – 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. It doesn’t stop there. For those keen to get more actively involved outdoors, residents at Grove Park are able to enjoy the beautifully tended 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 right on the doorstep of Borough Gardens, a beautiful 19th century park laid out to the design of William Goldring – who was the brain behind Kew Gardens. Residents are able to 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 indoor gyms and heated indoor swimming pools which are only available for the exclusive use of residents and their families. Residents at Battersea Place are able to take part in onsite physical activities such as regular Pilates, ballet, reiki and meditation classes which are held in the gym. At Grove Place, residents are also able to benefit from time spent with the services of a dedicated fitness trainer, Dan.

Retirement is a time to enjoy yourself, and what better way than to enjoy a party or two? At Battersea Place in London, the team has organised a series of themed garden parties such as an Alice in Wonderland event, as well as offsite events at the stunning Chelsea Physic Garden and Leighton House. The team at Grove Place are fond of hosting parties for residents such as a Nostalgia Day party with music from a vintage 40’s and 50’s vocal trio, and a Wizard of Oz party to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Grove Place.
If you would like to learn more about our offering and how we can enhance the ‘everyday’ please call T. 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.
www.lifecareresidences.co.uk