Joining a retirement community for the first time can be daunting for anyone. Sure, there’s the logistics of moving to a new home and packing up what is often a lifetime of belongings, but there’s also the worry of finding your place in a brand new community where you might not know anyone.
For older people especially, being in a supportive environment has a big impact on cognitive functioning and physical health, as well as giving a better sense of purpose and independence. That’s why at Fairview Lifestyle Village (Fairview), we place a big focus on support in all its forms. Support services like housekeeping, meals, and transport are a given – but it’s the commitment to encouraging the emotional well-being of all our residents that sets our community apart and makes support a defining characteristic of our village.
As part of this commitment, our villages have many initiatives in place to encourage connection and ensure all of our residents feel supported and part of the community.
Support for Men
According to research (Beach & Bamford, 2014), loneliness and isolation is particularly challenging for older men. Blokes tend to find it harder to make friends and introduce themselves, which can cause them to become isolated in older age. Fairvew 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 get-togethers in the village for men to get involved with. One unique example is our Single Malt Whisky Club. It’s been a great way for people to get together over a shared love of whiskey, learn something new, and meet and mingle with their neighbours in a relaxed environment. These regular catch-ups help residents to get out there and build strong friendships with the people in their community.
“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 Fairview, 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. Engaging in hobbies and interests together strengthens these connections – whether it’s gardening, crafting, or attending many of the social activities in the village, the opportunities to bond are almost endless. Our tight-knit supportive environment ensures women feel connected and empowered.
“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
Support for Newcomers
When joining a new neighbourhood, it’s really important that you feel welcome from day one. That’s why the Fairview welcoming committee has been a tradition since the village’s inception. Locals organise catch-ups with new residents in order to get to know them and make sure they’re settling in well. Through the welcoming committee, new residents quickly become part of the community and start to grow both friendships and a strong support system that enhances their overall 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
Remember the days when you knew your neighbours by name and felt comfortable popping over for a chat? At Fairview, we’re bringing back that sense of community and belonging.
Many retirees have noticed a sense of disconnection in today’s suburbs, and as you get older this feeling of isolation can be overwhelming. In contrast, our residents look out for their neighbours just like in the old days. Good neighbours become good friends, and this sense of community helps alleviate loneliness and fosters 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
A thriving community is one where residents actively assist and support each other – and that’s exactly what you get at Fairview 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
