Teman Magazine - life+style - Winter 2023

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story
Embracing a vibrant retirement
Ian and Sue’s Journey at The Rise by Teman
For Ian and Sue Taylor, The Rise by Teman in Ridgewood WA, has brought a life full of joy, camaraderie,
and newfound freedom. From mastering the art of downsizing and finding a home, to building
friendships and diving into a bustling social life at their new lifestyle village; their inspiring story is one
worth sharing.
Discovering the ideal retirement village
With 51 years of marriage under their belts, Ian and Sue Taylor first encountered The Rise while Ian
was employed at ABC Blinds, visiting various retirement communities.
Having seen so many different villages through work, just one visit to The Rise had Ian convinced that
– when the time was right – this would be the place.
After seeing The Rise herself, Sue agreed that it was a perfect fit:
“What more could you want?”
The art of downsizing and new beginnings
Both Ian and Sue found downsizing a breeze, as
they had already sold a larger home and resided
in a compact granny flat prior to moving to The
Rise. They embraced the reduced housework,
maintenance, and the peace of mind that comes
with locking up and leaving for vacations.
Their advice to future retirement village
residents? Let go of old, oversized furniture and
start fresh for a comfortable and functional living
space.
“It’s just an easier way of life. You don’t have that
worry all the time that you’ve got to do things.”
Being active and social at The Rise
As members of the social committee, Sue’s
computer skills and Ian’s organisational talents
have been instrumental in planning events and
activities for residents.
From monthly pub quizzes and Sunday roasts
to dinner dances and themed evenings, there’s
never a dull moment. These events foster
camaraderie and excitement for all, especially
during nights like the elegant black-and-white
event or the lively roaring twenties night, which
Sue recommends with a word of caution:
“It was such a good night, but we were cleaning
up feathers for weeks.”
Plus, being active and social isn’t just fun – it’s
good for you. Research conducted by Rush
University Medical Center has shown that people
who are more socially active are less likely to
become disabled, resulting in happier, fuller, and
longer lives.
Embrace your retirement village move early
A key lesson from Ian and Sue’s experience is
not to delay moving to a retirement village. They
believe relocating to The Rise while still working
was the best decision they made, as it allowed
them to fully enjoy the village’s amenities and
develop lifelong friendships. They’d witnessed
others join later in life; although they still enjoy
the village, they’re unable to take full advantage
of everything it offers.
Furthermore, the pair mention another reason
that’s spoken of less, but just as important:
Support.
“If you move in when you are a bit younger, by
the time one of you passes – and we all know
it’s going to happen – you’ve got a good group
of friends around you, so you feel comfortable
coming to the village functions and enjoying
yourself.”
Key takeaways
Ian and Sue Taylor’s life at The Rise by Teman
is a testament to the importance of timing
when moving to a retirement village, embracing
downsizing, and actively participating in social
activities.
If you’re considering a move, heed their advice:
Don’t wait too long, and be ready to immerse
yourself in the incredible experiences and
friendships that await you in your new
retirement village.
By moving while you’re still active and healthy,
you can fully enjoy the benefits of a Teman
community. From forging lasting friendships
to engaging in countless activities and events,
there’s no better way to maximise this exciting
new chapter in your life.
16 | Winter 2023
Winter 2023 | 17