A day in the life of a resident of one of Gauteng's retirement communities

If you've chosen to make one of Gauteng's well-loved retirement communities your home, you can expect a life filled with friendships, fun and things to do. Most retirement villages are open to those over 50 or 55 and the old-fashioned notion of retirement homes being dull places has been turned on its head. The CSi Property Group takes a closer look at life in Gauteng's retirement villages and what a day in the life of a resident could look like.

First things first: breakfast

For many retirement village residents, there's a choice to be made when it comes to meal preparation: you can either prepare your own meals in the comfort of your private unit or head to the dining room and enjoy a ready-made meal in the company of friends and other residents. After breakfast, why not enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while you catch up on the news or enjoy the next chapter in your book? After all, in retirement there is no pressure, no deadlines and nowhere you have to be. Find a bench and enjoy some time outside in the fresh air.

How to while away a morning

After breakfast, the morning is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps you'll spend some time traversing a walking trail, sitting by a dam enjoying the views (or some catch-and-release fishing) or meeting up with a friend for a cup of coffee. If it's Sunday, you may choose to attend a church service, which many retirement villages host onsite for residents' convenience. You could also simply enjoy the time sitting on your patio reading a book or doing some crafting while you enjoy the mild Gauteng weather.

Depending on which retirement village you call home, you may be able to take part in organised classes, such as exercise sessions designed for seniors - from gentle aerobics to chair yoga. Taking part in these activities can promote both your physical and mental health, so make an effort to get involved.

You may also find that arts and crafts sessions are held in the mornings. Make the most of these opportunities to tap into your creativity - or find a discussion group that revolves around books, current events or shared interests.

Once a week, most retirement homes will offer a shuttle service to a nearby shopping centre, which can be a great opportunity to stock up on essentials or just enjoy some retail therapy without the stress of driving and parking.

After lunch: rest, relaxation and fun

Gauteng's retirement villages are well situated, meaning that whichever one you've chosen to call home, there's likely to be lots of great things to do nearby. From botanical gardens, parks and hiking trails to golf courses and nature reserves, there will be plenty of nearby opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Afternoons are also a great time to spend time in communal lounges or libraries, enjoying a good book or your favourite TV shows.

As the day begins to cool down, it's an ideal opportunity to spend time on outdoor hobbies like gardening. For those with a green thumb, retirement village gardens can offer a beautiful space to cultivate flowers, herbs or vegetables. You could also use this time to go for a walk or enjoy a game of bowls.

Evenings of camaraderie and fun

As evening approaches, residents often come together for a meal in the communal dining room, which can be a social event in itself. After dinner, there are often various entertainment options to be enjoyed, such as movie nights or games evenings. If you prefer, your evening can be a time of unwinding and reflecting in your room or private home. The best part of retirement is that you get to do it all again tomorrow, with no worries about deadlines or the pressures of the working world.

The CSi Property Group has its finger on the pulse of retirement villages in Gauteng and the team would be happy to discuss your needs and point you in the direction of a retirement village that will meet your needs. Contact us and let's discuss your future.