From indoor bowls to gardening, Marion’s thriving in retirement
When Diane’s mum Marion first mentioned moving to a retirement village, Diane was stunned. “It was five years sooner than I thought she’d ever do it,” she says. “But then I was really happy. I’m so pleased she moved in while she was physically capable and healthy to enjoy the opportunities. She has a full, rich life - she’s super busy. Us kids joke that we have to phone in advance to see her!” she laughs.
After Marion’s husband Kevin passed away, Diane noticed her mum was shouldering the family home’s upkeep alone. “Mum and Dad had been married for 59 years, and there were very few nights they’d ever had apart,” she says. “Dad was a great handyman, so without him visits to Mum weren’t just about visiting,” Diane recalls. “It was trips to the rubbish tip, tidying the house, packing up Dad’s belongings, and garden centre stops for plants and mulch.”
Marion, 83, a resident at Bupa Glenburn Retirement Village, reflects on her decision to move. “I was lonely, particularly at night, and thought, what am I going to do about it? The answer was a retirement village - a place with company, friends, and plenty to do, plus the option of care later if needed. That was important to me.”
Once Marion decided to move, Diane stepped in to support her. “I saw my role as a facilitator - helping her downsize, timing the move, listing her home, and working with real estate agents,” Diane says. Marion adds, “I couldn’t have handled it on my own without Diane. She was invaluable with the paperwork, legal work, and financials.”
The process was smooth, Diane notes. “We had good meetings with the village coordinator and plenty of time to review the documentation. Mum had done her own numbers at home, so she knew what she’d be paying and where she was going.”
When Marion found her apartment, everything fell into place. “She knew where she was going to be, and she was excited,” Diane says. Marion agrees: “Once I settled in, I felt at home straight away. It’s a small village - everybody knows everybody, and there’s always a good laugh.”
Since moving to Bupa, Marion has flourished. “I always thought she was a bit of an introvert, but she’s in the thick of it - indoor bowls, tenpin bowling, gym classes, even modelling in fashion shows!” Diane says.
Their relationship has also evolved. “Now that Mum’s in the village, we’re spending more quality time together - indoor bowls, museum visits, and picnics at West Auckland beaches,” Diane shares. Marion adds, “Diane is very kind and caring. I treat her now as a friend, not as one of my children.”
Diane’s siblings Rob and Raewyn, and Raewyn’s husband Mike, also visit Marion at Glenburn, as well as taking her on trips to see family.
Life at Glenburn has brought Marion a sense of purpose. “I’ve taken on the village library and gardening, so I’ve always got something to do. The garden is just outside my apartment; I love seeing residents come down and help themselves to the produce.”
The village’s proximity to public transport and amenities is another bonus. “It’s a short walk to the shopping mall, and the village has a shuttle to go grocery shopping weekly,” Marion says.
Her advice to others? “Do it sooner rather than later - when you’re still physically capable of joining in and enjoying the activities. At a time of life when you can really enjoy it.”
Diane sees the contentment in her mum’s new chapter. “This season for Mum is about relaxing, having fun, and putting her feet up. The hard work is done, the family’s raised, and she’s in a good place.”
