Muriel and Noel `Willy’ Williams have lived at GemLife Highfields Over-50s Lifestyle Resort for 12 months and so too has their daughter Tracie and partner Pete.
They represent a growing trend of families with two generations living at the same GemLife resort and claim they would not have it any other way.
Tracie, in her mid-50s, said the move made a lot of sense.
“Our kids who are 22 and 26 had moved out and we are working full time. All we did when we finished work on a Friday and over the weekend was maintenance, lawn mowing, washing and all the rest of the chores, just in time to go back to work on Monday.
“We never got to really relax but life is so very different now that we are at GemLife Highfields.”
She said that having her parents so close was a real bonus.
“We get to spend quality time together which is so important. In fact we will soon be heading off in our motor homes for another trip.”
Tracie lives so close to her mother in the GemLife Highfields resort that she can pass meals over the fence.
Another big bonus for Tracie, who works for a security firm and has to spend up to two weeks away at a time, is having her parents to help feed and look after her Lhasa Apso dogs.
“We also look after their garden when they are away and benefit from the security of over-50s resort-style living,” Tracie said.
Mum Muriel is equally delighted with the living arrangements.
“Having Tracie so close means we can go shopping, have coffee, enjoy outings together and we often pick up my granddaughter and her baby and take them with us.
“Meanwhile Willy, who hates shopping, can head to his favourite fishing spot with Pete and enjoy something they both love.”
Tracie says she can’t understand why anyone would wait until they are 65 to move into an over-50s resorts and would love to see more people in their 50s move in.
“There is so much to enjoy here – pool, tennis, bowling, just to name a few. We are still working but can go to the beautiful country club and have a drink without having to worry about driving anywhere. It is just the ideal place to relax and enjoy life.”
She said moving in has opened the door to pursue more meaningful things.
“We work full time but there are so many activities that we enjoy right here on our doorstep and with less maintenance, it means we have more time to enjoy the family and do things we love to do.”
For Muriel, living at GemLife Highfields has started a whole new chapter in her life. She is now involved in many activities including line dancing, water aerobics, and playing mah-jong.
On open days held at the resort, Tracie often volunteers to be the official golf buggy driver because she loves to tell visitors about why she moved in at such an early age.
Having a tour bus licence, Tracie also takes women residents on mystery tours to Toowoomba, fashion parades and coffee mornings.
She said one of the best things about living nearby her parents was having them be accessible 24 hours a day as well as being able to share many beautiful experiences daily.
“We live apart and have our own privacy but can be together as often as we want – what could be better?”