Village safety and security a top priority for Judy
The Avonhead local, who had a career in aged care education and assessment, became a village resident herself just three months ago and enjoys reading in her downtime. The village library also gives her a chance to meet her village neighbours and have a chat.
Judy’s health took a serious turn a year ago, prompting her to move into the village and into a one bedroom apartment overlooking the street.
“I lived alone and my sons were worried about me because I began falling and I couldn’t get out. Then I thought I need to be sensible here and do something about it. For me it was important I stayed in the area and I guess it was important that I knew somebody here.”
After selling her house and the village team holding the apartment she’d chosen, Judy followed Harvey, her next-door neighbour of many years, into Bupa Parkstone Retirement Village. The village team had kept in contact with her for a number of months before she’d decided to move in, inviting her to regular village functions during that time.
“There’s everything going on here for you, you couldn’t ask for more. There’s a superb manager who not only manages but she’s also a social worker and everything else with it.”
Judy says the move from a house on a back section meant safety and security was a top priority when deciding on a village.
“There’s always someone here at the front desk and they have security regularly checking too. It’s so important to me.”
Coming from a big house into an apartment hasn’t bothered Judy, and now with her health regularly monitored she is really embracing retirement village life. There’s the weekly grocery shopping at the local supermarket next door and the regular Tai Chi sessions that relax her by slowing her breathing.
“I very much want to be independent for as long as I can and I get to do that here. I also get to continue with lots of reading in lovely surroundings too.”
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Check out the Bupa Retirement Village Apartments at Fergusson: bupa.co.nz/fergusson
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
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