Retirement villages: Older Aussies ticking off bucket lists jam-packed with adrenaline-spiked pursuits

Thrill-seeking older Aussies are looking to put the pandemic behind them by ticking off bucket lists jam-packed with adrenaline-spiked pursuits.

Thrill-seeking older Aussies are looking to put the pandemic behind them by ticking off bucket lists jam-packed with adrenaline-spiked pursuits Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Thrill-seeking older Aussies are looking to put the pandemic behind them by ticking off bucket lists jam-packed with adrenaline-spiked pursuits.

Those most vulnerable to Covid-19 say the past 18 months have inspired them to embrace a healthier, less risk-adverse lifestyle as Australia and the world begins to open up again.

According to a revealing YouGov survey commissioned by Lendlease Retirement Living, two in three older Australians (66 per cent) claim they have become more outgoing or adventurous as a result of the pandemic.

Of the 4380 Australians 55 and over surveyed, the activities high up on their to-do list were an adventure holiday, hot air ballooning, getting a tattoo, motorbike riding, surfing, skydiving, a body piercing and bungee jumping.

The Seawolves seize the day at Mount Martha no matter the weather to keep their mental health in check and share a laugh. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Nathan Cockerill, Managing Director of Lendlease Retirement Living said it was encouraging to see the survey underline the positive outlook retirees have taken out of some of the toughest times of their lives.

“It’s fantastic to know Australian retirees are looking forward to making the most of life by

chasing their sense of adventure and ticking off their bucket lists,” he said.

“Health has been at the forefront of peoples’ minds these past two years and supporting

residents to live well is incredibly important to us, so it’s great to see Australian retirees

keeping their health and wellbeing in check.

“There are a handful of retirees more daring than me – I don’t plan on hot air ballooning or

skydiving any time soon, but maybe that will change when I reach retirement.”

Skydiving is high on the bucket list of many older Aussies. Picture: SA Skydiving

In a boon to the ailing tourism industry, 52 per cent of respondents said they were likely to spend their retirement savings on travel when regulations allow.

Self-reflection has been a theme of the pandemic too for retired Aussies with almost two-thirds (62 per cent) of those surveyed saying they are more relaxed about the way they look and 44 per cent saying they are now more likely to say what they think.

The struggle of lockdown and the isolation it could bring has also brought a renewed focus on the positive benefits that friendship and social interaction bring.

As is bungee jumping.

According to the YouGov/Lendlease Retirement Living survey: those living in retirement villages are more likely than those living elsewhere to say they have become more outgoing or adventurous (39 per cent compared to 25 per cent).

Helen Luxton is one retiree who is looking forward to “flourishing” post-pandemic.

Every day her and her fellow Seawolves – a group of ladies who catch up to keep their mental health in check, share a laugh and seize the day – take an early morning dip at Mount Martha beach at Port Phillip Bay, rain, hail or shine.

Helen’s partner passed away last year and her brisk dip each morning has been her “saving grace”.

The Seawolves: ‘It jolts you awake.’ Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“We walk into the water holding hands, form a ring and do a countdown: 3, 2, 1. We duck down together, howling like wolves,” Helen said.

“It starts the day off right and all the girls are amazing, wonderful women”

“The benefits of immersing in cold water have been well documented – you can have a cold shower but it’s not quite the same in my book. The morning swim jolts you awake and brings energy and wellbeing in spades.”

Read our Retirement Living Special Report in today’s At Home magazine.