Beyond comfy is how you could best describe Cottage 75 nestled under trees and surrounded by gardens on three sides, in the heart of the established section of Settlers Park Retirement Village. It’s clear that the occupants, Tony and Tricia Border are long-time residents and are blissfully settled in their surrounds. The walls are adorned with engaging art pieces as well as portraits of their four adult children. What is surprising is the boudoir grand piano strategically placed in the centre of their living area. Tony, the son of a music teacher mom, and a civil engineer by qualification, plays entirely by ear and has hundreds of songs stored in his brain. All he needs are a few words or the name of a song and away he goes, fingers flying along the keys as the melodies make merry!
Furthermore, say the Borders, they’re surprised at how many folks leave it too late in terms of making the move from a regular freestanding home to a retirement village. In their opinion, a couple should move while they have the energy and strength to set up a new home together so that, when one passes, the other is left behind in a familiar space filled with shared memories. The notion that your life will not be your own is also discounted. “When it comes to how involved one is in terms of the numerous activities on offer, it is up to each resident to decide what his or her involvement is going to be. There is no pressure whatsoever to take part in anything,” says Tony. “You can go about your life in whatever way you choose,’ adds Tricia, “safe in the knowledge that the Care Centre is available 24 hours a day to assist should there be an emergency”.