GenQ

So, here it is - the story of Australia’s first Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgender and straight friendly retirement village.

When most of us think of Retirement – our thoughts immediately cross to denial that old age or retirement is something we need to consider or that we need to plan for.  If anything like me, those thoughts are promptly followed by our subconscious, that niggles at us with prompts like ……..no really, where would I go to retire?  What does retirement mean anyway? Will I actually be OK in old age?  I’m healthy now, what health needs could I possibly have?  What happens to me without family or siblings to nurture my well being (although, within our community in modern day this theme has somewhat shifted)?  Will I have hair, or will I be dying my hair purple?  And, what about sex? Will I have a partner, or not? And? And? And?

I certainly don’t want to live in the traditional nursing home, or within the confines of the current health care system!

There is a need, an absolute need for this development

As the GLBT Community we are facing these real life questions in volume like never before.  Not only are we asking these questions now – we are asking them with more urgency, and ferocity.

In setting the scene:

 Australians aged 60+ is projected to be more than triple by 2050,

Those 80+ is expected to increase five fold. 

Based on this, by 2050 those aged 65+ will account for 25% of the entire population.  By that time again, more than one million Australians will be over the age of 85* – and quite possibly, you’ll be one of them!

At a rough estimate our community will account for 10% of these figures.

Where are you?

What are your plans as a GLBT and GLBT Friendly person for retirement?

Already many seeds of GLBT retirement are planted – some more free than others. In certain circles, friends pooling together and sharing hinterland homes, or large city locations together is a possibility.  For others, returning to live with family and in childhood surrounds is another. For those not independently wealthy, and now facing the challenge known as time – there is no choice but the current system. There might not even be the choice to stop working either. 

What is retirement, and who wants it anyway? In sport, if you’re retired – you’re gone!!  Maybe this GLBT Retirement Village should have a focus that supports and nurtures the evolution of our being, that supports the wisdom of the elders.  I quite like the ring of a Over 55’s GLBT and GLBT Friendly Lifestyle Village.

What might the Vision of such a place look like?

Gay, Australian Development Group – Imprint Developments have picked up the sword of possibility and embarked on the creation of this, Australia’s very exciting GLBT and GLBT Friendly Lifestyle Village for over 50’s

“There is a need, an absolute need for this development” says Craig Wright, Project and Development Founder.  “From one small press article, we have received in excess of 100 expressions of interest, and enquiries for residency – there is a demand”.

Craig goes onto say, “The key to this project’s success is staying true to the vision. The key to this development is that it be produced from within the community, and that the needs of the community stay paramount in it’s development. For me, this entire project is about the law of giving, and abundance”

“For every person that loves this idea, there will be one that hates it – whether gay or straight.  For every idea and piece of research that helps grow this project, someone else in the community will have another three ideas.  It’s this diversity and thoughtfulness within the GLBT community that makes our lives rich, and will make this place of living completely unique.

The vision to date for this project is  - as wide and varied as our community. 

• It is a place to choose your own experience!
• It is a place where independent living and assisted living collaborate and harmonise together!
• It is a place where certain profit from development will be channelled to support those who otherwise are not able to afford the opportunity to live here with access to services!
• It is a place where animals and pets are welcome!
• It is a place with the innocence of children, and families in all their forms!
• It is a place of economic availability for everyone
• It is set within beautiful surroundings.
• It is a place filled with fun, celebration and joy!
• It has a focus on wellbeing
• It has an attitude of mutual appreciation – we serve the ill, and we serve the well!
• It is sustainable!
• It is a centre caters to our general and very specific and unique health needs of our community.

• It is a place that sounds somewhere like, I’d like to live!”

Have your say.

We’d love your feedback to this story, and to hear your thoughts on what’s important for you in the idea of a GLBT over 55’s Village.

Take part in our 10 minute, online survey – click here.

If you would like more information on the GLBT Retirement village or you would like to know how you can become involved or contribute please contact Craig Wright at the Ark Group for more information.

Tags: gay retirement, glbt, glbt community, retirement village