News
Six smart ways to enjoy retirement
04
Apr
Retirement is an exciting new chapter, but a little planning goes a long way to ensure you make the most of it. From sorting out your finances and health to finding new hobbies and staying open to change, these simple steps will help you create a rewarding and enjoyable retirement.
1. Take control of your finances
Your money works differently in retirement, so it’s important to review your budget. Even if budgeting isn’t your thing, now’s the time to look at your income and expenses. A financial advisor can help you maximise your superannuation, investments, pensions, and government benefits.
Check your super and investments
Understanding where you stand financially is key. You might want to look at diversifying your investments or turning your super into an annuity or an account-based pension. Getting expert advice ensures you make smart choices.
Plan for your retirement lifestyle
Spending habits change in retirement. Research shows retirees aged 75 spend significantly less than they did at 60, with higher-income retirees cutting...
04
Apr
Move it or lose it: How gentle exercise can ease those aches and pains
If you’re over 50 and feeling a bit stiff and sore, you’re definitely not alone. Achy knees, tight hips, and a cranky lower back seem to sneak up out of nowhere, making everyday movements feel like hard work.
But here’s the good news – pain and stiffness aren’t just an inevitable part of ageing. In fact, regular, low-impact exercise and some simple daily stretches can make a huge difference in how you feel, says fitness coach Josh Kristenson.
“Now, before you start picturing yourself running marathons or lifting heavy weights, that’s not what we’re talking about,” he says. “When it comes to easing aches and improving mobility, gentle movements are often the most effective.
“Things like walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi, and Pilates can help strengthen muscles, support joints, and keep your body moving freely — without putting unnecessary strain on it.”
Why movement matters
It’s easy to think rest is the best remedy when you’re feeling sore, but the truth is, too much sitting...
04
Apr
Eight fun ways to stay fit over 50
Life doesn’t slow down after 50 – if anything, it gets even busier! That’s why the trick to staying active is to weave exercise into your daily routine, making it as natural as brushing your teeth.
And here’s a bonus – if you’re keen to meet new people, exercise is a great way to socialise and stay connected.
1. Walking
Walking is one of the best low-impact exercises out there. It boosts heart health, strengthens bones, and helps manage weight – all while being gentle on your joints.
The best part? You can do it solo or with mates. Many Living Gems resorts even have social walking clubs, where residents start the day with a stroll before catching up over a cuppa.
And if you’re looking for a challenge, just pick up the pace or add a few hills!
2. Aqua aerobics
If you want a full-body workout without the impact, water aerobics is the way to go! It’s brilliant for balance, strength, mobility, and coordination –...
03
Apr
Celebrate Easter with a chocolatey twist
Easter is just around the corner, making it the perfect time to enjoy a delicious twist on the classic hot cross bun. These double-chocolate Easter buns are packed with rich dark chocolate chips and topped with a silky chocolate glaze, making them an indulgent treat for any Easter celebration – or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Chef Matt Conquest shares his enthusiasm for these festive delights:
“These buns are a chocolate lover’s dream – soft, rich, and loaded with double the chocolate. They’re best enjoyed warm with a little butter or as a delightful afternoon snack.”
Get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible Easter treats.
Double-chocolate Easter Buns
Makes 6
INGREDIENTS
200 ml warm water
2 tbsp sugar
1 heapped tsp (10 g) dry yeast
1 cup plain flour
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp oil
1 tsp all-spice
1 tsp cinnamon
Good pinch of salt
1 cup chocolate chips or chocolate buttons, chopped
For the cross paste:
1/4 cup plain flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp cocoa powder
3-4 tbsp water, until it forms a paste
For...
17
Mar
Retirement planning: Set yourself up for success
Just like you’d plan a big adventure, preparing for retirement requires thoughtful consideration. Making sure you’re financially stable allows you to make the most of this exciting stage of life.
Here are three essential steps you'll need to consider for your retirement plan.
1. Evaluate your financial situation
To enjoy a stress-free retirement, you first need a clear understanding of your financial situation.
Calculate your net worth
Take stock of your savings, property, superannuation, and investments. Subtract liabilities such as outstanding loans and recurring expenses.
Assess your income streams
Determine where your income originates — salary, pension, rental properties, dividends — and how sustainable it is in the long term.
Plan for retirement expenses
Whether you dream of adventure or a relaxed lifestyle, all retirement plans come with costs. Budget for travel, healthcare, leisure activities, and any future living arrangements.
2. Maximise your retirement savings
Many Australians worry about their retirement savings lasting through their later years. If you share this concern, consider proactive steps to strengthen your...
17
Mar
Savor the season with BBQ lamb rump
AS THE COOL AUTUMN EVENINGS ARRIVE, THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE A HEARTY, GRILLED MEAL TO WARM YOU UP.
For chef Matt Conquest, autumn is the perfect season to enjoy barbecued lamb alongside the rich, comforting tastes of fresh, local produce.
“When the nights get cooler, I always think of roast lamb on the barbecue,” says Chef Matt. “This barbecue lamb rump pairs wonderfully with roasted pumpkin and a homemade bush tomato chutney, offering a delicious combination of flavours using seasonal, local ingredients.”
Whether you’re sharing a meal with friends or enjoying a quiet evening, this flavourful, locally inspired dish is a perfect way to make the most of the autumn season.
Australian BBQ Lamb Rump with Roasted Pumpkin and Bush Tomato Chutney
Serves 2-4 (depending on serve sizes)
.
INGREDIENTS
2 lamb rumps (about 250 g each, ask your butcher to trim them up)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 lemon zested and a squeeze of lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Roasted pumpkin:
500...
17
Mar
The real cost of retirement village fees – are downsizers getting a fair go?
Deferred management fees and capital gains fees have made headlines again, with over-50s downsizers feeling like they’re getting a raw deal from retirement village operators.
A news feature last September shone a spotlight on the issue, featuring interviews with homeowners, their families, and industry experts. The big concern? Complicated contracts, hidden costs, and fees that can eat into the money retirees expect to get back when they sell.
What are Deferred Management Fees (DMFs)?
DMFs are often marketed as an affordable way for older Aussies to downsize, with the idea that the retirement village operator recoups costs when the property is sold. That money supposedly goes towards maintaining and upgrading the facilities.
But critics argue that these fees can be a real sting in the tail. The complex formulas used to calculate them are based on how long someone has lived in the village, and they can be as high as 35 percent of the sale price—meaning a big chunk of money goes straight...
14
Mar
Smart downsizing: Creating a home that works for you
Moving to a smaller home can be a big change, but it’s also an opportunity to create a space that’s easy to maintain, stylish, and perfectly suited to your needs. Whether you're transitioning to a modern townhouse, an apartment, or a retirement or lifestyle community, thoughtful design choices can help you make the most of your new home.
Sort through your belongings with care
Downsizing is a great time to take stock of what you truly need and love.
Rather than trying to fit everything from your previous home into a smaller space, focus on keeping the items that hold the most meaning and are used regularly. Consider gifting heirlooms to family or donating pieces that no longer serve you.
Select furniture that works for you
Comfort and functionality are key when choosing furniture for a smaller home. Select seating with good back support, adjustable tables, and beds with built-in storage.
Multi-purpose furniture — like a dining table that extends or an ottoman with storage —help...
11
Mar
Tips for experienced cyclists over 50
For those who have been cycling for years, hitting the road or trails in your 50s and beyond can be just as rewarding as ever — if not more so, says fitness coach Josh Kristenson.
“However, it’s worth remembering that as our bodies change, so too should our approach to cycling,” he says.
Here are some of Josh’s expert tips to keep you riding strong, safe, and injury-free for years to come.
Prioritise bike fit and comfort
Even if you’ve been riding the same bike for years, it’s worth reassessing its fit. Small adjustments to saddle height, handlebar position, and pedal alignment can significantly impact comfort and reduce strain on joints. If you haven’t had a professional bike fitting before, now is the time to consider one — it can make all the difference in maintaining efficiency and preventing injuries.
Focus on recovery and flexibility
Recovery becomes even more important as we age. Stretching before and after rides helps maintain flexibility and prevents stiffness. Incorporate yoga...
07
Mar
Positively downsizing
Downsizing is often associated with giving up space, but what if it’s actually about gaining opportunities?
Embracing the idea of downsizing can open the door to a host of benefits, especially if you’re planning for retirement. In fact, a right-sized home might be the key to unlocking new adventures and possibilities that could reshape your retirement in ways you hadn’t imagined.
A rightsized home for your lifestyle
As you look ahead to retirement, it’s essential to ask: How do you want to spend this phase of your life? The answers may surprise you.
For many Australians, travel tops the list. In fact, a study from Equip Super found that 71 percent of retirees plan to prioritise seeing the world when they leave the workforce.
But what if your current home doesn’t fit this lifestyle? A large, empty house can become a burden when you're on the move, potentially worrying about security and maintenance while you’re away.
Downsizing to a more manageable home, such as one in...
21
Feb
Seven Tricks to boost your memory
“Has anyone seen where I’ve left my car keys?”
Don’t worry, it’s not a sign of dementia, these small bits of memory loss are common to everyone.
But did you know that you can improve your memory, and it can be a lot of fun too? We have seven practical tips to boost your brainpower and keep your memory sharp.
Understanding how memory works
Before we explore memory-boosting tips, let’s quickly understand how memory operates.
Our memory can be divided into three types:
Short-term memory – This holds information for just a few seconds, like remembering a phone number long enough to write it down.
Working memory – This lets you hold and manipulate information, such as recalling directions while you’re on the way somewhere or summing up prices in your head.
Long-term memory – This is where information is stored for long periods, from your childhood memories to things you’ve memorised through repetition.
By practicing and reinforcing information, we can help short-term memories make their...
