Our natural neighbours

When I purchased a development site next to a protected koala habitat and surrounded by State Forest, I knew it was essential that whatever I built there had to be environmentally responsible.

Like many others, I became conscious of my own carbon footprint some time ago and have taken many steps – both at work and at home – to reduce my impact on the environment.

Despite this prior understanding, I never imagined how difficult it would be to strike a balance between great ideas and practicality… until I began designing Elements Third Age Living @ Springwood.

A number of my green initiatives were ones that just made sense – water tanks for irrigation, solar power for hot water, and ceiling fans and cross ventilation design principles to reduce the need for artificial cooling.

Then there were other ideas that I simply hadn’t considered until I stumbled across them. Take our worm farm for example, which is a great way to produce fertiliser and encourage natural thinking from our residents.

And that’s the key. I believe environmental sustainability is about far more than just the physical things, and requires a deep personal connection with our natural surrounds.

Elements @ Springwood will include a range of green features, including an organic garden where we can grow our own fruit and vegetables and a chook pen.

Nature-based recreation will also be a large part of that greater awareness. With the State Forest right next door, I don’t imagine it’ll be too hard to entice people to explore the many walking and bike tracks.

The first residents will begin moving in towards the end of the year, but at all times – including during construction – the original occupants of this site will be considered. Wallabies and koalas call this area home, so I have been careful to consider their needs and wellbeing.

For more information about Elements @ Springwood and our unique location, visit our website at www.elementsliving.com.au

Social media revolution

I came across this great video on Twitter that illustrates how powerful and relevant social media has become. If you weren't convinced before, you will be after this:

Learning from our seniors

Forget coal mines, the property industry and even the Broncos – Queensland’s greatest asset is our remarkable community of seniors.

Earlier this week I spoke at Logan City Council’s Seniors – Get Active expo at the Entertainment Centre. It was fantastic to see so many people out supporting the older generation, while enjoying a series of informative workshops, displays and activities.

Packing the expo gift bags

The expo is part of wider Seniors Week celebrations, which promote positive attitudes towards older people and ageing while encouraging people to lead active lifestyles and foster new relationships with other generations.

It goes without saying that I’m a passionate advocate for seniors’ issues. For too long, older people have been disregarded and cast aside by almost everyone, from government to the health and retirement care industries.

This group of wise Australians can teach us so much about our past, present and even our future if we would only let them. For this reason, Elements Third Age Living @ Springwood is built on a strong philosophy of lifelong learning and permanent connections with the wider community.

My children went to John Paul College at Daisy Hill, one of Australia’s largest independent schools. When I purchased their former sports fields and began designing Elements @ Springwood, I immediately indicated my interest in forming a close connection.

I believe education is one of the most important keys to living a long and happy life, which is why Elements @ Springwood residents will have access to JPC facilities and resources – and vice versa.

Students will be encouraged to visit the community and learn from the people who helped shape their present. Whether it’s exploring the books in the library, wandering the walking tracks that run through the pristine State Forest or sowing the organic garden, this sharing of knowledge will be a two-way street.

Both child and adult capable of learning from each another, and that cooperation should be harnessed and encouraged.

I will be hosting another successful ageing seminar on September 23, featuring a panel of esteemed experts from a variety of fields. If you are looking for the secret to agelessness, this is a good place to start. For more details and to register your free spot visit the Elements @ Springwood website at www.elementsliving.com.au.

What's age got to do with it?

Fashion designer, life coach and acclaimed author Peggie Wilson might be 90-years-old, but this spritely Brisbane identity would never dream of slowing down. Why would she?

Peggie embodies her personal mantra that age is nothing but a number and I find her both inspiring and remarkable. According to her, people are never too old to do what makes them happy.

Last year she wrote a book called What’s Age Got To Do With It? for those of us who seem to reach our use-by dates at the point of retirement – and well before our time.

In her book she wrote: “One day, sooner or later, it happens to all of us - we become conscious of our age… instead of enjoying what can be the best times of our lives, we let the best time pass us by. We need to learn that we are not ‘too old’ – in fact we are not too old for anything if we really want to do it.”

She’s absolutely right. Age really has nothing to do with it! In fact, the older we get the more we should invest in the things that make us happy.

Our lives are split into three ages – the first is about learning and development, the second is full of responsibilities and the third is an exciting new phase of personal fulfillment.

Our kids leave home and full-time careers start to wind down. It should be the best time of our lives, when we live to the fullest and embark on a journey of self discovery. Sadly, too many don’t and seem to just give up.

Peggie spoke at a recent seminar on successful ageing at John Paul College, hosted by Elements Third Age Living @ Springwood. She is an amazing source of inspiration and has a great story to tell. In fact, we could all learn a thing or two from her incredible life.

I will be hosting another successful ageing seminar on September 23, featuring a panel of esteemed experts from a variety of fields. If you are looking for the secret to agelessness, this is a good place to start. For more details and to register your free spot visit the Elements @ Springwood website at www.elementsliving.com.au.

Make the move – now!

The best decisions in life are often left too late. We put things off, make excuses and delay for yet another day. Research shows that this procrastination also applies to our retirement living choices, but that needn’t be the case.

According to McCrindle Research, the majority of people living in retirement villages wish they had moved in earlier. I suspect the misconceptions about aged living often cause people to delay making the move until the ‘eleventh hour’.

Society tells us that getting old is not a good thing. We slow down, sag, stop having fun and view retirement as just a small step away from the pearly gates. Once we give in to our age, we start adopting the attitude that we should give up living life the fullest.

Nothing could be further from the truth, and I believe this part of our lives is the best. Our children leave home and careers take a back seat, allowing time for self-discovery and the things we really enjoy without the burden of responsibility.

A study in 2001 found that 95% of retirement village residents believed their communities met or exceeded their expectations. In short, they were happy to have made the move into retirement living.

These findings indicate that our worst fears about retirement villages are often unsubstantiated. In fact, it seems aged living is the exact opposite of what we imagine!

Elements Third Age Living @ Springwood is an example of a pre-retirement community that breaks the mould. I have concentrated my research studies at Bond University to examine the impact of the built environment on successful ageing, and have continuously applied my findings to Elements.

An artist impression of a villa

My approach helps to enhance and promote the five elements of a happy and successful life – being physical, spiritual, social, psychological and financial.

At Elements, I have included a range of community facilities, including a library, craft room, men’s workshop, organic garden, residents’ bar and function space. There is also a wellness retreat with pool, spa, tai chi deck, gym, beauty and massage room. In addition, I have engaged a couple of specialist builders and architects to design and build a traditional Japanese zen garden complete with a tea house.

Forget what you know about retirement – this community is built on a philosophy of successful ageing in a social and stimulating environment. And it’s about more than just providing quality amenities. A strategic partnership with John Paul College will provide the educational resources and learning spaces necessary to encourage social interaction and life-long learning.

If you’re ready to make the move, consider Elements @ Springwood. We are nestled amidst Daisy Hill State Forest and yet only a stone’s throw from major shopping outlets, medical facilities, entertainment precincts, sporting clubs and places of worship.

For more information about my philosophy, the community’s facilities or to view floorplans of the 116 architect-designed villas, visit www.elementsliving.com.au.

Social media revolution

Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, Bebo, LinkedIn… I’ve read a lot about the social media revolution, but didn’t completely understand what it meant for me until recently.

There are a number of books and online references that explain these new mediums in terms that are easy to understand. After some research, I’ve decided to embrace a couple for myself.

I’m now on Facebook and you can become a member of the Elements @ Springwood fan page by clicking here. In addition, you can also follow me on Twitter to keep updated on my whereabouts and various happenings.

What do you make of social media? Do you use it for yourself or your business? Share your thoughts!