Approaching older age as a time of continued growth could be key to living a longer and happier life. Photo: LDK.
There’s a quiet revolution going on in senior living, fuelled by people determined to thrive at every stage of thier life.
For many Canberrans, contemplating where to spend their later years conjures an image of grey meals, cramped quarters, and endless rounds of bingo.
The threat of boredom alone is enough to make anyone want to stay put, but luckily for the current generation of retirees, a new concept of senior living has emerged.
Consider the words of Dr Kerry Burnight, author of Joyspan: A short guide to enjoying your long life (2025).
“Regardless of your current age, you hold one of two mindsets: aging as decline or aging as continued growth,” she says in her book.
“The decline mindset believes everything gets worse as you grow older and then you die. The growth mindset sees aging as a time of continued progress in becoming who you are.”
Drawing on more than 30 years of research and clinical experience, Dr Burnight stresses that longevity is only valuable when paired with joy, connection and lasting purpose.
“Evidence suggests that while genetics contributes to longevity, it accounts for only a fraction of the outcome,” she says.
“Lifespan is not a matter of good fortune in the genetic lottery.
“Instead, it is shaped by the choices we make every day – how we move, the relationships we nurture, and how we care for our mental and emotional health.”
In short, gone are the days of giving up the things you love. It’s time to live your best life as you age.
For people like Dianne, community is everything. She moved to Greenway Views in Tuggeranong about five years ago, along with her husband, Robert.
Sadly, Robert has since passed away. But rather than retreating from the world, Dianne has made it her mission to connect with others.
“I think lots of people give up on building new relationships in their later years, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” she says.
“I spend a lot of my time just talking with other residents. Connections are so important, and if they’re widowed or don’t have a partner or family close by, a friendly stranger could be a lifeline.”
Dianne also volunteers to sit with residents who are nearing the end of their life, often at night, so family members can go home and rest.
“I didn’t realise how important it was to have a network of support around you until Robert died,” she says.
“Robert was my rock and had such a great sense of humour.
“It was an honour to watch over him. When it’s my time, the people I’ve become close to throughout my life will watch over me as well.”
Dianne is always happy to get involved in social and community events around Greenway Views village. Photo: LDK.
Greenway Views has a sister-village on the way in Weston Creek, named ‘Amberfield’. Both villages are the work of LDK Seniors’ Living,
The LDK model is centred around a commitment to lifelong care. Their ‘One Move Promise’ means residents don’t have to worry about moving again, even as their health needs change.
Overlooking the National Arboretum, ‘Amberfield’ is a stone’s throw from the quaint shops and cafés of Yarralumla.
The village will eventually feature 380 homes designed by award-winning architects, plus an indoor pool and wellness centre, peaceful outdoor spaces, and more.
Visitors can tour Amberfield’s beautifully styled apartments and new village plaza at their upcoming Open Day on 25 October.
Dianne was in her early 70s when she and Robert moved to Greenway Views. Some people told her she was too young, but she sees value in joining a community when you’re fit, well, and able to dive in on everything it has to offer.
“I’m a big believer that people of any age deserve to feel confident, comfortable, and free,” Dianne says.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child, and that’s true. But we elders also need one, so we can celebrate the richness of our lives and continue to grow.
“How can we possibly thrive if we’re alone?”
To find out more about Dr Burnight’s ethos, visit Joyspan.
Amberfield Open Day will run from 10 am until 3 pm this Saturday, 25 October, at 240 Cotter Road, Weston. For more information, visit LDK: Amberfield.
