5 real-life retirement stories from our homeowners
Retirement is your chance to do the things you’ve always wanted to do, whether that’s pottering on your allotment, starting a new hobby or travelling the world. If you’re looking for your next adventure, find inspiration in these real life happy retirement stories from our very own homeowners.
1. Sail the seven seas
As well as enjoying life at Olivier Place - a McCarthy Stone development near Salisbury, Wiltshire - Richard and Rachel can often be found indulging in their passion for sailing. Together, they’ve sailed across the Channel over 60 times.
“There’s something very special about being out there in the open sea, with the fresh air biting your face and the crashing of the waves.
For us, it’s all about making memories and where our next adventure will take us.” - Richard, McCarthy Stone homeowner.
But it’s not just a passion for sailing that keeps them going back for more. Knowing that their home is in safe hands helps them to enjoy their sailing adventures to the fullest.
“[McCarthy Stone] offered us the peace of mind of being able to leave the apartment for holidays without having to worry about security.” - Rachel, McCarthy Stone homeowner.
From the Wonders of the World to hidden gems in the UK, Richard and Rachel’s inspirational retirement story could be just the nudge you need to start travelling. Plus, if you live in a McCarthy Stone retirement home, you can book one of our hotel-style guest suites to make the most of holidays across the UK.
2. Take up a fitness challenge
From yoga and wild swimming to walking and even marathon running, there are lots of ways to stay healthy and active in retirement.
Running enthusiast and Springhill House resident, Mo Ewasha, is a prime example that you’re never ‘too old’ to try something new. He ran his first-ever London marathon at the age of 70.
“I still feel young at heart because I’m so active. Running is a way of life, and I won’t be stopping for a long time. Since moving to Springhill House I’ve had more time to enjoy doing the things I love most.” - Mo Ewasha, McCarthy Stone homeowner.
If you’re after something lower in impact, read Martin and Marion’s inspirational retirement story. The couple from Sovereign Court in East Yorkshire, share an unusual way to keep fit: tandem-bike cycling.
“We love to go on adventures together and see where we end up.
Four legs are better than two; it’s a great way to keep fit and enjoy some uninterrupted time together just to chat. There’s nothing better than the shared accomplishment you feel. It’s amazing the things you can discover and the beautiful places it can take you.” - Martin, McCarthy Stone homeowner.
3. Take a leap of faith
Retirement is the perfect time to change things up, fulfil ambitions and step out of your comfort zone - or a plane! Like adrenaline junkie and Cornwall resident, Ann, who braved an exhilarating skydive in South West England to celebrate her 80th birthday.
Should you prefer to step out of your comfort zone from the comfort of your own home, there are plenty of retirement hobbies for that, too. From researching your family tree to pottery or even writing your own novel, there are many ways you can enjoy retirement in the great indoors.
Jean, a McCarthy Stone homeowner from The Oaks in Cheshire, published her first novel in her 70s.
“Publishing your first fiction novel as a 72-year-old grandmother of three is quite a coup. War, hijacking, smuggling, blackmail, murder - I don’t know where I get my imagination from, to be honest. It just comes to me.“ - Jean, McCarthy Stone homeowner.
While Professor Peter had more time to pursue his retirement hobbies of walking and painting, after moving into Fairway View in Brough - a town in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
In fact, Professor Peter turned his passion for art into profit - raising over £1,000 for charity at his first art exhibition at the age of 73. Naturally, Professor Peter was a little apprehensive about the exhibition but was thrilled with the outcome.
“The exhibition went well. People seemed to like the paintings, but I’m sure they were also keen to support the two charities. I met many delightful people.” - Professor Peter, McCarthy Stone homeowner.
4. Support a local charity
Our homeowners are a charitable bunch. From baking cakes for coffee mornings to sponsored Zumba, they are always finding creative ways to raise money for good causes. But have you ever considered running your own charity? McCarthy Stone resident and charity founder, Patricia Pearce MBE’s, real-life retirement story is very impressive.
“I retired from work after being a flight attendant with BA for 39 years, but because I run a charity, Dreamflight, I don’t really feel like I’ve properly retired.
I am incredibly proud to still be a part of the Dreamflight family, and of what the children themselves have achieved - they have 37 Paralympic medals between them.” - Patricia Pearce MBE, Founder of Dreamflight and McCarthy Stone homeowner.
This non-profit organisation offers once-in-a-lifetime trips to Orlando, Florida, for disabled and seriously ill children. Patricia is responsible for fundraising and works hard to ensure £1 million is secured every year to supply these incredible opportunities. It's hard work, but Patricia has more time to spend on the charity since moving into Chiltern Place, in Amersham.
At McCarthy Stone, we understand charities and organisations play an important role in changing lives for the better. The McCarthy Stone Foundation is one way we give back to communities across the UK.
5. Turn a hobby into a career
Retirement doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to work for good. For some, it’s the chance to start a whole new career or turn a lifelong passion into a business. This was the case for McCarthy Stone resident and retired industrial chemist for BP, Dr Nevin Stewart, who initially got into making cider as a hobby.
“I started making cider in 2012 after a neighbour had a glut of apples and we were pondering what to do with them. We tried to make our own apple juice and cider, but the juicer we used just wasn’t up to it.
My background as a chemist came in handy and I started testing and adapting several larger juicers and came up with a single-step juice and strain cider-making system. It worked really well and it knocks spots off the traditional pulp and press method.
Other cider-makers were interested in it, so what started as a hobby has become a small business called Juice and Strain… We’ve had interest from around the world.” - Dr Nevin Stewart, retired industrial chemist for BP and McCarthy Stone homeowner.
If cider-making isn’t for you, why not try your hand at acting? Angie and Edson Chase’s inspirational retirement story explains how they conquered the world of acting aged 68 and 76. Angie and Edson have enjoyed roles as nude life models, actors in a Clint Eastwood film, and even as extras in Eastenders.
Create your real-life retirement story with McCarthy Stone
If you’re looking to try a new hobby in retirement, we offer regular activities and social events within our communities so you’re sure to find something to suit.
Plus, with reduced maintenance and lower energy bills, our retirement apartments and bungalows give you more time and money to do the things you enjoy.
If you’re interested in finding out more, get in touch with our friendly team today. You can do this by contacting us online or by calling 0800 201 4811. Alternatively, search for a McCarthy Stone retirement home near you.
