Michael and Dave enjoy a firm friendship at their retirement community
Making new friends in retirement can be daunting but two men who met at Uplands Place, a Retirement Living development for the over 60s in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, have been joined at the hip since moving in. Michael, 78, and Dave, 83, share their heartwarming story.“It’s quite rare that it happens, but from the moment Michael and I met, we just clicked. We share the same outlook on life, which is why I think we get along so well,” says Dave, who moved to Uplands Place with his wife, Cynthia, in October 2021.
“People often say we’re two of a kind. I’m typically regarded as the more outspoken one, whereas Michael is the quieter of us two. However, there’s always plenty of banter.”
Michael, who moved to the retirement community with his wife, Jean, a month after Dave says, “When we purchased our apartment, the Sales Consultant said we should introduce ourselves to Dave and Cynthia, with us both enjoying motor-homing…I could tell straight away that we were going to get along.”
Dave adds, “Michael is supportive, reliable, and easy going, which is one of the many reasons why we get along as well as we do.”
Seconding this, Michael says: “Dave and I try to see the funny side of things and can always rely on one another for a good laugh. When we’re both at home, we tend to do most things together–I guess you could say we’re inseparable to a certain degree… we complement one another.”
Bowling and other retirement hobbies keep them busy
Michael says: “Dave started a bowls group not long after moving in. The McCarthy Stone team provided the equipment and we now play together twice a week with 20 or so other homeowners. It’s nice to do something active while being able to chat to our neighbours.”Dave adds: “Michael gives me a hand with setting up and packing away the bowls equipment which is a huge help. Outside of bowls, there’s lots happening throughout the week at the development. On a Friday morning, we head over to the sky lounge for a coffee, then on a Sunday, we bring along our own drinks and sit in the bar. We also have craft mornings, as well as games and sports nights on the TV. We use any opportunity we can to get people together and out of their apartment, it’s great.”
These helpful homeowners have become unofficial handymen!
When they’re not winding each other up about football or playing bowls, Michael and Dave can often be found doing odd jobs for the other homeowners.“Our neighbours call us the handymen. Every month, we do the meter readings and pop them on a card and deliver them to the homeowners, so they can submit it to the electricity company. They then return the card back to us ready for the following month,” Michael explains.
“Sometimes they will ask us to help them with tasks such as getting their broadband or TV to work properly. No matter the job, we’re happy to do our bit,”
What’s the best bit about retirement living?
"We and the other homeowners organise activities, such as quizzes and film nights, along with regular lunches out. It’s a lot of fun as everyone is welcome.” Dave says, “We have a lunch club at Uplands Place and every month we try a different venue, it’s definitely one of the highlights about living here”. He says he also likes the security that the development provides, along with its proximity to a wealth of amenities.For Michael, one of the biggest perks of living at Uplands Place is the ability to “lock and leave” his apartment to explore other parts of the UK in his motorhome. He says: “It gives Jean and I great peace of mind that when we’re away, our home is safe.”
And Michael is not alone in taking advantage of this phenomenon. Earlier this year, McCarthy Stone reported a rise in homeowners living as ‘retired nomads’ – retirees who regularly “lock and leave” their apartments to make the most of travelling for extended periods of time.
The benefits of friendship in retirement
Striking up friendships—or even maintaining existing ones—can be tricky, especially as you get older, resulting in loneliness. In fact, one study has revealed that almost 26 million UK adults said they feel lonely occasionally, sometimes, often, or always.Research has found that investing in close relationships is associated with better health, happiness and wellbeing and older adults who interreact with people outside their usual circle of family and friends are more likely to be more active, feel more positive, and have fewer negative feelings.
Find friendship at a retirement community near you
Whether you choose an independent living apartment with Retirement Living or opt for the added services of Retirement Living PLUS, our retirement communities host a range of (entirely optional) informal gatherings, arts and crafts and fitness clubs. Everyone is welcome and new friendships blossom as a result.
Learn more our retirement homes near you, call our friendly team on 0800 201 4811 or contact us online for more information.
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