After 35 years teaching in Dubbo and more than two decades living in the Blue Mountains, Carolyn and Ray weren’t looking for a retirement village because they had to move. They were looking ahead.

The couple had spent 20 years in a large home set on half an acre in the Blue Mountains after retiring from teaching. It was a beautiful place to live, but as time passed, the upkeep became harder to ignore.

“It wasn’t the house so much,” Ray says. “It was all the pruning, gardening and maintenance that came with it.”

At the same time, they wanted to be closer to family and have easier access to medical services in the years ahead. Rather than waiting until a move became necessary, they decided to start planning early.

Planning for the future

Orange wasn’t a new idea for Carolyn and Ray. With family living nearby, they had been visiting the area regularly, and each time they came, they found themselves taking a closer look at Oak Tree Retirement Village Orange.

“We’d visit the village and look around the grounds,” Carolyn says. “We could see it was beautifully maintained and we liked the feel of it.”

They also did something prospective residents don’t always think to do. “We talked to a few residents and asked what it was really like living here,” Carolyn laughs. “Every single person told us they loved it.”

Over several visits, they built a picture of what retirement living could look like. “We liked that it felt like a community of people at a similar stage of life,” Ray says. “The village was secure, well-maintained, and everyone seemed very welcoming.”

Importantly, they never felt pressured to make a decision before they were ready. “We were preparing for the future rather than rushing into anything,” they agreed.

A lifestyle that keeps them moving

Today, Carolyn and Ray have been living full-time at Oak Tree for almost a year and have quickly settled into village life.

Far from slowing down, they remain as active as ever.

Ray rides with a cycling group three times a week, often covering around 35 kilometres each ride. He also enjoys golf and spending time outdoors.

Carolyn stays busy with movies, social activities and a book club she helped establish within the village. “We’ve met lots of lovely people,” she says. “There are plenty of activities if you want to join in, but there’s no pressure.”

Residents regularly gather for morning teas, drinks, sausage sizzles and special events, while interest groups cover everything from cards and Scrabble to exercise classes, crafts and gardening. “It’s nice to know there is always something happening,” Carolyn says.

Freedom to come and go

One of the biggest benefits for Carolyn and Ray has been the freedom that comes with having less responsibility at home. “We can travel without worrying about the house,” Carolyn says.

If Carolyn and Ray are away, neighbours keep an eye on things, and the village team helps maintain the grounds and common areas. “It’s a real lock-up-and-leave lifestyle,” Carolyn says.

The village’s location has also proven invaluable. The nearby golf club is within easy walking distance, a village bus runs regular trips into town, and medical services, shops and everyday essentials are all close by. “Everything is very accessible,” they agreed.

Closer to what matters

Being closer to family was one of the main reasons the couple chose Orange, and it’s a decision they appreciate every day. Their daughter lives just 17 minutes away, making it easy to stay connected and help with their grandchildren when needed.

“We’re still fit enough to pick the girls up from school and help out when we’re needed,” Carolyn says. “That’s really important to us.” Rather than making life smaller, the move has allowed them to focus more on the people and activities they enjoy most.

Advice for others

Looking back, Carolyn and Ray believe one of the smartest things they did was start planning before they needed to. “Don’t wait until a health issue forces a decision,” Carolyn says. “Start thinking about it while you’re still fit, healthy and able to make choices in your own time.”

She also encourages people to visit villages, speak to residents and ask plenty of questions. “Go and have a look. Talk to the people who live there. That’s what we did.”

For Carolyn and Ray, the move to Oak Tree wasn’t about giving something up. It was about making sure the next chapter of life was every bit as rewarding as the last.

To find out more about what living looks like at Oak Tree Retirement Village Orange click here or call 1300 367 155.