How GemLife’s musical residents are making life sing

While over-50s living is often associated with slowing down, GemLife’s residents are busy finding their voice.

“At GemLife, we believe that life over 50 is just the beginning of something wonderful,” says GemLife chief operating officer Andrew Coulter. “Whether it’s dusting off a guitar, picking up a paintbrush or trying something entirely new, there’s a real spirit of possibility here. Our resorts are designed to support that – with purpose-built creative spaces, workshops and social and recreational facilities that encourage residents to get involved and stay inspired.”

Since moving to GemLife Woodend in Victoria, former professional music duo Charles and Julie Chetcuti have not only rediscovered their passion for music, but they’ve also gained cherished friendships, too.

The Wannabeez perform at GemLife Woodend, where residents rediscover their love for music and build new friendships.

“We’ve joined a musicians activity group at GemLife called The Wannabeez,” Charles explains. “There’s a group of about five to 14 of us, depending on who is around, who get together and experiment with different instruments and music.”

Every second Sunday, the GemLife Woodend Country Club comes alive with the various musical acts of The Wannabeez, where fans kick back and enjoy the eclectic mix of classical, jazz, folk and dance music.

“We do it for the fun and love of it and enjoy bringing different music to the community,” Charles says. “While Julie and I are still working day jobs for another year at least, within the first six months of living here at GemLife Woodend, we’ve met some of the best friends we could ever have.”

No strings attached

After spending years working and managing a household, over 50s come to GemLife not only to downsize, but to have their turn in the spotlight.

“We’re seeing a powerful shift,” Coulter says. “More Australians over 50 are choosing lifestyle-led living. They’re prioritising wellbeing, community and freedom over traditional ideas about retirement. They’re not slowing down, they’re shifting gears into a more vibrant, self-directed chapter of life.”

Thanks to GemLife’s land lease community model, residents own their homes but rent the land, which reduces upfront fees and property taxes. There’s also no stamp duty or entry and exit fees (sometimes called Deferred Management Fees), which provides both financial freedom and flexibility.

A modest weekly site fee covers land rent, security and resort upkeep, and it also provides exclusive access to world-class facilities like cinemas, ballrooms, bowling alleys, swimming pools, golf simulators, craft rooms and workshops.

“If you’re bored here, it’s your own fault,” Scruton jokes. “It’s not an old people’s home; it has a resort feel about it and a lot of people are still travelling. It’s a very attractive lifestyle.”

Considering around 135,000 Australians now reside within a land lease community, it’s clear the structure hits all the right notes. And, with an ageing population, this way of living is set to become even more popular.

“GemLife homes are beautifully designed, low maintenance and set within secure, gated communities,” Coulter says. “Beyond the bricks and mortar, we offer a lifestyle full of activity, friendship and fulfilment,” he adds.

By removing financial barriers and minimising responsibilities, GemLife enables its residents to live life at the highest volume. As Scruton says, “There’s little to no maintenance, no pools to clean, and the community living is a bonus… I don’t have any baggage, so I can actually devote myself to the music.”

To find out more, visit www.gemlife.com.au or call 1800 490 709.

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