Village life strengthening bonds for Sunset Ridge residents

For four Bolton Clarke Sunset Ridge residents, moving into a retirement village has given them a new lease on life and brought them even closer after 30 years of friendship.

Dubbed ‘The Golden Girls’ by their fellow residents at the village, Lyn, Jean, Brenda and Ena have made a special tradition that they say has brought them closer since the passing of their husbands.

“Our friendship started through the Anglican Church in Emu Park about 30 years ago - our husbands would all do barbeques together and we would see each other regularly,” Lyn said.

Lyn and her late husband Barry were among the first residents to move into Sunset Ridge 18 years ago and soon after, the rest of the ladies moved in on their own.

“Our very first get-together at the village was on my veranda, in memory of those remarkable men where we shared stories of them, laughed, cried and toasted them,” Lyn said.

“We catch up properly six times a year for birthdays and special celebrations but we see each other almost every day.

“I think because we know each other so well, it’s wonderful to have a group where you can get any problems off your chest or we can celebrate things happening in our lives like something great happening with our children.”

This week (3-9 August) is Loneliness Awareness Week raising awareness about social isolation and celebrating the everyday ways people are making room for each other.

Other than their dedicated catch ups on special occasions during the year, the group says the social environment of the village has helped them feel less isolated since being on their own.

“My calendar has never been so full in my whole life,” Ena said.

Whether it’s catching up over coffee at the community hall, playing cards or heading out for a few rounds of bowls, the ladies have fully embraced the village lifestyle.  

“On the days you spend on your own you become more aware of what people go through who don’t know anyone, but the village is a great for that. It’s a big advantage to live here with such a social life,” Lyn said.