McCarthy & Stone : Dancing the way to a happy retirement

05 January 2018

For Carole Bly (73) from Bexleyheath, the key to a happy retirement is spending time with loved ones - and weekly belly dancing classes!

'Belly dancing has been a passion of mine for more than 20 years, and I don't plan to stop anytime soon!' says Carole.

'It's certainly hard work, but it's a fantastic way to keep fit and active, and meet new people. There are always new classes to try or routines to learn, and the group regularly go on weekends away and holidays. You're never too old to try something new I always say, so I would encourage anyone to give it a go!'

Having recently moved to a brand new apartment at McCarthy and Stone's Retirement Living development, Cardamom Court on Albion Road in Bexleyheath, Carole has been able to enjoy more of the belly dancing she loves, and hopes to someday jet-off to Cairo, the home of belly-dancing.

Carole comments: 'Not having the burden and upkeep of my family home has taken a huge weight off my shoulders, and has given me back so much free time to spend on the things I really enjoy. By downsizing I no longer have to worry about the rising costs of home maintenance, and I now enjoy an active social life with like-minded people.'

'I have lived in the area for more than 40 years and was absolutely delighted when I saw that a Retirement Living development would be coming to Bexleyheath - meaning I could stay close to my friends and family.'

Since moving to Cardamom Court in Bexleyheath, Carole has made the most of what the development has to offer. She enjoys getting involved in the many activities and events which take place at the development, including weekly coffee mornings and takeaway evenings in the club lounge.

Carole, who was amongst the first homeowners at Cardamom Court, describes the moving process as 'much easier than expected' and instantly felt settled in her new home right away. There is a close-knit, growing community at the development, with homeowners always supporting and looking out for one another.

Never one to sit still for long, Carole is also a keen traveller and has spent the last couple of years jet-setting. She has visited countries such as India, China and Namibia; and has trips to South Africa and Zambia planned for next year.

Carole comments: 'Travelling has become a big part of my life in recent years. I've even visited the Arctic, and I want to visit as many places as possible whilst I'm still fit. I have done numerous photography courses over the years and love capturing pictures of my travels, which is why I'm especially looking forward to the challenge of photography wildlife in South Africa next year.

'Living at Cardamom Court offers me the peace of mind of being able to leave my apartment and go on holiday without having to worry about security. This is an invaluable benefit of Retirement Living; and I feel very safe here.'

Georgina Akers, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy and Stone South East, said: 'It's an incredibly rewarding part of our job when we hear how happy our homeowners are, and it's great to hear Carole is enjoying her new surroundings and feeling at home at Cardamom Court.'

'McCarthy and Stone helps retirees to spend more time doing the things they enjoy and Carole certainly demonstrates this with her active lifestyle. For Carole, Retirement Living is the perfect solution. It offers the independence of home ownership combined with the peace of mind of additional security, and knowing all the external maintenance is taken care of by an expert team.'

Cardamom Court comprises a selection of 50 one and two bedroom Retirement Living apartments, exclusively designed for people aged 60 and over, and provides everything homeowners could want for a relaxing retirement.

Those interested in Retirement Living at McCarthy and Stone's Cardamom Court development are invited to call 0800 201 4811 or visit: https://www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/cardamomcourt