LIVING LIFE, LIVING WELL

If ever there was a recipe to take age in one’s stride, Natalie has crafted it.
In one of the newly completed lifestyle apartments at Arvida Park Lane, nestled in a canopy of protected oaks, Natalie sits in “her treehouse” with a well-loved sewing machine.

The 77-year-old former dressmaker keeps her trade alive, with alterations still a regular task for her. Natalie used to have a bridal salon on Colombo Street, where she began as an apprentice out of high school. She would later buy and run the business. She misses it – and the satisfaction gained from completing one-of-a-kind couture.

Aside from working away with seams and stitches, surrounded by her indoor plants, she line-dances, volunteers at St Johns, gyms, and walks everywhere – if it’s too far by foot you’ll find her zipping around in one of the retirement community’s electric cars (the BMW i3 is her favourite).

“I like to be active. I don’t want to sit down and retire!”

On top of her already full schedule, Natalie is an avid tramper and is a member of a local club made up of 60–85-year olds. Getting out and about in the greater Christchurch area is one of her favourite pastimes.

“I love to get out in the Port Hills. We have a beautiful country.”

“It’s a tonic for your soul.”
Natalie also likes to keep up with her grandchildren – all around their 20s – so her living situation had to be accessible to them. With barbecue areas, a bar, café – plus more to come – it was clear to Natalie that her family would be able to come and go when they please. Her apartment even has a spare room for those who may have come from afar.

Natalie finds that her new home lends itself perfectly to her get up and go attitude – with well- tended gardens, vegetable patches, the Tower Junction shopping centre, Westfield Riccarton, and Lincoln Road all a short stroll away.

Living well is within the Arvida mantra and is to be taken very literally with the addition of a wellness centre to the Addington complex. Many facilities will be open to the public at certain times, connecting the wider community with the residents.

For now, Natalie is staying put but she’s always on the move.

livingwellparklane.co.nz