From the 8th – 12th January 2024, Widenham Retirement Village became a place of joy and discovery, hosting Grandchildren’s Week. Our beautiful village, nestled just South of Durban, near Scottburgh, welcomed 28 bright-eyed children and invited them into a world brimming with educational and fun activities. The week-long celebration, designed for our ‘Little Explorers’ (5-8 years of age) and ‘Young Adventurers’ (9-13 years of age), was a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, creative learning, and community spirit.
Monday, 8th January: A journey of exploration and imagination
The excitement began with the little explorers going on an internal trail walk, engaging in clay insect modelling and a photography session using their grandparents’ phones. Meanwhile, the young adventurers set off on a 5.5km trail walk, exploring the scenic paths South of the village. The afternoon brought everyone together for a fascinating session on library use and archaeology, unveiling the secrets of a historical midden dating back to AD 450.
Tuesday, 9th January: A day of cycling, baking, and dancing
Tuesday was a hive of activity. The morning saw both groups learning about cycling safety and maintenance, followed by a fun ride and cake baking session. These freshly baked delights were later shared with housebound residents, spreading joy and sweetness. The afternoon was dedicated to preparing for a line dancing concert, along with an energetic time trial challenge.
Wednesday, 10th January: Coastal wonders and creative pursuits
The week’s midpoint featured beachside adventures, with rock pool explorations and a beach clean-up. The children’s creativity shone in the afternoon during an arts and crafts session, where they prepared props for their upcoming concert.
Thursday, 11th January: Angling fun and starlit trails
On Thursday, the kids embarked on a fishing adventure at Sundowner Dam, followed by rehearsal for their acting performances. The day culminated in a night trail walk, a magical experience under the stars.
Friday, 12th January: Sports, service, and showtime
The grand finale of the week was a sports-filled morning, with activities ranging from gym sessions to swimming. The children also had the opportunity to serve lunch to their grandparents, a heartfelt gesture of gratitude. The week’s highlight was the afternoon concert, showcasing their acting and dancing skills.
A celebration of intergenerational bonding
The week, filled with joyous activities at an affordable cost, utilised the expertise of only two external professionals, ensuring a community-focused experience. More than just a series of events, Grandchildren’s week at Widenham Retirement Village was a celebration of family ties, community involvement, and the joy of exploration, leaving lasting memories for both the youngsters and their grandparents.
Embracing the Widenham way of life
Widenham Retirement Village is a community that thrives on engagement, wellness, and a connection with nature. Set near a lush coastal forest, the village offers a serene yet vibrant environment where retirees can enjoy their golden years to the fullest. Its unique location, only 50km from the bustling city life of Durban, yet close to the tranquil shores of Scottburgh, provides the perfect balance of peaceful living and convenient access to urban amenities. The village’s commitment to fostering a close-knit community is evident in its array of clubs and activities, designed to cater to a wide range of interests and encourage residents to lead active, fulfilling lives. From arts and crafts to sports and social gatherings, there’s always something to do and someone to share the experience with at Widenham.
Maintaining a fun and active relationship between grandparents and grandchildren offers numerous benefits that can contribute to a sense of youthfulness and vitality. Here’s a list of reasons why such relationships are beneficial for keeping grandparents young at heart:
- Increased physical activity: Engaging in play and outdoor activities with grandchildren encourages physical exercise, which can improve fitness, flexibility, and overall health.
- Mental stimulation: Interacting with younger minds can be mentally stimulating, helping to keep our retiree’s minds to expand and stay positively engaged.
- Emotional connection: The emotional bond with grandchildren can bring joy, reduce stress, and foster a sense of purpose and happiness.
- Learning new perspectives: Grandchildren can introduce new ideas, technologies, and perspectives, encouraging grandparents to stay connected with contemporary culture and trends.
- Reduced loneliness: Regular interaction with grandchildren can alleviate feelings of isolation or loneliness, which is vital for mental health.
- Teaching and learning: The dynamic of teaching and learning between grandparents and grandchildren can be mutually beneficial.
- Laughter and playfulness: Play and laughter with grandchildren can boost mood, reduce stress hormones, and create a sense of well-being.
- Sense of purpose: Being involved in the upbringing and mentoring of grandchildren can give grandparents a renewed sense of purpose and identity.
- Increased social interaction: Activities with grandchildren often lead to more social interactions with other children and parents, expanding social networks.
- Keeping traditions alive: Sharing family stories, traditions, and skills with grandchildren helps grandparents stay connected to their roots and heritage.
- Nurturing compassion and care: Caring for grandchildren can enhance compassionate feelings, which can have positive effects on overall mental health.
- Improved routine and structure: Regular visits or caretaking responsibilities for grandchildren can provide a healthy routine and structure to a grandparent’s life.
The legacy of Widenham Retirement Village, as part of the Hibiscus Retirement Villages family, is rooted in over 60 years of experience in creating nurturing, safe, and vibrant communities for retirees. This rich history is blended with modern innovations and thoughtful planning to meet the evolving needs of today’s retirees.