A New Chapter at 86: How Gill Found Freedom, Fitness and Friendship at Inspired Villages

For 86-year-old Gill Easby, retirement is all about embracing new opportunities and staying active. Since moving to Blendworth Hills, an Inspired Villages community in Hampshire, she has developed a rewarding fitness routine, enjoys regular rounds of golf, and formed meaningful friendships that enrich her daily life.

Before making the move, Gill lived in a four-bedroom detached house that had become increasingly challenging to maintain. “Age played a big factor in the move, as well as my health,” she says. “I wanted somewhere that supported my lifestyle, and the strong sense of community was a real draw.” Her spacious two-bedroom apartment at Blendworth Hills has provided exactly that—offering the perfect balance of independence, comfort and a welcoming community on her doorstep.

Gill has fully embraced village life. “I’m really impressed with the community aspect, as well as all the exercise classes I have available on my doorstep,” she says. Gill takes part in nearly every fitness session offered – from aqua aerobics, strength & mobility, wellbeing walks, and low impact circuit classes. “Aqua aerobics is my favourite,” she smiles. “I’m not as into yoga or Pilates, but I love being in the water.”

Her enthusiasm is infectious. When her 16-year-old twin grandchildren from Hertfordshire visited recently, they joined her in an aqua aerobics session. “They had huge smiles on their faces! It was a great chance for them to try something new and see where I now live.”

Community sits at the heart of Gill’s routine. “The days go so quickly – I’m always busy and have activities to do with my friends,” she says. “You never feel lonely with people around you and there’s lots of physical activities going on. There’s happy hour on Friday afternoons and evenings, where everyone gathers together.” Gill is now waiting for a village bridge club to start so she can continue a passion she’s held for years.

Between her golf, fitness classes and social calendar, Gill is proving that life after 80 can be just as active, fulfilling, and joyful as ever. As she reflects, “Although moving to Blendworth Hills felt like a big step, I knew it was the right move for me – and I’m so glad I did it.”

Established in 2017, Inspired Villages is dedicated to creating later-living communities like  Blendworth Hills across the UK, helping residents stay active, supported and socially connected for the long term.  

For more information, please visit:   https://www.inspiredvillages.co.uk/village/blendworth-hills 