GemLife unveils new wellness strategy with Amplar Health

ASX-listed land lease community developer GemLife is investing in personalised healthy ageing coaching for every new resident entering its lifestyle resorts.

GemLife has struck a $600,000 deal with Amplar Health to provide a 12-week program to new homeowners at its land lease communities in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, offering one-on-one coaching tailored to the individual.

The Amplar Health partnership is part of a $6 million investment in an active approach to wellness initiatives across its communities.

Its implementation follows a successful trial at three Sunshine Coast resorts – GemLife Maroochy Quays, GemLife Pacific Paradise, and GemLife Palmwoods – where 94% of participants reported positive progress towards their healthy ageing goals.

The program reached capacity within 48 hours of expressions of interest opening to residents on the Sunshine Coast, with 95 people taking part, ranging from 57 to 85 years of age.

GemLife Managing Director and Group CEO Adrian Puljich said the response to the Amplar Health pilot – and the positive health outcomes achieved – were evidence of how making access to wellbeing initiatives easy bolsters participation.

The Healthy Ageing program helps participants identify and improve behaviours linked to ageing well, including physical activity, nutrition, sleep quality, social connection, mental stimulation, and engagement with preventative healthcare.

It is part of a suite of new wellness spaces and programs being introduced, including outdoor workout spaces, nutrition workshops, and partnerships with travel companies on experiences and holidays, to boost physical, mental and social wellbeing.

“Residents are typically around 70 years when they move to our lifestyle resorts and many see it as an opportunity to invest in themselves, now they have the time to do so – whether that’s improving health, taking up a new sport or hobby, travelling, or building social connections,” Adrian said.

“We want to encourage them to achieve their goals, while contributing to preventative care at a crucial time of life, which has broad flow-on benefits for the community.”

Former GemLife Health and Lifestyle Coordinator, Joshua Kristenson, has been appointed to a newly created role of General Manager Wellness to oversee the initiatives.

“What surprised us was how quickly people experienced positive change,” Joshua said. “Many participants reported improvements in their first follow-up session, often within two to four weeks of starting the program.”

Joshua said further initiatives were being formalised.

“We’ll be creating outdoor gyms in beautiful green spaces where people can follow an exercise trail, go for a walk, and socialise, along with planned cooking demonstrations and nutrition-focused education sessions to show how easy it is to whip up a nutritious meal,” he said.

“Travel and new experiences are associated with uplifting mood, health and social connection, so we’re finalising partnerships with travel companies on everything from wellness retreats to glamping, to day trips.

“We’ve spotted a gap where we can improve and elevate over-50s living and the experience of our residents, and we’re committed to delivering initiatives that support both mind and body.”

The enhanced focus on supporting residents to live active, healthy and connected lives coincides with GemLife’s first brand refresh in seven years.

GemLife has a portfolio of 33 existing and future communities in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.