Growing old in Australia

[itegoa]

Serious question... what do people think about growing old in Australia?

 

I've just moved out here to Brisbane, wife and kids to follow shortly. I've not quite turned 40 yet, by the way! So a long way off until old age.

 

From what i've seen, the suburbs seem to be very quiet places, with no pub in the center (think British pub).

 

As a big pub fan in the UK, I saw my retirement (a long way off) visiting the local pub meeting up with friends.

 

It doesn't seem to be like that over here. Maybe I haven't give it enough time yet, i've only been here 1 week! LOL.

 

Random thoughts I know, but i'm just feeling very strange at the moment. Like, have I made the right choice? Will life turn out OK here? Will I start to miss things back in the UK? (already missing British pubs in less than 1 week). What happens if I want to go back to the UK in say, 5 or 10 years time when my kids might have settled in Australia and they don't want to go back.

[Jacaranda]

Firstly you need to forget about british pubs,and start your new life,putting your past behind you!Might sound abit harsh,but....you're not going to settle very well imho if you don't.I'm not a huge fan myself of Burb pubs.I come from Sth Australia,and lived fairly rurally before returning to the UK.My town had two pubs,both bustling on weekend nights.How many pubs do you have near you?Do any of them have live music?(If that's what you're into)

As for getting old,again,I would choose to live rurally myself.I think there is a stronger sense of community,and I'd like to think people would know me enough to say hi when Im walking down the street! Last year I stayed with my Mum in the burbs of Adelaide (for 3 mths)and didn't meet a soul walking to the shops.Also went to her local pub?Dead as! My Mum led a reclusive type life.They emigrated to Sth Aust in 1970,and did have a lot of british friends,but they later moved away,lost touch or whatever.My Mum did have clubs etc that she could of joined but she chose not to,so apart from occasional visits from my siblings and myself,she saw virtually no one.

Maybe start joining some clubs (sporting or other),go to your local,get out and about and make some good mates.Your mates will become your 2nd family,so choose carefully and treat them nicely!:cute:

Its early days for you yet!A week is absolutely nothing really is it?More importantly,focus your attention to the present time.Your future isn't here yet so no point in worrying yourself silly over it right hon?Right! Relax and go with the flow of life.What will be will be.

[CaptainC]

All very valid fears and thoughts for somebody so new to Australia.

 

I lived in australia a few years back and I remember the same thoughts entering my head early on. They soon dissipated for me when I got into the swing of things. My life wasn't the same as the UK and I didn't expect that it would be, but it was still so different and difficult. But, I soon found my groove, embraced my new routine and felt normal again.

 

In my case I needed to move back to the UK and had no real choice in the matter. That was a lot harder than making the move over in the first place and harboured even bigger emotions.

 

I'm approaching the big 4 0 too and this time I'm not going in blind, plus my wife is a kiwi, so it's practically home for her which will be a big help. I'm very much looking forward to it, but I know that I'm probably going to have a mini breakdown at some point, so you'll have to expect that the same may happen to you.

 

Once your wife and kids make the move, you'll all be together, just like you were in the UK, and things will start to click into place. It may take some time and often the kids will be the first to settle down.

 

Best of luck.

[Quoll]

Well you can always go to the RSL/Footy club and play the pokies. Or Bingo, there's often bingo as well.

 

Your kids will grow up and leave home anyway so at that point you do what you want to do, if Aus floats your boat then that's all good but if it doesn't then move on.

[Woody]

As a former publican I doubt very much there will be many if any British pubs left. By the time you retire anyway.

 

I agree with the other posts it is going to feel strange to begin with and one week isn't long to settle. Not being with your family will be adding to it all. I am sure once you are all back together things will start to feel better. I know I wouldn't feel right without my husband and daughters even if I was still in my home town.

[Imapla]

Serious question... what do people think about growing old in Australia?

 

I've just moved out here to Brisbane, wife and kids to follow shortly. I've not quite turned 40 yet, by the way! So a long way off until old age.

 

From what i've seen, the suburbs seem to be very quiet places, with no pub in the center (think British pub).

 

As a big pub fan in the UK, I saw my retirement (a long way off) visiting the local pub meeting up with friends.

 

It doesn't seem to be like that over here. Maybe I haven't give it enough time yet, i've only been here 1 week! LOL.

 

Random thoughts I know, but i'm just feeling very strange at the moment. Like, have I made the right choice? Will life turn out OK here? Will I start to miss things back in the UK? (already missing British pubs in less than 1 week). What happens if I want to go back to the UK in say, 5 or 10 years time when my kids might have settled in Australia and they don't want to go back.

 

Well if you are working int the city there are loads of places to go - they are just different from your average pub. and there are some pubs and RSL clubs around. We found that being in Brisbane just the four of us OH and 2 kids meant we did lots of things together and brought us much closer than we might have been if we'd stayed in UK. Good luck and you will feel strange at first but hopefully it is a fun adventure - especially at this time of year when UK is so cold and dark

[Gbye grey sky]

Serious question... what do people think about growing old in Australia?

 

I've just moved out here to Brisbane, wife and kids to follow shortly. I've not quite turned 40 yet, by the way! So a long way off until old age.

 

From what i've seen, the suburbs seem to be very quiet places, with no pub in the center (think British pub).

 

As a big pub fan in the UK, I saw my retirement (a long way off) visiting the local pub meeting up with friends.

 

It doesn't seem to be like that over here. Maybe I haven't give it enough time yet, i've only been here 1 week! LOL.

 

Random thoughts I know, but i'm just feeling very strange at the moment. Like, have I made the right choice? Will life turn out OK here? Will I start to miss things back in the UK? (already missing British pubs in less than 1 week). What happens if I want to go back to the UK in say, 5 or 10 years time when my kids might have settled in Australia and they don't want to go back.

 

Whereabouts in Brisbane do you find yourself at the moment?

 

I agree with others who say forget about British pubs and trying to exactly replicate the life you had in the UK, because you won't. You have to either embrace the differences or find yourself longing to return.

 

I am 55 and arrived here a few months ago. Tbh I try not to think about getting old, full stop.

[flag of convenience]

Serious question... what do people think about growing old in Australia?

 

I've just moved out here to Brisbane, wife and kids to follow shortly. I've not quite turned 40 yet, by the way! So a long way off until old age.

 

From what i've seen, the suburbs seem to be very quiet places, with no pub in the center (think British pub).

 

As a big pub fan in the UK, I saw my retirement (a long way off) visiting the local pub meeting up with friends.

 

It doesn't seem to be like that over here. Maybe I haven't give it enough time yet, i've only been here 1 week! LOL.

 

Random thoughts I know, but i'm just feeling very strange at the moment. Like, have I made the right choice? Will life turn out OK here? Will I start to miss things back in the UK? (already missing British pubs in less than 1 week). What happens if I want to go back to the UK in say, 5 or 10 years time when my kids might have settled in Australia and they don't want to go back.

 

In a word lonely. I have had neighbours of retirement age while living in a WA coastal town, and was a little amazed at first of just how much time they spent alone.

 

The only solution would be to join a bridge club, which many did with the average age around 65. Or a Bowls Club. If not a 'joiner' life can be very solitary indeed. Especially if not raised in the area and/or kids moved away.

I suspect that is why a number move into retirement villages. The hope of having companionship.

 

It is an often stated fact that should be considered prior to leaving, that it may well prove to be a family buster. Not only the kids wanting to stay, but the kids moving on to other countries and leaving aged parents behind. In our globalised world a very possible feat.

[JockinTas]

You've moved over 10,000 miles away from the UK so don't expect it to be the same because it isn't. We have retired and have a good social life and keep busy doing heaps of different things.

 

This is replying to the OP's post.

[JockinTas]

Firstly you need to forget about british pubs,and start your new life,putting your past behind you!Might sound abit harsh,but....you're not going to settle very well imho if you don't.I'm not a huge fan myself of Burb pubs.I come from Sth Australia,and lived fairly rurally before returning to the UK.My town had two pubs,both bustling on weekend nights.How many pubs do you have near you?Do any of them have live music?(If that's what you're into)

As for getting old,again,I would choose to live rurally myself.I think there is a stronger sense of community,and I'd like to think people would know me enough to say hi when Im walking down the street! Last year I stayed with my Mum in the burbs of Adelaide (for 3 mths)and didn't meet a soul walking to the shops.Also went to her local pub?Dead as! My Mum led a reclusive type life.They emigrated to Sth Aust in 1970,and did have a lot of british friends,but they later moved away,lost touch or whatever.My Mum did have clubs etc that she could of joined but she chose not to,so apart from occasional visits from my siblings and myself,she saw virtually no one.

Maybe start joining some clubs (sporting or other),go to your local,get out and about and make some good mates.Your mates will become your 2nd family,so choose carefully and treat them nicely!:cute:

Its early days for you yet!A week is absolutely nothing really is it?More importantly,focus your attention to the present time.Your future isn't here yet so no point in worrying yourself silly over it right hon?Right! Relax and go with the flow of life.What will be will be.

 

I walk to the shops here Jacaranda and most other people do too. What should be a quick trip to the shops takes a while because we end up standing nattering or talking to somebody in their front garden. This end of Devonport has a really nice community feel to it.

[deryans]

Took my 7 year old boy out last weekend on his Bmx, we cycled 3 odd miles to the local pub (wife likes that distance, just far enough to keep me out of it on a regular basis)

 

Met a lovely old chap at the bar, old bloke , joined him for a pint of harveys (kent/east sussex), loads of stories, lovely chap, used to work on John Mills farm, near where the original "whistle down the wind" was inspired, spent an hour chatting there, he jumped on his bus and we cycled back (well walked up a hill) and I told my 7 year old the story of whistle down the wind... on the way back through the country lane

 

Never did that in Kensington Adelaide in the 4 years we were there, Pubs like that don't simply exist there & the people just don't mix.

 

We used to regularly cycle to the shops and goto kensi park, (nets , oval) only saw people my kids ages a few times, my mum came out in early 2014 and wanted to know where all the children were ? It was like something out of Vulgaria, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, except more sinister.......... because that was a movie and not real and adelaide although we lived there seemed real..........not so sure now though.

Edited November 26, 2015 by deryans
added another dig at adelaide

[Bobj]

Growing old in Autralia?

 

Fabulous...Been here 52 years and at age 74, still enjoying life in the sun.

 

One thing I have never understood and probably never will; the poms who come out to a new life and promptly want the things they left behind...If that is the case, don't bother to come to Australia. This country does have some wonderful things, despite what the detractors say.

 

Look forward and you will not trip up...Look back and you will fall R sover.

 

Cheers, Bobj.

[Jacaranda]

Jock you are lucky where you live.Ive also stayed in another burb of Adelaide many times at my sisters place,and never saw a soul!lol So yes I think it does depend a lot of where you live.

[Paul1Perth]

I was 39 when I came, 62 now. Growing old here is a completely different kettle of fish for us. I love the warmer weather for a start and being about 5 mins away from the beach also helps. We are members of the local surf club and I still go down there almost daily at 5:30ish for a ski paddle before work or, just for a change, go for a swim at the local 50m outdoor pool.

 

I do some sort of exercise just about daily and don't feel right if I miss a couple of days. Don't write yourself off too early and settle into "I'm old, time to give up sport and doing slightly crazy things" and just sitting in the pub with mates every night. It's there if you want it, plenty of pubs in Brisbane but you would be missing out on so much of what Aus has to offer, even for old folk like me.:wink:

[Paul1Perth]

Took my 7 year old boy out last weekend on his Bmx, we cycled 3 odd miles to the local pub (wife likes that distance, just far enough to keep me out of it on a regular basis)

 

Met a lovely old chap at the bar, old bloke , joined him for a pint of harveys (kent/east sussex), loads of stories, lovely chap, used to work on John Mills farm, near where the original "whistle down the wind" was inspired, spent an hour chatting there, he jumped on his bus and we cycled back (well walked up a hill) and I told my 7 year old the story of whistle down the wind... on the way back through the country lane

 

Never did that in Kensington Adelaide in the 4 years we were there, Pubs like that don't simply exist there & the people just don't mix.

 

We used to regularly cycle to the shops and goto kensi park, (nets , oval) only saw people my kids ages a few times, my mum came out in early 2014 and wanted to know where all the children were ? It was like something out of Vulgaria, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, except more sinister.......... because that was a movie and not real and adelaide although we lived there seemed real..........not so sure now though.

 

The kids were probably all down the beach mate, or at the skate park. That's where they seem to hang about here and I don't think Perth and Adelaide seem much the same type of place when I've visited there. Maybe you were way out of town?

[deryans]

The kids were probably all down the beach mate, or at the skate park. That's where they seem to hang about here and I don't think Perth and Adelaide seem much the same type of place when I've visited there. Maybe you were way out of town?

 

Nah mate, it's adelaide, and the kids at the skate park are all on juvenille detention, and we were 4.8km from the city centre. (which itself is dead)

 

Adelaide is dead and that's a fact. Lived in Sydney for 8 years and it's totally different, easy to get to the beach, had 2/3 local pubs within easy walking distance and kids had plenty of others to play with in the park and make friends.

 

No so in adelaide, would not recommend it as others have observed.

[starlight7]

You will find your only problem growing old in Australia is finding time to keep up with all the social opportunities available! Seriously. It is better for over 55s than it is for younger people there are heaps and heaps of clubs, and people somehow become a lot more friendly. Don't worry even for a moment!

[Guest]

Nah mate, it's adelaide, and the kids at the skate park are all on juvenille detention, and we were 4.8km from the city centre. (which itself is dead)

 

Adelaide is dead and that's a fact. Lived in Sydney for 8 years and it's totally different, easy to get to the beach, had 2/3 local pubs within easy walking distance and kids had plenty of others to play with in the park and make friends.

 

No so in adelaide, would not recommend it as others have observed.

 

I'll dispute the skate park bit. We go past one next to the Oaklands wetlands on a regular basis and outside of school hours its busy as anything. Weekends lately its been really busy with kids of varying ages. They have competitions there too sometimes and lots of people out watching too. Kids seem to be decent, the place doesn't look trashed and they really are making the most of it.

 

When we lived in Glenelg we had a couple of places within walking distance for a drink. However, we preferred a place further away (a few suburbs over) so would go there usually.

 

Living rural in England, it was a 4 mile round trip for a pint of milk for us so am well used to things not being on the doorstep. The cities here, unless you live in the central area are not anything close to UK towns and cities. Its a different way of living. I don't really like the suburbs I liken to Stepford Wives living (the ones along the coast to the south spring to mind there) and it goes on for miles. I find that pretty souless I freely admit. However, I've found a few places in the city I like to go on a night out, same with cafes, places to eat and more.

 

I used to live in a town in England, we used to go 40 odd miles to go out for a night as the town was so crap pub/club wise etc. People living there now still do the same and head for the bigger towns/cities for their nights out.

 

To reply to the OP, I think retirement here is in some ways similar to elsewhere in that if you are a social bunny now you'll probably be the same as you get older. If you don't go out much now, chances are you won't when you get on a few years. Lots of older people here are in some social club or other, be it a sport, a game or some such. Also there are a few rambler type groups I see out and about.

 

Many people socialise at home here, the outdoor backayrd entertaining type thing. Most times we get an invite to somewhere its at someones house.

 

The English type pub isn't the norm here. Hopefully you'll get used to it and find your feet with local haunts and places to go. Also once your family arrives you should find yourself feeling a little more settled hopefully. I don't like the big sports bars that are popular here, find them pretty souless tbh. But I got very bored of pubs anywhere, so not going to many here isn't a hardship for me.

[Gbye grey sky]

In a word lonely. I have had neighbours of retirement age while living in a WA coastal town, and was a little amazed at first of just how much time they spent alone.

 

The only solution would be to join a bridge club, which many did with the average age around 65. Or a Bowls Club. If not a 'joiner' life can be very solitary indeed. Especially if not raised in the area and/or kids moved away.

I suspect that is why a number move into retirement villages. The hope of having companionship.

 

It is an often stated fact that should be considered prior to leaving, that it may well prove to be a family buster. Not only the kids wanting to stay, but the kids moving on to other countries and leaving aged parents behind. In our globalised world a very possible feat.

 

Seriously there are plenty of lonely old folk in the UK too. There are a great many retirement homes in the UK too and I imagine the reasons people move to them are comparable. Company and a desire to reduce the size of the home in later life.

 

Life is what you make of it as long as you have your health and that applies anywhere.

[buzzy--bee]

You have to either embrace the differences or find yourself longing to return.

 

This.

 

BB

[MARYROSE02]

Took my 7 year old boy out last weekend on his Bmx, we cycled 3 odd miles to the local pub (wife likes that distance, just far enough to keep me out of it on a regular basis)

 

Met a lovely old chap at the bar, old bloke , joined him for a pint of harveys (kent/east sussex), loads of stories, lovely chap, used to work on John Mills farm, near where the original "whistle down the wind" was inspired, spent an hour chatting there, he jumped on his bus and we cycled back (well walked up a hill) and I told my 7 year old the story of whistle down the wind... on the way back through the country lane

 

Never did that in Kensington Adelaide in the 4 years we were there, Pubs like that don't simply exist there & the people just don't mix.

We used to regularly cycle to the shops and goto kensi park, (nets , oval) only saw people my kids ages a few times, my mum came out in early 2014 and wanted to know where all the children were ? It was like something out of Vulgaria, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, except more sinister.......... because that was a movie and not real and adelaide although we lived there seemed real..........not so sure now though.

 

They do mix, but perhaps they do not do it the way you wanted them to? When my Mum came out here in 1986 for my brother's wedding, the lady next door, who did not know her, baked her a cake with "Welcome Mary" on top and promptly took her out to meet her friends.

 

You can meet people with nice stories wherever you go. I have coffee with an old lady every lunchtime and she told me that her grandfather emigrated from Scotland at the start of the 20th century and became one of the first Sydney Harbourmasters, and her brother received a bravery award from Neville Wran for diving down to a ferry to rescue someone.

 

Of course pubs like in England don't exist in Adelaide, but have you considered the possiblity that someone from SA might go to England and think "If only the pubs in England were as good as at home?"

[amibovered]

They do mix, but perhaps they do not do it the way you wanted them to? When my Mum came out here in 1986 for my brother's wedding, the lady next door, who did not know her, baked her a cake with "Welcome Mary" on top and promptly took her out to meet her friends.

 

You can meet people with nice stories wherever you go. I have coffee with an old lady every lunchtime and she told me that her grandfather emigrated from Scotland at the start of the 20th century and became one of the first Sydney Harbourmasters, and her brother received a bravery award from Neville Wran for diving down to a ferry to rescue someone.

 

Of course pubs like in England don't exist in Adelaide, but have you considered the possiblity that someone from SA might go to England and think "If only the pubs in England were as good as at home?"

 

It was going so well, and then.....

[MARYROSE02]

Serious question... what do people think about growing old in Australia?

 

I've just moved out here to Brisbane, wife and kids to follow shortly. I've not quite turned 40 yet, by the way! So a long way off until old age.

 

From what i've seen, the suburbs seem to be very quiet places, with no pub in the center (think British pub).

 

As a big pub fan in the UK, I saw my retirement (a long way off) visiting the local pub meeting up with friends.

 

It doesn't seem to be like that over here. Maybe I haven't give it enough time yet, i've only been here 1 week! LOL.

 

Random thoughts I know, but i'm just feeling very strange at the moment. Like, have I made the right choice? Will life turn out OK here? Will I start to miss things back in the UK? (already missing British pubs in less than 1 week). What happens if I want to go back to the UK in say, 5 or 10 years time when my kids might have settled in Australia and they don't want to go back.

 

A week is not very long, you go away for longer holidays! You probably built up your friends and social networks over the whole of your life in the UK, and now you are starting from scratch.

 

Pick a pub and go there every night and speak to people there, both staff and customers. I made friends with a bloke in one pub in Sydney when we started discussing the AFL on the TV. If you follow the EPL, then find a pub where fellow fans meet. I have a feeling that Spurs fans meet in one of the Pig and Whistle pubs in Brisbane.

 

[h=3]The famous Pig'N'Whistle - Quality food, beverage, live sport ...[/h]www.pignwhistle.com.au/

 

 

The Pig 'N' Whistle is a famous institution amongst Queensland and Brisbane pubs for its service, quality of food and beverages and fun atmosphere.

 

 

[TABLE=class: nrgt]

[TR=class: mslg _Amc]

[TD][h=3]Riverside[/h]Pig 'N' Whistle Riverside was recently announced as the ...

 

 

 

[/TD]

[TD][h=3]Indooroopilly[/h]An iconic Indooroopilly pub well worth a visit. With 16 great years ...

 

 

 

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR=class: mslg]

[TD][h=3]Queen St[/h]Opening in December 1999, Pig N Whistle on Queen St Mall is the ...

 

 

 

[/TD]

[TD][h=3]Contact Us[/h]If you would like more information or wish to speak to someone ...

 

 

 

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR=class: mslg]

[TD][h=3]Fortitude Valley[/h]If you are looking for a bar in Fortitude Valley then look no ...

 

 

 

[/TD]

[TD][h=3]Brunswick Street[/h]Brunswick Street. home · News ... Brunswick News Story ...

 

 

 

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=colspan: 2]More results from pignwhistle.com.au »

[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

[flag of convenience]

Seriously there are plenty of lonely old folk in the UK too. There are a great many retirement homes in the UK too and I imagine the reasons people move to them are comparable. Company and a desire to reduce the size of the home in later life.

 

Life is what you make of it as long as you have your health and that applies anywhere.

 

Yes there are as regards UK. But there are many, many more visible (besides being more numerous in UK) out and about in UK as well. In Europe as a matter of fact. Check out Germany , France, Italy, Malta to get an idea what I mean.

 

Australia, like America is rather aged focused. Yes life obviously is what you make it, just far easier in some places to make more out of it.

 

Hence more older folk seeking options outside of Australia. Not purely due to loneliness, but it makes far better economics as well.

[flag of convenience]

A week is not very long, you go away for longer holidays! You probably built up your friends and social networks over the whole of your life in the UK, and now you are starting from scratch.

 

Pick a pub and go there every night and speak to people there, both staff and customers. I made friends with a bloke in one pub in Sydney when we started discussing the AFL on the TV. If you follow the EPL, then find a pub where fellow fans meet. I have a feeling that Spurs fans meet in one of the Pig and Whistle pubs in Brisbane.

 

The famous Pig'N'Whistle - Quality food, beverage, live sport ...

 

http://www.pignwhistle.com.au/

 

 

The Pig 'N' Whistle is a famous institution amongst Queensland and Brisbane pubs for its service, quality of food and beverages and fun atmosphere.

 

 

[TABLE=class: nrgt]

[TR=class: mslg _Amc]

[TD]Riverside

 

Pig 'N' Whistle Riverside was recently announced as the ...

 

 

[/TD]

[TD]Indooroopilly

 

An iconic Indooroopilly pub well worth a visit. With 16 great years ...

 

 

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR=class: mslg]

[TD]Queen St

 

Opening in December 1999, Pig N Whistle on Queen St Mall is the ...

 

 

[/TD]

[TD]Contact Us

 

If you would like more information or wish to speak to someone ...

 

 

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR=class: mslg]

[TD]Fortitude Valley

 

If you are looking for a bar in Fortitude Valley then look no ...

 

 

[/TD]

[TD]Brunswick Street

 

Brunswick Street. home · News ... Brunswick News Story ...

 

 

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=colspan: 2]More results from pignwhistle.com.au »[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

 

 

Folk on aged pensions here though are likely to be unable to afford too many pub outings in Australia. Probably adds fuel to the fire on relocating to places like Thailand. Around $2-$3 instead of $8 paid on East Coast....