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<\/a>Carole, 73, who lives in Bexleyheath, believes that the key to a happy retirement is spending time with loved ones, exploring the world and looking forward to her weekly belly dancing classes.<\/p>\nShe is able to do all three following her decision to move to a new apartment at McCarthy & Stone\u2019s<\/a> Retirement Living development, Cardamom Court<\/em> in Bexleyheath in South London.<\/p>\n Removed of the pressures of maintaining her previous property she can devote her energies into living her retirement life to the full.<\/p>\n She says: \u201cNot having the burden and upkeep of my family home has taken a huge weight off my shoulders, and given me free time to spend on the things I really enjoy.<\/p>\n \u201cBy downsizing I no longer have to worry about the rising costs of home maintenance, and I now enjoy an active social life with like-minded people<\/p>\n \u201cI have lived in the area for more than 40 years and was absolutely delighted when I saw that a Retirement Living development would be coming to Bexleyheath \u2013 meaning I could stay close to my friends and family.\u201d<\/p>\n Never one to sit still for long, widow Carole, who has two children and three grandsons, is also a keen traveller and has spent the last couple of years visiting countries as far afield as India, China and Namibia; and has trips planned to South Africa and Zambia in the next 12 months.<\/p>\n \u201cTravelling has become a big part of my life in recent years.\u00a0 I\u2019ve even visited the Arctic, and I want to visit as many places as possible whilst I\u2019m still fit. I\u2019ve done numerous photography courses over the years too and love capturing pictures of my travels, which is why I\u2019m especially looking forward to the challenge of photographing the wildlife in South Africa next year.\u201d<\/p>\n But when not globetrotting or enjoying time with the family, Carole can be found strutting her stuff on the dance floor as her long-term love for belly dancing helps her to keep active and meet new people.<\/p>\n \u201cBelly dancing has been a passion of mine for more than 20 years, and I don\u2019t plan to stop anytime soon! There are always new classes to try or routines to learn, and the group regularly goes on weekends away and holidays.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re never too old to try something new I always say, so I would encourage anyone to give it a go!\u201d<\/p>\n Since moving to Cardamom Court<\/em>, Carole has made the most of what the development has to offer.\u00a0 She enjoys getting involved in many activities and events including weekly coffee mornings and takeaway evenings in the club lounge.<\/p>\n Carole, who was one the first homeowners at Cardamom Court<\/em>, describes the moving process as \u2018much easier than expected\u2019 and said she felt instantly settled in her new home. There is a close-knit, growing community at the development, with homeowners always supporting and looking out for one another.<\/p>\n \u201cLiving at Cardamom Court<\/em> offers me the peace of mind of being able to leave my apartment and go on holiday without having to worry about security,\u201d she adds.\u00a0 \u201cThis is an invaluable benefit of Retirement Living and I feel very safe here.\u00a0 Add in the sense of community we have also, as well as the opportunity to share my love of belly dancing with new people and I think it\u2019s the perfect recipe for a happy, fulfilling and active retirement.\u201d<\/p>\n For further information on Cardamom Court<\/em>, where there are just three two-bedroom apartments currently left available, all priced at \u00a3484,950; please contact McCarthy & Stone on: 0800 201 4811.<\/p>\n Details on all McCarthy & Stone developments are also available on the website at www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n