Healthy Benefits From A Couple's Change Of Scene

The Age

Saturday April 7, 2007

Royce Millar

MARJORIE Ring does like to be beside the seaside. But nearing 70 and having left family, friends and her beloved cinemas behind in the city, her seachange has come at a cost.

The 69-year-old and her 74-year-old retiree husband Des moved to Inverloch five years ago after Mrs Ring suffered a stroke that reduced her mobility and sight. Concerned for his wife's health, Mr Ring packed up his successful sheet-metal business and the couple swapped their 30-year-long life in Caulfield for a new kit home by the beach.

For Mrs Ring, there is no doubting the benefits. "We're so close to the beach. We have a block of land and a garden we love; the setting is beautiful."

Being more active, Mr Ring has probably adapted better, with the lifestyle giving him time to pursue interests including the flugelhorn. For Mrs Ring, it has been more difficult. "I find it hard because it's a bit far away from family and friends." In particular she misses the theatre, galleries and cinemas.

Mrs Ring's health means that local services and doctors are important. Council workers help the couple with cleaning once a fortnight and take her on weekly shopping outings.

Retaining doctors is a constant battle for rural communities. Mrs Ring says it's rare for her to see the same doctor more than once. As for dentists, the waiting time for treatment is about two years.

Over the years the Rings had holidayed at Inverloch, and so felt at least partly at home when they moved there.

While the local council is concerned about demands made on infrastructure and services by seachanging retirees, Mrs Ring points out that towns like Inverloch are booming: "Many of the people coming to live here have got a lot of money and will contribute a great deal in rates."