Held in Brisbane on 23 July 2025, the GemLife Over 50s Lifestyle Forum brought together a powerhouse panel of speakers to share practical, inspiring advice across wellness, finances, and retirement living.
Hosted by Jamie Durie, the event was a celebration of living well — helping over 50s plan their next chapter with confidence.
🎥 Watch the presentation from the day below:
Featuring Carly Barlow, Rachel Lane and Noel Whittaker
The recent Over 50s Lifestyle Forum brought together experts in wellbeing, retirement living, and financial planning. The message was clear — healthy ageing is about more than one choice; it’s a whole-of-life approach.
Wellness and mindset with Carly Barlow
Wellbeing coach Carly Barlow opened the event with a fresh, relatable take on healthy ageing. She encouraged attendees to focus on energy, movement, mindset, and social connection — all things that contribute to a more vibrant, fulfilling lifestyle.
💬 “It’s never too late to reinvent your lifestyle.”
🧘♀️ Try our lifestyle exercises to reflect on your values and preferences
💡 Explore tips for healthy retirement living
Retirement living choices with Rachel Lane
Rachel Lane explored the financial side of downsizing, helping people understand what to look for in a retirement village contract and how to plan ahead. Her advice was clear — knowledge is power when making lifestyle and financial decisions about your next move.
💬 “Downsizing is a lifestyle decision — but it’s also a financial one.”
📘 Learn more about retirement village contracts
📊 Discover how a Village Guru Report can help
Financial confidence with Noel Whittaker
Personal finance expert Noel Whittaker closed the speaker lineup with practical tips to help you make the most of your money in retirement. He reminded everyone that a little planning can go a long way toward creating financial freedom.
💬 “It’s not what you earn — it’s what you keep.”
🧮 Run the numbers with our calculators
📝 Get organised with our downsizing checklist
A whole-of-life approach
The day was uplifting and full of insights, thanks to MC Jamie Durie, who tied together themes of lifestyle, planning, and positive ageing.
Whether you’re considering a move, adjusting your finances, or simply looking ahead — the Over 50s Lifestyle Forum was a timely reminder that retirement is a beginning, not an end.
Looking ahead to your next chapter?
Explore practical tools, checklists, and expert tips on our website:
🧮 Use our calculators to compare village costs and financial outcomes
📋 Browse our checklists to help plan your move
✨ Try our lifestyle exercises to reflect on your priorities and what matters most
🏡 Ask your village for a free Village Guru Report to compare retirement living costs before you move.
