Mental wellbeing is important at any stage of life and with approximately 15 percent of adults aged 60 and over currently living with a mental disorder, according to the World Health Organization, Elements Retirement Living in Springwood is committed to promoting active and healthy ageing for both mind and body for its residents.

Chiou See Anderson, Elements Retirement Living Managing Director, thinks she’s unlocked the secret to long living - improving the mental health of residents by incorporating social hubs, exercise classes and a custom-designed Japanese zen garden in her village design.

Providing a tranquil place for reflection, socialisation and meditation the zen garden was designed and constructed by Tokyo-based master landscaper, Tamon Yamaguchi, who has been creating beautiful gardens for 20 years in Japan and abroad.

Set amongst the surrounding 460 hectares of koala habitat and state forest, the garden features several specially carved bridges, male and female waterfalls, a tea house, large pond, cedar wood entrance, and an array of native and traditional plants.