Bill and Nancy Leng believe the secret to chalking up 60 years of happy marriage is being close – but not living in each other’s pockets.

He loves playing billiards in the loungeroom at Uniting AgeWell Amarco Retirement Living Apartments with his new circle of friends, while she heads down to the well-stocked library to choose another novel.

“There are no library fines either if you return the book late or not at all,” laughs Nancy. “How good is that?”

The couple moved from their home in Yarraville to their spacious two-bedroom apartment with its patio and lovely garden at the Kingsville site about 18 months ago. It’s comfortable, secure and they love spending time outside enjoying the beautiful trees and shrubbery.

Bill, 90, is also busy compiling photo albums of their life together for their two daughters and five grandchildren, all of whom live locally.

There’s a lot to cram in, including their Diamond Wedding Anniversary card from King Charles. They lived in both Sydney and Melbourne at various stages of their lives and Bill worked as an engineer and Nancy, now 85, as a midwife and nurse. Both later became pastors and ministered far afield, including with churches in Singapore and Indonesia.

Now they are enjoying their latest adventure: living in Amarco and making new friends. They’ll often go for a cuppa in the Club Room where they’ll be joined by other residents. “There’s a feeling of camaraderie,” explains Bill.

With Uniting AgeWell Kingsville Community next door, the continuum of care provides great peace of mind to the pair. “It’s comforting to know if we require higher levels of care, then there is always the option of residential care right here,” says Bill. “It’s a jolly good idea all round.”

Find out more about Amarco and arrange to go on a tour of the thoughtfully designed apartments, which include a private basement car space and start from just $365,000.