Retirement hobbies: marathon runner
Mohamed Ewasha feels life in his retirement apartment, Springhill House in Willesden Green, London, has given him the freedom to spend on his many retirement hobbies, including gardening and fitness - while still doing a spot of work as a cabbie. Retirement living even gave him the time to run the 2018 London Marathon aged 70.
From training as a PE teacher in Egypt and moving to Britain in the '70s, to becoming a London cabbie, 73-year-old Mohamed Ewasha has led colourful life.
But when he hit retirement age at 65, he wasn't ready to wind things down. In fact, Mohamed saw this as an opportunity to find more time for pursuing the things he loves.
He says: 'I love to keep active mentally and physically, so I took the decision to become semi-retired instead.
This way, I work whenever I want as often as I want as a London cabbie, and have the time to indulge in my love of gardening.'
Mohamed and his wife are able to make more time for their passions by moving to McCarthy Stone's Springhill House in Willesden Green, London, a retirement development that boasts privately owned, low maintenance apartments with access to communal grounds. It's here in the grounds that Mohamed helps McCarthy Stone's expert team keep the landscaped gardens in shape.
As well as keeping his green fingers active, Mohamed feels that this move gave him the freedom and the opportunities to do more of the things that make him happy.
'I don’t have to worry about anything anymore,' he says. 'The McCarthy Stone set-up is designed to give you more time. In my old house, I was forever doing DIY and having to clean and do maintenance. Whereas my McCarthy Stone flat is clean, new and comfortable.'
This way of life also empowered Mohamed to put his all into his passion for fitness. And, in 2018, he put his training to the test by completing the London Marathon - at 70-years-old!
'I still feel young at heart because I’m so active,' he beams. 'Running is a way of life, and I won’t be stopping for a long time!
'Since then, I continue to train regularly. I wake up between 3 and 4 in the morning most days and do a 45-60 minute run. If I’m working I’ll then go to work and be back home by 12 for lunch and an afternoon with my wife.
'I just come and go as and when I fancy. My time is completely my own now.'
If you're retiring soon or considering your future, Mohamed has one piece of advice.
'Don't leave it too late! Retirement homes are not care homes; you'll get the best out of life by moving while you can enjoy it. I have absolutely no regrets.'
Like this article? Read more about our homeowners’ inspirational retirement stories, or about homeowners who have enjoyed extraordinary careers, or find more information about the McCarthy Stone lifestyle.
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