GOOD VIBRATIONS TOLD ME THIS IS A PLACE FOR LIVING LIFE TO THE FULL AND IT MOST CERTAINLY IS!

Education is often described as a powerful force for change and empowerment, a ‘passport to freedom’ even, with the best teachers being those who show you where to look but don't tell you what to see – and this epitomises the breath of fresh air that is Sajeda Malek.

Having just celebrated her 85^th birthday, Sajeda has a youthful passion combined with a wise and mature outlook on life, and she is embracing everything and everyone at Button House where she has found her ‘just beautiful’ apartment which was destined to be.

Here, we chat to Sajeda who tells us about her life experiences and how fate brought her home to Button House.

“Life brings big things”, Sajeda shares. “I was born and raised in Bangladesh – where I met and married my wonderful late husband – before we moved to the UK where I continued my education.”

A passion for gaining and sharing knowledge, Sajeda studied her A-Levels in Southampton, moving on to gain a degree from Southampton University, managing her studies with two young boys, and then following the birth of her third son, she completed a PGCE at Cavendish Square Graduate College, in London - ensuring her a much-wanted career in education.

Sajeda explains: “I feel extremely lucky. Once I’d completed my education it was my turn to share knowledge, and I held positions in two schools (with strong sixth forms) teaching A-Level Economics and securing the role of head of department. I cannot explain how much I adored my students – in fact I’ve had many a reunion with lots of them over the years and received birthday wishes from one lady who recently turned 70 herself!”

Positivity radiates from Sajeda, even though she has faced heartbreaking tragedies along her path. “I was lucky to have a wonderful 60 years with my husband who I lost in 2018 at the age of 90. We built a magnificent life and navigated what it threw at us together. We were blessed with three sons but tragically lost our youngest when he was just seven years old. I could have given up, but I don’t believe that benefits anyone, and many people have gone through unbearable sadness in life. I breathed everything I had into our lives, always supported by my family and friends. My sons have grown into successful and good human beings – sharing with me two daughter-in-law and grandchildren, precious gifts in my life.”

Sajeda had lived in her large family home since 1965 and continued to reside there for a further few years following the loss of her husband. She continues: “I believe life teaches us so much and we are part of the environment around us. I believe in signals and pay attention to what brings joy and what doesn’t. Our family home was large, and the upkeep was becoming too much for me. My niece and her family stayed with me for a little while but once they moved into their own property, I knew it was time to reassess my life. I have one son who lives in Germany and one in London – so I spoke to them about my situation, and we all agreed it was best to sell and move into a development that offered support for the years ahead.

“Together with my sons I looked around the local area. We viewed a number of places, but I didn’t feel any vibes. One of my sons then found Button House in Hackbridge, and I loved it from the very start! Button House is so different to anywhere else I’d visited – I felt happy, secure, and the good vibrations told me this is a place for living and it most certainly is!”

Independent to the core, Sajeda had sold up and moved within a few months. “I just knew it was meant to be” she continues. “I love it here, I love my apartment, I love the spaciousness, I love the people who have amazing experiences of life and some of them have become close friends. In fact, all the people working here at Button House are caring and supportive, which makes life relaxed and joyful. This applies equally to the manager as to all other employees. Button House is like a 5* hotel, boasting a rare combination of energy and calmness, and then adding in Rishi’s amazing food at Slate & Grain, I’m in heaven. He creates dishes which are adored by all.

“Life here is astonishing. I am living close enough to my friends and we meet up at least once a fortnight, whilst I’m making lots of new friends here too. My apartment is fabulous and spacious, plus the beautiful views from my balcony and kitchen make me smile every day. I’m embracing many of the activities on offer – be that sports, bingo, crochet or film club, and I’ve even tried karaoke! I take part in three exercise classes a week, enjoying the gym, meditation and stretching sessions. There’s something going on every day here and there’s no pressure – you either join in, or don’t. There’s a wonderful freedom of choice.

“Practically, the doctors’ surgery and pharmacist are within walking distance, as is the local supermarket, and if I want to go further afield, the train station is on the doorstep too. I find it unbelievable that I’ve been so lucky to find Button House, to live a stress-free life, knowing that care is available if I ever need it. It’s the perfect combination of freedom and support, and it's divine. The vibrations were right – I love it here. My beautiful home.”