On a mild November day, I have agreed to meet Kjeld in Augusthaven in Næstved. I'm looking forward to the meeting. Even though it's the first time I'm meeting Kjeld, I feel like I've known him all my life. Kjeld has had many roles in Danish film, theater and TV series, but is probably best known for being the voice behind Denmark's most famous and beloved frog "Kaj" from "Kaj and Andrea", which has been and is a big part of many people's childhood.

Kaj, the always charming and talkative frog, is a perfect match for Kjeld, and the chatter goes on while the coffee is brewed and the cake is put on the table. Kjeld moved into Augusthaven when the community was ready for occupancy in January 2022. He was, along with three other residents, the first to move in on opening day.

When Kjeld found himself alone in 2021, loneliness came knocking and the thought of a different way of living came closer.

"I was very lonely after my wife's death, and people didn't just drop by. My eldest son had moved to the Næstved area and had spotted Augusthaven. I stopped by to take a look while the property was under construction. And I realized that it was something for me; at the same time as I got closer to my son."

The move

It wasn't easy to say goodbye to the apartment in Frederiksberg, but Kjeld didn't use the city in the same way as before, and the stairs up to the apartment were becoming a challenge. So it was a quick decision, because the apartment in Augusthaven would be ready to move into within 3 months. There was packing and throwing out, because the large furniture was not going to Augusthaven.

"My furniture from the apartment was too big, so I had to buy new furniture. But I didn't mind. You have to limit yourself, and I was good at throwing things out. And there's nothing of the "old" that I miss."

New friendships and a great community

With the move came the start of a new life away from the city and new friendships.

"I was nervous about it at first and I have to admit that we are very different. But what happens is that you learn to appreciate the differences and that's quite nice. I've become more inclusive since moving into Augusthaven."

For Kjeld, community and living close together is the most important thing. He never doubts that there is help available if he needs it.

"I'm very, very happy to live here. I've made some really good friendships. People get on with each other and it's really nice. Everyone is so helpful and there's always someone to help you with whatever you need. And we look out for each other."

The calendar is full

Our talk about community leads to a chat about all the opportunities to be part of one of the many activities taking place in Augusthaven. Kjeld opens the calendar. And it's almost full.

"Every Friday we have a Friday bar. Last week we had election night with yellow peas and election pork, on Sunday we watched tennis together on the big screen when Holger Rune won. This week we're going to Morten's Evening, where ducks have been ordered. And then there's the Christmas gathering soon."

It's entirely up to the individual resident how much they want to participate in. But it's important to participate in some of the activities, otherwise you won't become part of the community. And that's the advice Kjeld will pass on to the future residents of Agora Gardens:

"Be prepared to talk to other people and to want to do something for the community".

The newspaper is also shared

It's been a lovely visit with Kjeld in his beautiful apartment. Kjeld follows me to the front door through the atrium garden. This is where he enjoys sitting with his morning coffee and newspaper.

"The atrium garden is wonderful. As soon as the sun comes out, I sit out there and read the newspaper, and someone always comes and says hello. And it's enough to say hello."

The newspaper is carried under his arm on the way out the door, and once Kjeld has read it, it is placed in the shared magazine/newspaper holder so that others can enjoy it too. At Kjeld's, the focus is always on the community.