Kathy Lawrence
Is loneliness now an epidemic among the elderly?
Loneliness among the UK’s ageing population is widely publicised as a health hazard which can increase the risk of depression, dementia and heart attacks. The size of the loneliness challenge The Campaign to End Loneliness reports that 10% of those aged over 65 are chronically lonely while Age UK has found that almost a million […]
Read more
How can we reduce loneliness among the elderly?
The When They Get Older team recently had the chance to contribute their expertise to a project run by Interact Arts Community Interest Company called “Behind Closed Doors” which focused on the issues faced by elderly who live on their own. We were asked to create a factsheet from our Loneliness Guide condensing the information […]
Read more
What are the retirement housing options for my parents?
Life is not a matter of one giant leap from independent living at home to taking up residence in a care home. The choices can be confusing though. We give you a starting point to explore what the options are for your parents and how to decide what they need at any point in their […]
Read more
Could animal assisted therapy improve your parent’s health?
Written by Rebecca Lenton We explore the potential benefits of pet therapy as a way to relax and encourage our parents wherever they reside. As our parents get older, and perhaps begin to lose their friends and loved ones, they could start to feel lonely. With recent figures suggesting that loneliness is fast becoming an […]
Read more
Is it time to hang up the car keys?
Giving up driving is one of the most significant milestones in an older person’s life. It’s not surprising that so many are reluctant but as children worried for their safety and that of others on the road we may need to use our persuasive powers. Jill hasn’t been to Zumba for a few weeks. She’s […]
Read more
Is a pet for your parent a good idea?
Written by Rebecca Lenton Pets are often recommended as good companions for the lonely or housebound. What are the pros and cons of pet ownership as your parents grow frailer, and how can you help them to ensure their pet continues to be cared for, however circumstances change? For parents who are lonely or socially […]
Read more
Retiring to the country – 8 things to discuss before your parents decide
Written by Kathy Lawrence Moving to a rural area can be a cherished dream for retirement. But what are the pitfalls and how can they be avoided? We asked for advice from the team behind the “Over the Hill” campaign, which aims to tackle rural isolation. Retiring to green fields after a life in the […]
Read more
Summer energy saving tips for your parents
There will forever be tips out there for saving energy in the winter months, but did you know there are steps you can take to prevent your parent’s energy bill soaring in the summer? Whether your parents are turning up the air conditioning, using more water to run showers or using more electricity to power […]
Read more
How to enjoy the benefits of compost in your garden
Productive gardening is a joy for many reasons. But success depends greatly on the quality of the soil in which plants grow – and creating great compost is hard physical work. Or are there short-cuts that we can all use without that heavy spadework? The people at Mantis have provided this short guide. Gardening is […]
Read more
Heating guide for your parents and grandparents: how to stay warm and save money this winter
Updated October 2021 Britain’s elderly are hit the hardest by the cold at winter. In fact, according to Age UK, in winter an older person dies every seven minutes due to cold temperatures. It’s therefore crucial that their homes are a safe temperature. But for many older people on a limited budget the cost of […]
Read more