Quality of life
Discussing ideas to make the transition through retirement a good one for our parents now and ourselves later
Where do retirement living apartments fit into our life plan?
By Kathy Lawrence Retirement apartments are springing up all over the place. In some countries these developments and larger retirement villages are commonplace and even part of people’s normal retirement plan. That’s not yet true in the UK, but do they represent a sensible move for people moving into retirement? At the age of 78 […]
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Practical projects bring people together in Men’s Sheds
Workshop spaces where people can work side by side on personal and community projects are growing fast around the country. Men’s Sheds are a great opportunity to share and learn new skills, enjoy new achievements and make new friends. What are Men’s Sheds? Men’s Sheds, or Men in Sheds, are opening up at more than […]
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10 good reasons for older people to get into social media
Despite its overwhelming popularity and impact on everyday life, many older people still find the thought of using social media very intimidating. By helping parents take those first tentative steps to get online, you can play a key role in combating the appalling trend of loneliness that exists among the over 65s. Care home operator […]
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Tackling the emerging loneliness crisis for older men
Written by Kathy Lawrence The number of older men living alone is set to increase by 65% by 2030 according to a report published in October 2014. Andrew Kaye, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Independent Age, one of the organisations behind the report, discusses whether loneliness is inevitable. Hardly a week seems to go […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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