Thriving Through Ageing: How ExtraCare communities adapt to age related challenges

Ageing can often be accompanied by a host of stereotypes and misconceptions, especially when it comes to the challenges the older generation face. Loneliness and concerns about declining health, might be a few of these challenges but stereotypes like the assumption that older adults can’t adapt to new technologies can cloud our understanding of what it really means to age. While ageing does present unique challenges, many of these can be overcome. At ExtraCare our 20 communities have adapted with innovative approaches, supportive communities, and positive resident mindsets to make a difference. Take a look at how we combat typical age-related challenges and work with our residents to encourage healthy ageing.

Feeling devalued

Once a person has retired it can leave them feeling like they have less to offer society or are somehow less needed. Often the opposite is the case. With intergenerational relationships especially, the need for friendship across generations is more necessary than ever. Michael Voges, Executive Director of ARCO (Associated Retirement Community Operators) recognises the importance of bridging generations: “Instead of being islands of the elderly, innovative retirement communities create intergenerational connections to the benefit of us all.”

Technology is for the young

There has been increasing focus recently on technologies that enable retirees to age in place and maintain independence. Technology is certainly not just a young person’s game. For retirement villages it’s important to be an early adopter of technology, with a growing ageing population and workforce shortages it is inevitable that technology will bridge some of that gap. For ExtraCare residents the Charity features an innovation apartment at its Solihull location with several SMART devices for residents to borrow or come and explore. The Charity runs innovation open days every couple of months that are often fully booked, and which are run by members of ExtraCare’s research and innovation team. The team go on to mount a smart market the following week in the village’s communal area. The market offers all the devices that are showcased in the apartment on loan to residents for a three-month period free of charge.

Taking advantage of smart technology can be the difference between being independent or needing to move to a care home or bringing a carer into a home. 

ExtraCare has taken part in digital upskilling programmes for residents in partnership with AbilityNet, a charity that aims to make digital technology available to all. ConnectingU has provided 30 residents with Chromebooks plus six months’ data from the National Databank free of charge, along with training from volunteers in how to use them. The Charity won an award for Best Use of Technology in Senior Housing last year and we continue to advocate for technology and education surrounding it in our locations.

Declining Health

As we age we inevitably face further health challenges however retirement communities can not only assist in delaying the affects of ageing but in many areas improve health.

The ‘ExtraCare way of living’ has resounding health benefits for our residents and cost saving implications for the NHS. All of which was demonstrated in our research studies with Aston and Lancaster Universities. Research results found that 86.5% of our residents are never or hardly ever lonely, 23% have a reduction in anxiety symptoms and 14.8% in depressive symptoms. An increase of 75% exercise more, 24% have improved autobiographical memory, and 17% have improved memory recall. Our research also revealed that our locations reduced NHS costs by 38%.

A large part of keeping our residents active is down to the state of the art gyms at each of our village locations. Residents can partake in classes ranging from Yoga to higher intensity workouts to help keep active.

Retirement has to be about slowing down

The idea that the older generation are tucked up with slippers inside is a tired generalisation and an out-of-date, untrue stereotype. Our residents are living their lives to the fullest and many are still adventuring. Sunley Court resident Doreen recently took to the skies in a spitfire at 91, Janet at Shenley Wood is still swimming competitively in her 80s, resident Ruth has recently published the latest in a long line of books, Brian is an amazing cyclist who led out the Queen’s Jubilee bike troop. Age is merely a number for many of our residents. With events, clubs and entertainment there’s no need to slow down if you don’t want to. Our locations are open to 55+ and a number of our residents are still actively working.

In conclusion there are many ways to combat age related challenges, retirement communities can offer many of these benefits whether you are a resident or a visitor. You can take control of your own healthy ageing by involving yourself in community life through volunteering and attending events, to upskilling with technology and new classes or knowledge sharing across generations. Retiring can be what you make of it and combating age related challenges could be your key to a happy and healthy retirement.