How Retirement Communities can offer companionship and festive cheer for older adults
Christmas is not always the most wonderful time of year for many older adults. For thousands across the UK, the festive season can mean spending days alone, without the company of family or friends. Research from Age UK[i] shows that 2.3 million older people wish they had someone to spend Christmas with. 1.6 million say Christmas Day is the hardest day of the year, and around 1.4 million over‑65s will eat their Christmas dinner alone.
Retirement communities by My Future Living, are helping to change this. By offering sociable living environments and festive events, older adults can enjoy companionship, festive social activities that ensure that no one must face the season in isolation.
Widowed Jean Wray rents a one-bedroom apartment at one of My Future Living’s retirement rental developments, Homeshore House in Seaford, comments: “The festive period here is something I genuinely look forward to. The Christmas lunch is always a highlight, and I love enjoying it with everyone rather than being alone. The community here helps get those who want to socialise and get out and about.”
66-year-old, James Hall who loves the quiet life in Poole, Dorset enjoys all the social aspects at Homelake House retirement development. There is so much going on, especially at Christmas. James comments: “I have a calendar of activities on my wall which range from exercise classes, fish and chip and film evenings to bingo. Over the month of December, there’s even more going on. You can’t ever be bored or lonely here.”
Joanne Couch, Director of Finance & Operations at My Future Living says: “The holiday season can intensify feelings of loneliness for older adults living alone. Communal living with organised social events helps provides companionship and a sense of belonging, which is vital for wellbeing at this time of year.”
Throughout the festive season, My Future Living communities host Christmas lunches, New Year Eve Parties, bingo evenings, trips out, film afternoons, and other social activities, giving residents the opportunity to connect and celebrate with others.
Most developments have communal lounges, gardens, a lift, guest suites and an onsite manager, plus there is a 24-hour careline in many apartments for out of hour’s emergencies. For more information visit: www.myfutureliving.co.uk.
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About My Future Living:
My Future Living is the leading UK retirement rentals brand, a subsidiary of ReSI Property Management Ltd. Specialising in high-quality, age-exclusive assured tenancy rental properties in secure and welcoming later living communities across the UK, My Future Living makes retirement renting easy and affordable. With 2,190 apartments tailored exclusively for those aged 55 and above, situated in modern purpose-built retirement developments along the coast, in vibrant cities, or picturesque market towns, we offer homes to suit every lifestyle and preference.
For more information, please visit www.myfutureliving.co.uk.