The New Ageing Index by Home Instead is a detailed look at what people think when they reflect on the prospect of their later years on topics such as health, wellbeing, technology, politics and social care.
The findings from the Ageing Index was further reinforced by a personal experience at the Fantasy Forest Festival this weekend for Home Instead’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Jasmine. Amidst the vibrant celebration, I had the pleasure of meeting a remarkable lady in her late 60s who was dressed as Neytiri from the movie Avatar, complete with full face paint. She shared with me that this was the first time since her youth that she truly felt seen. She expressed that as women age, they often feel as though they fade into the background, a sentiment echoed by her friend in her 70s who stood beside her. “You get to a point in your life where you cease to exist as far as the rest of the world is concerned,” says Margaret Newson, 88, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, who was one of those surveyed.
This heartfelt encounter highlights a pervasive issue in our society – the invisibility many older adults feel as they age. Our new Ageing Index aims to address this by providing a framework to measure how well our community is supporting its elderly members in terms of visibility, inclusion, and engagement.
“The conversation with those inspiring women at the festival really hit home,” said Jasmine, Community Engagement Coordinator at Home Instead Charnwood. “It reinforced the importance of our mission to make sure our older community members feel seen and heard. The Ageing Index is a step towards achieving this goal by identifying areas where we can improve and implementing targeted initiatives to enhance the quality of life for our elderly population.”
The Ageing Index will assess various aspects of elderly well-being, including social engagement, access to healthcare, community involvement, and overall satisfaction with life. By regularly evaluating these factors, Home Instead Charnwood aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for older adults. The Ageing Index will help us ensure that their voices are heard, and their contributions are recognised.
Home Instead Charnwood invites community members, local businesses, and organisations to join us in this important initiative. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of our elderly loved ones, ensuring they feel seen, valued, and appreciated.