WELCOME TO OUR JULY 2024 NEWSLETTER
Welcome to the latest issue of Older Wiser Together (OWT)
The aim of OWT is to become a trusted and valued part of our community, particularly for those aged 50
Welcome to the latest issue of Older Wiser Together (OWT)
Welcome to the latest issue of Older Wiser Together (OWT)
The aim of OWT is to become a trusted and valued part of our community, particularly for those aged 50 or over who may be looking for new opportunities, social events, and challenges, as well as tips for independent living. We cover from Bude, Launceston, Callington, Holsworthy, Okehampton, Tavistock, Saltash and Torpoint. We hope you’ll find useful information on initiatives and activities in your area.
New research nationally across Home Instead, has revealed that the stereotype of ‘old people’ is completely out of date. Many retirees now enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle and a lust of life most often associated with younger generations. Here are some of the facts uncovered.
Love and relationships
• 61% of all respondents say they want to remain sexually active as they get older
• For those over 75, over half (53%) want to remain sexually active
• 50% of all respondents would be open to looking for love and be happy to start dating if they found themselves alone when older.
How the old are excluded
Rather than fearing tech older adults increasingly embrace it and want more products aimed at them including AI to combat loneliness.
What we fear most as we age
• People are more concerned about the prospect of ending up in a care home (44%)
than they would be about the death of a partner (36%)
• 80% say that if they were to become ill then they would prefer to be treated at home
rising to 91% among the oldest age group
• The specific conditions that people are afraid of: Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia and cancer.
What do you think of this research? Do get in touch and let us know.
Have you considered an apprenticeship? Are you looking for work experience during a gap year or to bolster your CV ahead of applying for a career in the NHS? Do have a look at our case study featuring our apprentice Megan which may help to answer some of your questions.
We all understand that our hospitals are under a great deal of pressure and we are offering some simple tips to help prevent hospitalisation.
We always welcome feedback, constructive criticism, and submissions for OWT, particularly from those of you with professional or charitable links to our community. Do get in touch if you have something you’d like to share. Please feel free to forward this Newsletter to family, friends, and colleagues.
Best wishes,
The Older Wiser Together Team.
Slow Down in Old Age? No Thanks!
We know from our clients how much older generations are keen to keep active to maintain a helathy lifestyle. Research has revealed:
89% of over-75s have an undiminished appetite for life agreeing on the need to stay active as you get older
66% of all respondents endorse diet and exercise as a means to stay youthful.
But there is also frustration with an average 58% agreeing that older people are not encouraged enough to play sport.
Filming again with Okey Memory Cafe
Okey Memory Cafe welcomed Biggerhouse films again. This lovely film company give voice to those with dementia and their loved ones and help them to make films based around self potraits, poems and singing out words of meaning. The sessions have been lively and have revealed a great deal of expression from the members.
We love working with https://www.communitylinks-sw.co.uk/ and https://ocrasport.org.uk/ to bring Okey Memory Cafe to the community.
Walking Tennis Begins
Tavistock Tennis Club have recently started a walking tennis social group. No tennis experience is necessary. So far those with atrial fibrilation, replacement knees and hips and pacemakers have signed up! At the good value fee of £10 for 6 weeks of sessions, this is a great opportunity to return to a sport you loved, try something new and make some new friends. Find out more information https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/TavistockTennisClub/Coaching
Preventing Hospitalisation
In West Devon and East Cornwall our population is ageing at a faster rate than other parts of the country and people move out of cities into rural and coastal locations. As the population ages, hospitals face increasing pressure from the rising admission rates with insufficient beds to support them. Preventing hospitalisation through effective home care has become a critical focus at Home Instead. Home care is is at the heart of reducing the number of patients being admitted to hospital, easing the burden on the NHS. Read more about preventing hospitalisation – here.
Dementia Friends
Our Director Lynn is the Chair of Tavistock Dementia Alliance and the local U3A leaders invited Lynn along to give a talk on how to best support people living with dementia. The evening was full of discussion from a compassionate, thoughtful and very engaged audience. A simple half hour to an hour chat about dementia can help everyone to have more understanding and kindness in our community. Get in touch with us if you are keen for your organisation or group to get involved on 01822 258292.
Celebrating our Apprentice
Megan has nearly completed her apprenticeship with us and is set to continue to develop her care skills with Home Instead. Megan joined us before she turned 18 as she was keen to gain supported hands-on experience. Megan’s confidence has grown hugely during this time and she is much loved by all her clients who she supports to live independently. Read more of her story here.
