Close friendship with others in your older years can significantly benefit your overall health.
As we grow older and enter retirement, many of us will have more time to spare that our families can’t always fill. As such, feelings of loneliness may begin to develop.
At Crouched Friars Residential Home, we support a close-knit community of 55 residents. We encourage the growth of friendships through regular activities to not only combat loneliness but to improve our residents physical and mental wellbeing.
Enrich your life and Improve your health
Loneliness can lead to poor emotional wellbeing and cause feelings of depression and anxiety. In fact, research from Brigham Young University shows that experiencing isolation for an extended period can increase the likelihood of premature death.
Developing close bonds with others, a person feels an increased sense of belonging. This can improve confidence and self-worth. Social interactions and engaging with other people also stimulates the brain and boosts cognitive ability.
With the renovations to our social areas, our conscious decision to integrate into the local community and our busy activity itinerary, our residents’ lives are as vibrant as ever. In a covid secure environment, we are continuing to welcome our residents visiting friends and family in order to maintain those core connections.
Making Friends, Helping People
Older people may begin to find it harder to nurture existing friendships. This is because mobility and travel can become a challenge, as can communication.
For over 200 years the Oddfellows has helped its members and today have a national network of 115 Branches and 404,000 UK members. They also provide a range of social, care and financial benefits for those who are experiencing life’s ups, or downs.
Oddfellows is “On a mission to bring friends back together and encourage new connections after 18 months of isolation and social restrictions”
As one of the largest friendly societies in the UK, they are putting on a month-long festival of friendship with hundreds of taster events across the country. From walks and picnics to pub lunches, quizzes, and afternoon teas, as well as online open days.
The events are designed to be welcoming, enjoyable experiences. Highlighting the benefits of joining a local friendship group.
If you’re interested in learning more about Oddfellow’s Friendship Month, click here.
If you feel your loved one is in need of some community spirit and you’re looking for more information call 01206 572647 or email homemanager@crouchedfriars.co.uk.