Nurturing existing relationships and making new friends are the most powerful ways to enhance mental health and wellbeing in later life
New research from Retirement Villages Group (RVG) found that people over the age of 60 say friends boost their self-esteem (63%) more than their family (62%), or other support networks (52%).
It also found that than half (51%) said that, of all activity, reading boosts their confidence the most, followed by visiting family and friends (43%), and exercise (37%).
Our self-esteem can increase as we get older, with two in five over 60s (38%) saying say their confidence has improved compared with when they were in their twenties and thirties.
Yet a quarter of people surveyed said that their self-esteem has decreased as they’ve aged, with one in three saying that loneliness is a concern later in life.
The Centre for Ageing Better found that living somewhere that does not meet your needs can be isolating and increase loneliness, which could have a serious impact on your self-esteem and mental health.
A chance to build new friendships
People who move into RVG’s retirement communities tend to be eager to have active and busy social lives.
They want to take up new activities and have access to services that boost their mental health and wellbeing.
To help and support its homeowners, RVG provides a resident-led range of activities such as bowls, fitness classes, film nights, book clubs and more.
“Residents also arrange trips out to local towns and cities, nearby cultural hotspots, and historical places of interest, as well as enjoying visits to restaurants, bars, and the theatre – there’s always something going on,” says CEO Will Bax.
“Along with our wellbeing programme, we’ve also recently launched a community volunteer initiative.
“Volunteering can provide an incredible opportunity not only to give back, but make new connections and boost physical and mental well-being.
“The programme aims to create a strong sense of togetherness and will see residents and staff volunteering on projects across our communities.”
By becoming an active member of the community and creating meaningful connections, RVG’s programme has shown to make a worthwhile difference.
Whether it’s participating in resident representative groups, helping in the local shop or organising events, activities and classes, residents can give as little or as much time as they want, to help people in the community.
But, don’t just take our word for it…
RVG has partnered with Suzi Grant, author of How To Stay Looking and Feeling Younger For Longer, (@AlternativeAgeing), who can give advice on how people can boost their self-esteem later in life.
Sometimes known as “Instagran”, Suzi champions positive ageing, showing how you can be fashionable, confident and relevant if you are over 60.
Suzi recently visited RVG’s retirement village Gradwell Park in East Sussex, to see the community’s wellbeing programme in action and participated in resident-led activities such as Tai Chi and gardening.
Suzi’s advice to anyone over 60 is:
- Move it or lose it for the sake of your body, your mind and your confidence. Do what I do and force yourself to get out of your home to enjoy your favourite passion.
- If you’re looking to boost your self-esteem later in life there’s nothing better than doing what you love with other like-minded people to give you more confidence to seize the day!
- Life’s not a rehearsal so grab it with both hands and do whatever you’ve always wanted to do. It’s never too late.
Say hello to community living
The vast majority of people over 60 say that self-esteem is important to their overall happiness (93%).
This highlights why there is a need for more community living options for over 60s, to boost self-esteem and happiness in later life.
RVG has recently launched its Thrive Living collection, a transformative model for the future of integrated retirement living.
This was inspired by hearing real-life stories about the lifestyle people would like to have in their sixties and beyond.
Primarily built in or near town centres, Thrive Living communities will offer contemporary apartment living with outdoor space shared by people living locally.
There will also be a range of independent restaurants, retailers and wellness centres including leisure facilities to bring people of all generations together – which is perfect for those who want to be at the heart of bustling communities.
RVG wants to offer residents countless opportunities to make meaningful connections.
Its resident-led wellbeing programme is a vital part of this. If you’re interested in finding out more click here.
