creating communities to be proud of
active ageing
Although later life can present challenges, getting older should be a time of enjoyment and celebration. We know that older people make a very valuable contribution to society. Every day within our sheltered and supported accommodation we meet older people who have inspiring stories to tell and plenty of achievements. So we thought we'd share them with you.
Not only do these people show how later life can be a time of opportunity and enjoyment but they also challenge many of the negative stereotypes society holds about the older population.
From helping others in the local community to unusual hobbies to achieving a life-long dream or an everyday activity, we're going to introduce you to people who are proving that life really does begin at 60.
Meet Maggie
Residents at Stratford House are always kept up-to-date with the latest news, views and goings-on at their sheltered scheme, thanks to the hard work and dedication of fellow resident Maggie Jacklin.
Every month, Maggie (69) produces a newsletter for residents. Even more remarkable is that six years ago she hadn’t even used a computer and following a stroke could only use one finger to type.
“After I had my stroke I couldn’t spend time reading or knitting but I saw an advert for a computer for beginners’ course and thought ‘I think I can do that’” explained Maggie.
And she definitely could. Since then Maggie has learnt to use a digital camera, amend and print photos and design and layout the newsletter.
The in-house journalist writes the newsletter herself but also invites residents to send in articles and poems.
Maggie said: “There’s always something to include – birthdays, poems, wordsearches. I’m always on the internet looking for ideas.
“I try to make sure all of the residents are included and it’s a good way to welcome new residents to Stratford House.
“I have to remember that some people can’t see as well as they used to so I always put the text in bold so it is clearer and I like to make the border attractive and the layout nice to read.
“I couldn’t use a digital camera until I did a course but now I pick and choose the best photos to include.”
Maggie’s entire outlook really is exceptional and inspirational.
Shoreline head of sheltered and supported housing Rachel Munoz said: “She demonstrates the purpose and success of Stratford House as an Extra-Care scheme, to prevent older people having to enter residential care and to enable them to live independently.”
“She makes such a positive contribution to the scheme and is a fantastic role model, proving the active ageing, independent and active philosophy.”
Maggie added: “It is nice to do something for the residents. I love it.”
Blooming lovely
Every corner of the peaceful garden at The Elms sheltered scheme in Humberston is a vision of floral delight from scented tubs of lavender to rose beds bursting with colour, bedding plants of every shade to climbing vines up old washing lines.
And it's all thanks to the hard work and dedication of resident Mick Thompson (77) who happily spends much of his free time potting plants, tending to shrubs and creating the garden haven.
Now his hard work has paid off with the awarding of a first place prize at this year's Grimsby and Cleethorpes in Bloom competition.
Overlooked by many of the properties in the scheme, the garden is something of a sun trap. Residents spend many an enjoyable hour in the garden eating lunch or having an early morning breakfast even accompanied by two ceramic meercats which mysteriously appeared one day!
Mick already has big plans for next years' competition where he plans to rotate the plants and create a solar panelled water feather in the centre of the garden.
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Registered Charity Number 1107876. |
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