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There are plenty of ways to boost our happiness and social connections as we go through life – from looking after our health to joining clubs. Yet, one of the most powerful steps we can take is to reevaluate where we live.
More and more people are considering moving to communities for older adults to get the most out of later life. As well as offering the opportunity to rightsize, which can free up time and energy for the things we love, later-living homes also provide a range of benefits for our social lives and general wellbeing.
With this in mind, we’ve partnered with Anchor New Homes*, part of Anchor*, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of specialist housing for people in later life, to bring you eight ways later-living homes can increase happiness and social connection. Below, you’ll also hear from some of Anchor’s residents who have already taken the leap.
Want to find out more about Anchor New Homes?
1. You’ll become part of a like-minded community
Studies have found that having a sense of community is one of the biggest predictors of happiness. But maintaining connections with those around us can sometimes become more challenging with age.
One of the biggest benefits of moving into a later living home is that you can join an established and welcoming community of like-minded people. As Jack and Tina, residents of The Landings*, an Anchor New Homes community in Kent, say, “[It’s] a genuine community. We’re all alike, really. I think that’s the beauty of it. We’ve all chosen to be here – and we all get on.”
Plus, many later living homes are designed with socialising in mind – with common areas like cafes and communal lounges providing spaces for residents to bond over different activities. June, who also lives at The Landings, says she particularly enjoys watching the Six Nations rugby with friends in the communal lounge.
“The biggest change by moving to The Landings is I’ve made a lot of new friends [with] the other residents,” June says.
You can read June’s full testimonial* to discover more about why she loves living at The Landings.
2. They can offer plenty of support
At some point in our lives, we may naturally need more support, which is something that later-life homes can offer.
For example, you won’t have to worry about maintenance jobs like cleaning your windows or keeping common areas tidy, which can free up time and energy for the more fun things in life – like hobbies and socialising.
As Michael and Linda, residents of The Dials*, Anchor New Homes’ community in Hinckley, explain, “The staff couldn’t really do enough for us. We were made [to feel] welcome from the get-go. If ever a question arose, they answered it and dealt with any queries we might have had.”
It’s worth remembering that support options will vary depending on which later-living community you’d like to become a part of. With this in mind, it’s important to consider your needs and choice of later-living home carefully.
You can browse Anchor New Homes’ communities all across England by visiting their website. And to hear more from Michael and Linda, check out the video below.
3. You can take part in activities and social events
Many later-life homes also organise regular activities and events – from weekly social gatherings to art classes and games nights – which can help residents build social connections and a sense of community.
Pam, who lives at The Chimes*, Anchor New Homes’ community in West Yorkshire, particularly loves the regular quizzes, while Michael and Linda say that curry nights and ladies’ evenings are part of the social scene at The Dials*. “Almost every week, something new crops up,” Michael says.
That isn’t to say that you can’t find privacy and solitude when you want it. As June from The Landings* explains, “The nice thing about living here [is that] you’ve got the opportunity [to] stay in your apartment, [and] have [some] ‘me time’, as they call it nowadays.”
4. Focusing on your health is made easy
We all know that looking after our physical and mental health is one of the best things we can do for our overall happiness – and many later living homes make this easy.
For example, residents of Anchor New Homes communities like The Chimes* and Pemberley Place* can benefit from their BeWell 360 service*. Run by an onsite wellbeing advisor, this inclusive and holistic wellness programme is tailored to individuals’ needs, helping them live healthier lifestyles.
Residents can take part in exercise classes, such as walking groups and gentle chair yoga. And wellbeing advisors can offer access to helpful information on various health aspects – from nutrition to relaxation techniques. Plus, you’ll receive regular health checks and a Fitbit to keep track of your progress.
Speaking about the health services on offer, Keith, who lives at The Dials* with his wife, Caroline, says, “I have seen some real benefits from the classes which have improved my mobility and flexibility. Caroline feels that she is improving in her balance and stamina, which has enabled her to walk further and feel more confident in her day-to-day activities.”
You can find out more about Anchor New Homes’ BeWell 360 programme using the button below.
5. You can make the most of great locations
In many cases, the locations of later living homes are chosen with the residents’ wellbeing in mind. Part of this involves being close to areas of natural beauty, so residents can reap the benefits of spending time outdoors.
For example, The Chimes*, Anchor New Homes’ community in Bingley, is just a stone’s throw from the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales National Park. This scenic swathe of rolling hills is a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and wildlife lovers.
Many later-life homes are also located within walking distance of amenities like shops, pubs, and restaurants, so you can easily head out for a romantic meal or get stuck into some retail therapy with friends. As a resident of The Dials* in Hinckley explains, “The highlight of my week is walking into town. I love that everything is within walking distance.”
6. Rightsizing can free up time, energy, and money for the things you love
In later life, many of us end up living in larger spaces than we need. While it can be challenging to let go of places where you raised children or lived for a long time, rightsizing to a smaller place can free up time, energy, and money to spend on the things that bring joy and fulfilment.
This was certainly true for 77-year-old Eric Parker, who recently swapped his large house for an apartment at The Standard*, Anchor New Homes’ later-life community in Standish, Greater Manchester.
“Living on my own in a three-bedroom house with gardens meant there was always a lot of work that needed doing – and I have an irregular heartbeat and can’t walk for long,” Eric says. “I didn’t need all that space anymore; my new one-bedroom apartment is just right for me and much easier to maintain.”
For Eric, the move hasn’t just meant less time spent doing jobs around the house but it’s given him more energy to devote to his lifelong passion for bowls. He says, “I’m really glad I made the move – in fact, I wish I’d done it a few years ago. It’s definitely the right thing for me at this stage of my life. I love it here.”
7. Hosting friends and family is easy and convenient
You may be hesitant to rightsize because you enjoy hosting friends and family. However, by moving to a later living community instead of a smaller conventional home, you can reap the rewards of a smaller living space while still being able to have your loved ones over.
For starters, with a choice of communal areas – such as spacious lounges, stylish bistros, manicured gardens, and seated patio areas – Anchor New Homes communities* boast plenty of space to entertain loved ones. So whether you’d like to chat over a coffee or enjoy a picnic in the sun, you won’t even need to leave the premises if you don’t want to.
“The environment is lovely for friends and family to visit because, in the summer, we can sit out in the garden, we can walk around,” explains June from The Landings* in Kings Hill. “Everything you need is here.”
Plus, many of Anchor New Homes’ later living communities also have a guest room, which can be used for a small fee (typically less than the price of a local hotel). So friends and family who don’t live nearby can visit without worrying about accommodation.
8. They can offer a sense of safety and security
We all want to feel safe, no matter what stage of life we’re in – and choosing a later-living community can offer peace of mind in various ways.
For example, many Anchor New Homes homes come equipped with a 24-hour emergency response call system. This means that residents can trust they’ll be looked after in the event of a fall or any other emergency.
The sense of security that comes with living in a community with others around can also be reassuring for residents and their loved ones. As Michael and Linda from The Dials*, say, “It’s taken away the stress for our children, knowing we’re safe as we get older.”
Final thoughts…
From feeling safe to the freedom that comes with downsizing, there are plenty of reasons why moving to a later-living home can boost happiness and help you maintain social connections.
Though it’s worth remembering that not all later-living communities are the same. Different homes offer different amenities and services, so you might want to think about what your priorities are before having a look at what’s out there. For example, perhaps nearby transport links are important to you or maybe you’d like to live somewhere with easy access to natural spaces.
To browse their developments across England, head over to the Anchor New Homes website using the button below.
Are you considering moving to a later-life home? Or have you already done so? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.