Adlington Life March Issue 2024

ADLINGTON LIFE

Spring is in the air, dust off the cobwebs and embrace the new season

A cup of tea with homeowners

Margaret and John

Live like a celebrity

Spring forward: Declutter your life

The increasing return of daylight is always welcomed, as are warmer temperatures and the chance to think about new beginnings.

This month we explore the importance of keeping active to help maintain independence; how a spring clean can be a great chance to start decluttering; and homeowners Margaret and John talk to us about how they've prepared for the future.

Whatever your plans this spring, we hope you can look forward to a new season filled with positivity and opportunity.

Dr Ed Gladman Chief Executive Officer

Three

R SV P quickly, as events are proving popular.

Lytham 01524 917888

Heaton Mersey 0161 241 5933

Menston 01943 660530

Kempston 01234 988200

Wylde Green 0121 817 8680

From Mississippi Blues to Mersey Beat

Join us for an afternoon as host John Wallace guides us through a captivating journey of musical history.

The Newells, Kempston

Tuesday 19 th March

The Woodlands, Heaton Mersey

Wednesday 10 th April

Broadleaf House, Wylde Green

Wednesday 17 th April

What's on News

Jane joins the Menston team

Coffee Mornings

The Sidings, Lytham

Wednesday 13 th March

Wednesday 17 th April

The Newells, Kempston

Wednesday 13 th March

Wednesday 10 th April

The Woodlands, Heaton Mersey

Thursday 14 th March

Thursday 18 th April

The Spindles, Menston

Tuesday 2 nd April

Tuesday 7 th May

Broadleaf House, Wylde Green

Thursday 21 st March

Thursday 25 th April

Meet TV personality David Harper

Join us for a historical afternoon in the delightful company of TV presenter and antiques expert David Harper.

The Spindles, Menston

Wednesday 6 th March

Broadleaf House, Wylde Green

Tuesday 12 th March

The Newells, Kempston

Wednesday 1 st May

Jane Alexander is our new General Manager at The Spindles. In her new position, she brings her expertise and leadership skills to oversee the operations and management of this community.

Happy Birthday to The Woodlands

Wishing The Woodlands in Heaton Mersey a joyous 2 nd anniversary this month.

Milestone at Broadleaf House

Broadleaf House in Wylde Green, has opened its doors, welcoming many homeowners as they move into their new homes and start their next chapter with retirement living.

Recommended read A romp with the Georgians by

David Harper

David Harper's 'A romp with the Georgians' immerses readers in the vibrant tapestry of 18th-century England. With a delightful blend of historical depth and humour, Harper brings the era to life, making it a captivating and enlightening journey for all.

Event hamper winners from The Spindles

Embracing healthy living in your retirement

For many Adlington Retirement Living homeowners, exercise and healthy living are part of their weekly routine.

Many of our homeowners regularly take part in a weekly exercise class at our communities. We also have walking groups, gardening clubs and petanque teams in the warmer months and many of our homeowners enjoy ‘getting their steps in’ around the gardens or within the building when the weather makes outdoor walking less appealing.

Keeping fit and active is important to Tim and Angela, who moved to The Spindles in Menston, near Ilkley in West Yorkshire.

Tim: “I played squash until I was 60. When I stopped playing squash, I started playing golf until I was 75. “If the weather’s good, we walk outside. We’ve got the old High Royds Hospital opposite with beautiful grounds. On a day with bad weather, when you don’t

want to walk outside, we walk round the whole building, along all the corridors and up and down the stairs. It makes for quite a decent walk.

“There are some good exercise classes here too. There’s a tai chi class and a class for chair-based exercises which is quite energetic actually.”

An active lifestyle has a direct correlation to the overall quality of life for adults over the age of 60, according to a recent peer group study from the University of Cambridge.

The study of close to 1,500 adults over a period of six years says that older people who maintain an active routine and engage in regular physical activity experience

greater benefits in terms of their quality of life compared to those who do not. The findings indicate that physical activity reduces the risk of a number of diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

The Cambridge study suggested that more physical activity reduces pain in common conditions such as osteoarthritis, and that being more physically active improves muscle strength which allows older adults to remain independent for longer. It also highlighted how depression and anxiety are linked to quality of life, and that they can be improved by being more active and less sedentary too.

“ ”

Getting active is not just about adding years to your life, it’s about improving your quality of life too.

Walking Club

Across our communities homeowners are stepping into spring with our walking clubs.

Homeowners at The Cottons in Ramsbottom have been exploring local areas of natural beauty and interest each week, with all routes plotted along foot paths so all abilities can join in and of course a well deserved coffee and cake stop at the end!

ARCO, the independent body that sets standards for retirement communities has also shared research findings that show homeowners experience a 75% increase in the amount of exercise they do when they move to a retirement community, and their mental health and well-being improves with a 24% decrease in anxiety symptoms.

The NHS recommends that older adults do some type of physical activity every day, even if it’s just light activity. The guidelines also suggest doing at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity if you are already active.

IDEAS TO GET MOVING:

• Water aerobics

• Ride a bike

• Dance for fitness

• Hike

• Swimming

• Power walking

• Chair aerobics

THREE National trust

Treasures To visit this Spring

Stuck for ideas on what to do this spring? Whether you're looking for family-related fun, a relaxing time, or somewhere new to discover, the National Trust has plenty of great places to explore.

From 16 th March, many National Trust locations are kicking-off the fun with Easter trails or if that isn’t for you, why not book a peaceful holiday in a relaxing hideaway or explore the great outdoors and natural beauties across the UK.

1. East Riddleston Hall

Situated in West Yorkshire, stands as a testament to 17th-century architecture. Rich in historical significance, visitors have the opportunity to explore its interiors or leisurely wander through the serene gardens. Catering to family enjoyment, there is an indoor crafts room and a mud kitchen for the younger members.

2. Biddulph Grange

A compelling destination for enthusiasts of gardens, which beckons all nature lovers. Nestled in Staffordshire, this concealed treasure boasts Victorian gardens of Grade I significance, a vibrant Chinese garden, a geological gallery, and a plethora of other captivating attractions.

75 MINS

3. Sharpenhoe and Sundon Hills

In Bedfordshire lies an ancient beech woodland of exceptional natural beauty, adorned with remnants of an Iron Age hill-fort. Welcoming dogs to accompany your exploration, this site offers a perfect blend of history and scenic charm.

Tell us a bit about yourselves

We met when we were teenagers and have been married for 54 years.

John: I started my career as an apprentice with British Telecom before moving to Royal Mail where I worked for 10 years. I took voluntary redundancy in 2003 but rather than retiring, decided to work for John Lewis for 13 more years so I ‘retired properly’ when I was 68.

Margaret: Before I was I was a teacher full time and also brought up our two daughters. I taught every age group from 4 to 11, then became a Deputy Headteacher, and latterly a Headteacher in Cheshire for 10 years until I took early retirement at 55.

Why did you decide to move?

I have some health issues which are not causing me a problem at the moment, but I feel that they may do at some point in the future and I just don’t want to wait until a crisis happens. That’s the reason that we moved at 74 and 71, when we’re relatively young and thinking ahead.

A cup of tea with Margaret and John

Before moving to The Woodlands, Margaret and John had lived in their family house for 47 years. They decided to move to a retirement community whilst they were relatively young, to future-proof their later life.

This allows you to stay independent for longer. I didn’t want to have somebody else make my decisions in a crisis. I wanted to know that I can be here with some support if necessary. At the moment, we don’t need it and are fit and healthy.

What are you enjoying most since you moved?

I was thinking of the future when we bought at The Woodlands, but actually we’re really enjoying the present. The people here are such good company. We have a great community. Everyone helps and supports each other, and we all get on well.

We love travelling so the opportunity to lock up and leave our apartment and not have to worry about an empty property is another benefit.

“

I do love the safety aspect here. In fact, when we first moved, I started to sleep a lot better.

The restaurant for me is vitally important. I’d cooked every meal for nearly 53 years and although I can cook and I’m a good cook, I’d had enough. When I knew there was a restaurant here, I thought ‘thank goodness!’. Now we use it every day and have friends and family come for lunch with us.

We enjoy having a beautiful garden to sit in that’s been maintained by somebody else. When we had a lovely hot summer, we regularly ate outside. It was like being on holiday. We sat around the patio table with our friends, out came the Sangria and it was lovely.

We had a garden party too in the summer and that was really nice. Adlington put that on with a jazz band and a BBQ and drinks.

I’d say to anybody thinking about moving to a retirement community, if you’re going to think of it at all in the future, do it now. Don’t wait. I love it here. I really do. I say it almost on a daily basis! I have no regrets whatsoever.

Meet the team

Donna Cowell

Well-being and Hospitality Manager

Donna works with our Duty Managers at every Adlington Retirement Living community to deliver a calendar of engaging activities, quality events and a first-class dining experience for our homeowners and their guests.

What are the main responsibilities of your role?

I’d say the most important part of my role is to make sure that all of our communities maintain the same high standards that we’re known for. The Well-being and Hospitality Manager role was created to do just that. Part of the function of the role is to ensure that our homeowners have access to multiple events and activities on a weekly basis.

We have a hair salon, a therapy room and an activity studio at every community, so we find qualified and experienced local therapists to work with. We usually set up taster days and consult with our homeowners to find out which treatments they would like on a regular basis.

We also work with local U3A groups to give talks. We’ve had Ukulele bands come in, run French classes and chairbased exercise classes and Tai Chi. We organise walking groups and, depending on the seasons, bowls or indoor bowls and croquet. Our homeowners play games too, such as bridge and chess, and we offer craft groups, drama groups and gardening clubs.

Another part of my role is to work with our catering providers. I help to set the hospitality standards - from beautiful table settings and high-quality menus to the correct glasses, fresh flowers, and spotless uniforms.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I really enjoy direct interactions with all of our homeowners.

On a personal note, my granddaughter was born prematurely earlier this year and I asked our knit and natter groups if they’d like to knit something to donate to the neonatal unit.

The response was amazing. I’ve been given carrier bags of knitted hats and bonnets and letters to take to the hospital. I couldn’t tell you how many they’ve knitted. That’s just such a lovely gesture.

There are some really nice stories like that. I used to be the General Manager at The Woodlands in Heaton Mersey and the homeowners invited me to their Christmas production. They have a drama group and one of the homeowners had written a

pantomime. They’d made all the costumes and performed it, and it was hilarious.

To see a community evolve from when we initially open and see how it blossoms 12 months later is so rewarding.

It's a very versatile job, which I love, and I’m learning all the time with it.

What gives you the most satisfaction from your role?

Watching homeowners move in and the difference it makes to their lives. I still get to see that, which is lovely.

It’s rewarding to see the friendships that have developed and the social lives that people are enjoying.

When you go to a community and you feel that hustle and bustle, you know that you’re doing something right. It warms my heart.

Beyond the desk

What’s your favourite quote from a film or show?

“You can like the life you’re living; you can live the life you like” – Roxie ‘Chicago’ (2003).

What’s your favourite place you’ve travelled to?

Cayo Levantado in the Dominican Republic.

What are you looking forward to this year/in the next few months?

I’ve recently moved to a new house so I’m looking forward to planting in my garden. It’s a blank canvas at the moment.

“Rightsize don’t downsize and gain so much more

When you imagine the sort of person who is surrounded by a supportive team, you might think of a celebrity with an entourage or perhaps the owner of a country estate like Downton Abbey. In reality, it’s one of life’s little luxuries that you can enjoy every day when you become an Adlington Retirement Living homeowner.

As soon as you decide to rightsize and move to one of our communities, you instantly gain a trusted on-site team to make life easier and more enjoyable.

You also gain a chef, offering a daily menu of freshly cooked breakfast and lunch options; a maintenance person to take care of any external repairs; a cleaning team to ensure the

communal areas are pristine; a hairdresser who regularly pops into the on-site salon*; and a team of gardeners to make your surroundings beautiful all year round.

Your management team

On-site and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, your management team are like a good neighbour. They’re the first port of call for any problems, large or small, and always go the extra mile to help out.

Your chef

The communal areas in our retirement communities are really an extension of your own home. You can entertain friends and family in the restaurant*, coffee lounge or homeowners’ lounge, as well as your own apartment.

Your maintenance team

When you move into an Adlington Retirement Living apartment, you no longer have to worry about repairs or maintenance. The buildings, communal areas, and facilities are maintained to an exceptionally high standard.

Your hair stylists and therapists

You can also enjoy a bit of pampering in the hair salon* or therapy suite* without having to brave the elements.

Your landscape gardeners

* Additional charges apply

If you enjoy gardening, you can do as much or as little as you like. Our communities offer beautifully landscaped gardens and most of our apartments come with private patios or walk-out balconies. Plus, we have planters for homeowners to use too.

March In The Garden

As winter fades away, the landscape transforms into a canvas painted with delicate hues of pink, white, and pastel shades thanks to the emerging spring blossoms. The sight of cherry, apple, and other flowering trees bursting into bloom is a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the promise of new beginnings. It's a time to pause, appreciate, and find inspiration in the simple yet profound beauty of the natural world.

Aside from its beauty, Sakura, as it's named in Japan, holds immense cultural, social, and even spiritual importance. The tradition of Hanami, or flower viewing, has been practiced for centuries when families and friends gather in parks and gardens to picnic, socialise, and admire the beauty of the blossoms. Hanami represents a time of celebration and renewal that we can all benefit from now warmer weather is coming.

The Spring (vernal) equinox

01 Who led the 1912 British South-Pole expedition?

02 What is the strongest muscle in the human body?

03 What are the national flowers of the four regions of the UK?

04 Actor and comedian, the late Robin Williams, once said "Spring is nature's way of saying…." what?

05 Printemps, Frühling and Primavera are European translations for spring, but from which languages?

The Vernal Equinox marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. It occurs around March 21 st each year when the day and night are approximately equal in length worldwide when the tilt of the Earth's axis neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in nearly equal amounts of daylight and darkness. This year it will occur on Wednesday 20 th March at 03:06.

Around this day you can use your shadow to tell time. As the sun is directly overhead, there won't be a shadow at exactly noon.

Also, the Vernal Equinox determines the date of Easter, being celebrated the Sunday after the first full moon that occurs after the Vernal Equinox.

Spring forward; A guide to decluttering

Anyone who has ever moved home knows that sorting, packing, and unpacking can be a time consuming and strenuous activity. In later life there are even more challenges, both emotional and practical, that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are five top tips to get you started :

Prioritise sentimental items

Perhaps pass to family members, or explore a local action group or donate to charity.

Seek support from loved ones

Decluttering can be a challenging task, both physically and emotionally. Involving loved ones provides not only practical assistance but also emotional encouragement, making the process more enjoyable and rewarding.

Adopt a "less is more" mindset

Regular assessments of possessions helps identify items that no longer serve a purpose.

Did you know

March 1, 1966: The iconic British television series "Doctor Who" premiered on the BBC.

March 4, 1675: The birth of Sir Isaac Newton, one of the most influential scientists in history.

March 12, 1989: Sir Tim Berners-Lee submits a proposal for the World Wide Web.

Take a room-by-room approach

Focusing on one space at a time allows you to concentrate efforts, making the process more manageable. Create a detailed furniture floorplan for your new home and visualise the layout to see whether particular items of furniture will fit.

Invest in smart storage solutions

Effective organisation is key to successful decluttering. Storage such as labelled boxes or shelves creates a systematic and accessible order for belongings.

To find out more on how we can help make your move to an Adlington Retirement Living community visit adlington.co.uk/msd

March 15, 44 BC: Assassination of Julius Caesar in Rome.

March 15, 1493: Christopher Columbus returned to Spain after completing his first voyage to the New World.

March 24, 1751: The British Empire adopted the Gregorian calendar.

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