ADLINGTON LIFE
Contents Welcome
Happy New Year! I hope you had an enjoyable festive season.
Increasingly, studies are suggesting that prioritising your well-being is essential for a healthier and happier life, so this month we focus on how that looks as we age. Ideas on how to help combat loneliness, and why building valuable connections can be benefical both mentally and physically.
Not forgetting, of course, the usual features to bring a smile as we embrace winter.
I hope you enjoy this month's issue, maybe with your favourite hot drink.
Prioritising your well-being
Self-care in later life may enhance health, wellbeing, independence, and fulfillment.
Dr Ed Gladman, Chief Executive Officer
Dr Ed Gladman, Chief Executive Officer
You're a poet and you don't even know it
Give poetry a try this Burns Night.
04 05 06 07 10 11
Healthy but hearty lentil soup recipe
Easy-to-make soup recipe, carrot and lentil perfect for if you're feeling under the weather.
A brief history of bobble hats
Did you know bobble hat pom-poms, can be traced back to the Viking era.
The power of connection
We talk with our homeowners about tackling loneliness, especially during the winter.
Things to look for in the garden
Turn to the garden this January and enjoy some birdwatching.
Prioritise yourself this year and reap the benefits
Scan QR code to find out more
News
The end of last year saw two celebrations at our Kempston Community, The Newells.
Mohammad Yasin MP met with Sarina Kiayani, from our industry body ARCO (Association of Retirement Communities) to take a tour and meet homeowners to discuss the positive impact that retirement communities make.
The Newells also celebrated its first anniversary with a jazz band, fizz, and cake cut by our first homeowner Lesley.
The marketing suite at Radford House, Exeter will be opening late January and we look forward to launching our retirement living community in Devon.
Events
Pop Go the 60s music events call to book your place, spaces limited
The Sidings, Lytham
- Thursday 16th January, 2pm-4pm
Brookfields House, Newcastle-under-Lyme
- Wednesday 29th January, 2pm-4pm
Coffee and Cake
The Sidings, Lytham
- Wednesday 12th February, 10:30am
The Spindles, Menston
- Tuesday 7th January, 2:00pm
- Tuesday 4th February, 2:00pm
Brookfields House, Newcastle-under-Lyme
- Wednesday 15th January, 10:30am
- Wednesday 12th February, 10:30am
Broadleaf House, Wylde Green
- Thursday 23rd January, 10:30am
- Thursday 20th February, 10:30am
The Newells, Kempston
- Wednesday 15th January, 11am
Join us at 10am for Yoga before coffee & cake, spaces limited
- Thursday 13th February 10:30am
RSVP to book your place Lytham
01524 917888
660530
01234 988200
Prioritising your well-being
With busy careers and a family to think about for many years, it’s often easy to put your own needs lower down the list of things that need doing. However, looking after yourself in later life is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing. Self-care practices, such as staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in social activities, can have profound benefits on health and happiness as you age.
According to an Age UK report
Physical activities like walking or yoga help maintain strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of chronic illnesses.
A balanced diet rich in nutrients supports brain health, energy levels, and immunity.
Regular checkups and following prescribed medical advice also play a critical role in preventing age-related health issues.
The report went on to state, that mental and emotional well-being are equally important. Participating in social groups or hobbies combats loneliness, which has been linked to cognitive decline and poor mental health. Keeping your mind active through learning, volunteering, or even casual social interactions supports cognitive function and emotional.
Dr Trevor, homeowner at The Sidiings, supported this view.
“If I was talking to somebody considering a move to a retirement community, I’d say that it relieves you of an enormous amount of stress and adds a lot of positive social interaction. I enjoy meeting new friends and socialising and not having any worries about life at all.”
Self-care routines also enhance overall life satisfaction. allowing you to live your later years with vitality, making them not just about longevity but about living well. They empower you
to stay independent and enjoy later years with greater energy and purpose. Simple practices like mindfulness or making time for personal hobbies can reduce stress and increase happiness, fostering a sense of fulfilment and connection to others .
Homeowner Lesley told us: “Here at The Newells there are plenty of things to join in with, if you want to. It's entirely your choice. We have a chair yoga group on Thursday mornings, games evenings, quizzes, movie nights and we all tend to get together for Sunday lunch.”
The history of
bobble hats
Bobble hats or hats with pom-poms, can be traced back to the Viking era in Scandinavia, around 790 AD:
Origins
The word "pom-pom" is thought to come from the French word pompon, which means "bobble" or "small ball of fabric".
Religious or cultural significance
A 1904 discovery of a statue of the Viking god Freyr wearing a hat with a pom-pom suggests that bobbles may have had religious or cultural significance.
Practical use
In the 19th century, French sailors wore pom-pom hats to protect their heads from low ceilings and beams on ships.
Popularity
Michael Nesmith of the band The Monkees helped make the pom-pom famous in the 1960s.
04 The first UK Income Tax Act came into effect in January 1799 to fund the war against Napoleonic France, under the government of which Prime Minister?
01 On January 1, 1801, which significant political union was formed?
02 In January 1943, which groundbreaking scientific achievement was completed at Cambridge University by British physicist William Bragg?
03 January is known as the start of the snowdrop blooming season in the UK. What nickname is commonly given to these flowers?
05 On January 17, 1912, Robert Falcon Scott’s British Antarctic Expedition reached the South Pole, only to discover they had been beaten by which explorer?
06 The Cairngorm Plateau in Scotland is famous for its extreme winter conditions. What is the highest recorded wind speed ever measured there?
TURN TO PAGE 11 FOR THE ANSWERS
Did you know
January Astronomy - even in astronomy, there is a sense of new beginnings. In the Northern Hemisphere, the days are starting to get longer again, and we look forward to the light’s reemergence.
January’s birthstone, the garnet, is thought to keep the wearer safe during travel.
You're a poet and you may not know it
Tips for starting to write poetry
Read widely
Explore classic and contemporary poets to discover styles and themes that resonate with you.
The history of poetry in the UK spans centuries, reflecting cultural, social, and political changes through its evolving forms and themes. Today, it remains an important cultural form, celebrated through festivals, awards, and grassroots initiatives like poetry slams.
Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, is renowned for his mastery of Scottish vernacular poetry, which often drew upon themes of nature, love, patriotism, and social commentary.
Ahead of Burns Night on the 25th January, there are more ways than the traditions of whisky and haggis to celebrate. Writing poetry doesn’t require particular expertise – just a willingness to explore your thoughts and emotions creatively. So, as we head towards Valentine’s Day next month, why not try your hand to express your gratitude and love through a poem, just as Burns did in his acclaimed poem Red, Red Rose:
"O my Luve is like a red, red rose That’s newly sprung in June; O my Luve is like the melody That’s sweetly played in tune.".
Start small
Begin with short forms like haikus or couplets to practice using concise language.
Focus on emotion
Write about personal experiences or moments that stir strong feelings.
Experiment with structure
Try traditional forms like sonnets or free verse to find what suits your voice.
Use imagery
Paint vivid pictures with sensory details to captivate readers.
Play with sound
Incorporate rhyme, alliteration, or rhythm to enhance the musicality of your poem.
Revise often
Poetry is crafted through rewriting-refining words, structure, and tone.
Join a community
Engage with local or online poetry groups for feedback and inspiration. Platforms like the Poetry Society (UK) or local writing workshops can help you grow.
THE POWER OF CONNECTION
Loneliness in later life is a significant issue for many people. According to Age UK, nearly one million older people across the UK often feel lonely, and almost half a million say they never see or speak to anybody.
Loneliness can affect anybody at any age, but a number of contributing factors, such as bereavement, health conditions or needing to care for a loved one mean that older people are much more at risk. Other life changes, such as a reduction in eyesight, hearing or mobility can also lead to people spending more time alone and feeling isolated or invisible.
Losing confidence
Mark Rowland, the chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, believes that “Loneliness is not insurmountable at any stage of life.” He suggests the first step is to acknowledge that we are lonely, which many of us struggle to admit, even to ourselves. “There’s still a tremendous stigma,” he says. “We internalise the cause of loneliness as being a defect of our personality – we’re not interesting enough, we’re not valuable enough. That can develop into a spiral of lack of confidence and withdrawal.”
It's a situation that some of our homeowners can appreciate.
Before moving to The Sidings in Lytham, Dr Trevor spent a lot of time on his own and his family were starting to worry about him.
“My children and my sister were worried that I was getting older and letting myself go to seed. I used to see very few people except for my neighbours. I wasn’t myself at all and I didn’t speak to many people at all.”
Bouncing back
As a retired GP, Trevor, knows only too well the negative impact that loneliness can have on health, but he has also experienced first-hand the difference that becoming part of a thriving community can make.
“I think one of the big benefits of moving to a retirement community like Adlington is the stimulus of other people at this time of life. If somebody has been on their own, as I know very well, you can sink into not wanting to do
anything. You lose your ability to think properly, and to converse properly, and you start to go downhill.
“Looking back now, I didn’t realise at the time, that’s exactly what happened to me. The stimulus of moving into a place like this can be of great benefit.
“I am so, so pleased I came here. I’ve got back to my normal self. I’m not so insular. I enjoy meeting people and talking to them. There’s a good sense of community and I’ve made some good friends.”
TIPS
TO TACKLE LONELINESS
The Mental Health Foundation suggests a variety of simple and practical things we can all do to help ourselves and each other.
Try to keep busy
One way of trying to manage loneliness is by keeping busy and doing things we enjoy. This might be a hobby such as a bit of gardening, going to an exercise class or even jigsaws, word puzzles or knitting. Small activities can give you energy and positive feelings. It’s important these things are fun or fulfilling.
The opportunity to make new friends and to join a thriving community is one of the most life-enhancing aspects of
moving to an Adlington Retirement Living community.
Sue, an Adlington homeowner, said: “We have a games night here. There’s something called Rummykub, which I’ve never come across before. It’s a tile game. It’s great. We also have quiz nights, poetry nights and a book club. I take part in most of these. We do a keep fit class on a Wednesday and we play boules. We’ve had an Italian evening and parties for New Year’s Eve and Christmas. When I tell people, they think I’m having a wild social life. I have a busier social life now than I’ve ever had before.”
Stimulate your mind
Activities that occupy your mind can help with loneliness. This can include the benefits of taking courses or listening to podcasts on topics from comedy to fitness.
Adlington homeowner Jane said: “Living here helps me to stay mentally fit and as physically fit as I can. I’m still
mentally agile and this place helps me to stay that way.
“I love pottery and painting. I try to encourage other people to paint. Most people are frightened of doing it and really, if you just get a piece of paper and put some paint on it, you’d be surprised by what you can achieve.
“I’ve helped some of the other homeowners here to paint pottery. We bought white pots and then painted them with this paint that goes on like nail varnish. Then you just put it in the oven for half an hour and after that it can even go in the dishwasher.”
Get moving
Physical exercise can help with loneliness. It can be as simple as having a walk in the park if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. Alternatively, listen to music and dance around your living room.
Ann, another Adlington homeowner, enjoys dancing and goes to a weekly movement with music class in the activity studio: “It’s good having it in the same building because in winter, the bad weather can put you off going out. But if it’s here, you’ve only got to pop downstairs.”
Try to engage with the people you meet
It can be hard to talk to others when you’re feeling lonely. However, trying to connect with the people you meet as you go about your day can be helpful. Even catching someone’s eye and saying “hi” as you walk along can make you feel better.
Retirement living communities can help break people out of the cycle of loneliness, by giving them the opportunity to spend time with warm and welcoming neighbours, join groups and clubs, and to live in a safe and supportive environment.
Adlington homeowner Lesley said: “I’ve made good friends with the other homeowners here. We talk all the time. Last night we chatted until 9pm, then met for coffee at 11am and picked up where we left off. We laugh a lot.
“I've always been active, but usually on my own. Now I have a much better social life.
“Even if you're just putting the rubbish out, you'll exchange a few words with somebody. The staff are always really pleasant and chatty. It sounds funny, but just a few words with somebody can really lift your mood.”
Spend time with pets
If you are lucky enough to own a pet, it can be a great way of managing loneliness. Not only do animals provide us with unconditional love and support, but they also help to give structure to our days and even encourage us to get out and connect with others.
Adlington homeowner Pam said: “There are three or four really nice parks near here and there’s a little dog-friendly café where you can get coffee and biscuits. I often bump into people with dogs and have a conversation with them.”
Find people who understand
It can be hard to connect with others when you’re feeling lonely. But there are great benefits in finding people who have been through similar experiences to you.
Cath, an Adlington homeowner, said: “You do get to a point when your life changes completely, and you feel as though you’re no longer of much use to anybody when you reach a certain age. It’s very hard to accept that you can’t do the things that you used to do. It can be quite demoralising, so being amongst people who are of a similar situation in life helps a lot and makes you feel better.”
HEALTHY BUT HEARTY CARROT AND LENTIL SOUP
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp turmeric
500g carrots, peeled and sliced
150g red lentils
1L vegetable stock
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh coriander, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
3. Stir in cumin and turmeric, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Add carrots, lentils, and stock. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until carrots and lentils are soft.
6. Blend the soup until smooth using a hand blender.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander.
9. Enjoy this nutritious and hearty soup.
DID YOU KNOW - Although carrots today are widely recognised for their orange color, before the 16th century, they were typically white, purple, red, or yellow.
resolutions you can actually keep:
Get better sleep by not watching TV or a screen before bed.
Try a new recipe every month , focus on nutritous ones.
Print out phone photos and post them to someone special.
Plan something to look forward to like a holiday, a trip to the beach when the weather is warmer or even just a coffee with friends, then make it more regular.
January in the Garden
This month, a wonderful winter pastime can also pay back to nature. Each January the RSPB launch their Big Garden Watch, with over 600,000 people taking part in 2024. Simply watch your garden or surroundings from the comfort of your home then report what you see. On snowy days, maybe a morsel or two might bring them a little closer, and they'd be ever so grateful.
For a more dramatic natural show, look out at dusk for starlings dancing across the skies. Escaping colder climes, and flocking together with a need for warmth, safety and roosting communication, these murmurations can be incredible aerial displays.
FInd out more at rspb.org.uk
DID YOU KNOW - When robins sing, it often serves as a "battle cry," warning other robins to keep their distance.
LONG TAILED TIT SPARROW
BLUE TIT
CHAFFICH
January across the ages
3rd - Alaska became the 49th State to be admitted to the USA. It was previously a part of Russia and was bought in 1867 for $7.2m.
8th - Marco Polo, the Ventian explorer and merchant, died 701 years ago. His travels had an important influence on the knowledge of China for many centuries.
25th - Marks the 101st anniversary of the first Winter Olympics, held in Chamonix.
31st - 6th - Rowan Atkinson's 70th birthday, famous for Black Adder and Mr Bean.
Plus, Shakespeare's First Folio was published in January 1623 during the renaissance and this month often sees libraries and exhibitions celebrating his impressive works.
QUIZ ANSWERS - 01 The Acts of Union merged Great Britain and Ireland 02 The first accurate X-ray crystallography analysis of DNA structure | 03 The "harbingers of spring." | 04 William Pitt the Younger. | 05 Roald Amundsen. | 06 173mph (278km/h).
ROBIN
Choosing the right retirement community is an important decision. Why not book a private tour or join us at one of our coffee mornings? Our dedicated sales teams are ready to answer any questions you may have.
Take
your pick
One, two and three-bedroom retirement living apartments for sale from £125,000 to £895,000*
Newells, Kempston