Adlington Life Magazine March 2025 by AdlingtonRetirementLiving

ADLINGTON LIFE

We are introducing virtual tours of some of our apartments.

Tour this 3-bedroom apartment at Broadleaf House, by scanning the code with your smart device camera.

Welcome

As we officially welcome spring, it's a great opportunity to take a fresh perspective and explore new possibilities.

This month, we talk to our homeowners about how they've preferred not to leave later life to chance, and we also look at how technology can shape all our lives for the future.

Amongst the seasonal celebration of the daffodil, and not forgetting the shamrock, enjoy a journey beyond the four walls of winter and prepare for a new, enjoyable chapter.

News

We've taken an exciting new step forward at our upcoming community in Exeter, Radford House, with the marketing suite now welcoming visitors to find out more about the first phase of apartments.

Work is well-underway at our new community Riverside Gardens, Knaresborough, West Yorkshire, as we prepare the new marketing suite to welcome visitors next month. In the meantime, our sales team have been hosting personal tours of nearby community The Spindles, in Menston near Ilkley.

Dr Ed Gladman, Chief Executive Officer

You can find out more about our communities by calling 0800 118 1694 or visiting our website adlington.co.uk

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Futureproofing: Don't leave later life to chance

Our homeowners share why moving to a retirement community while still active is an investment in their future well-being.

Support throughout your move

Find out more about how you could make your next move simple and stress-free.

A tale of four stews

A brief history of Irish, Welsh, English and Scottish Stews.

Quiz Time

Test your knowledge with our monthly quiz.

Join us on a daffodil hunt

Help the RHS to map the UK’s daffodils.

Technology in later life

Learn the benefits of becoming digitally savvy.

Technology Buzzword Debunker

A useful tool to cut out and keep.

Pamper Day

Call to book your place, as spaces are limited

The Spindles, Menston Friday 14th March, 12pm

Coffee and Cake

The Spindles, Menston Tuesday 4th March, 2:00pm

The Sidings, Lytham Wednesday 12th March, 10:30am

Brookfields House, Newcastle-under-Lyme Wednesday 12th March, 10:30am

The Newells, Kempston Thursday 13th March, 10:30am

Broadleaf House, Wylde Green Thursday 20th March, 10:30am

Futureproofing:

Don’t leave later life to luck

As we journey through life, we often plan for major milestones - buying a home, building a career, raising a family - but how often do we think about planning for our later years?

The idea of futureproofing isn’t just about financial security; it’s about ensuring independence, comfort, and support when we need it most. For many, moving to a retirement community while still active and independent is an investment in their future well-being.

A Thoughtful Move: Margaret and John’s Story

Before moving to The Woodlands in May 2022, Margaret and John had lived in their family home in Heald Green for 47 years. They chose to move to a retirement community while still relatively young, ensuring they had a solid plan in place for the future.

Margaret was the driving force behind the move. “I was the one who wanted to move.

John didn’t initially. I have some health issues which are not causing me a problem at the moment, but I feel that they will do, or may do, at

some point in the future, and I just don’t want to wait until a crisis happens.

“I’m losing my sight. I could have gone around my old house with my eyes closed, but it was big, with stairs and constant repairs. I didn’t want all of that. I needed to get settled and become familiar with my surroundings because I never know when my sight’s going to go. That’s why we made the move at 74 and 71, while we’re still relatively young.”

John was initially hesitant but has no regrets now. “Originally, I was apprehensive about moving. I thought, let’s leave it for five years. Now, having done the

move, I think we did it at the right time.”

Margaret, influenced by her mother’s experience of struggling with a home unsuitable for aging, was determined to maintain her independence. “I didn’t want somebody else making decisions for me in a crisis. I wanted to know that I could be here with support if necessary."

"Right now, we’re fit and healthy, but it’s reassuring to know help is available if needed."

Pat and Michael’s Journey to The Woodlands

Before moving to The Woodlands, Pat and Michael had lived in Bramhall for 53 years, spending 41 of those years in their four-bedroom detached house.

Pat shares, “Our house was getting too big, and the cleaning was too much. Things needed renewing, and even simple maintenance became overwhelming. The big garden was also getting too much for us.”

Michael was particularly concerned about safety. “We had a beautiful garden and a big greenhouse, but I could see my wife having an accident in there. It was an accident waiting to happen.”

Pat had already experienced a few falls, which made the decision even clearer. “The thing we loved most about our apartment was the space and the fact that it opens out onto the garden.”

Their daughter, Michelle, reassured them about the move. “They worried about downsizing, but The Woodlands offers so many benefitscommunal areas, beautiful gardens, a hairdresser on-site, and activity clubs. They’ve got the best of both worlds.”

Michael and Pat now enjoy the vibrant community. “We see people every day, which is different from living in a house where you might not see many people. We knew we’d enjoy it, but we didn’t expect it to be this good—it’s everything we hoped for and more.”

Finding a Vibrant Community:

Ann and Harry’s Experience

Ann and Harry moved to The Sidings in December 2022, embracing a new chapter filled with social connections and activities.

“There comes a time in life when you’ve got to say, right, if we don’t do something now, we won’t do it at all,” says Harry.

Ann, with no close family, knew she had to take proactive steps for her future.

"I didn’t want to be shut away, lonely, and forgotten. I knew eventually I would want to move to this sort of environment."

“We’re having such a wonderful time. There are so many things going on, and the people are just lovely. We’re busy, but busy doing things we enjoy. We spend lots of time in the coffee lounge and the homeowners’ lounge. If anybody wants to chat, they just go there, and invariably, a crowd will gather. I’ve never laughed so much in my life. We’re laughing all the time.”

Planning Ahead: Angela and Tim’s Decision

Angela and Tim moved to The Spindles in May 2023, drawn by the security and support available, especially with their two children living abroad.

Angela explains, “We were planning ahead, thinking that if we ever needed help, we wanted to be somewhere with reliable support. My mother lived in a retirement community but only had assistance during the day. Here, there’s someone available 24/7, which gives us peace of mind.”

Their children, living in Germany and Canada, also worried about them being far from immediate family. Tim recalls an incident that reinforced their decision: “I once stumbled and fell in the driveway. I was shouting, but I couldn’t get up. Passersby helped me, but that moment made me realise how valuable having immediate assistance can be.”

Angela had a similar experience. “I slipped on some logs in our driveway and fell flat on my back. Luckily, a neighbour and a passing nurse helped me. Now, if anything were to happen, we can press a button and have help instantly.”

The Perfect Fit: Margaret and Keith’s Story

Margaret and Keith, who moved to The Spindles in November 2023, have always believed in planning ahead. Keith shares, “A long time ago, we were given some great advice: always move before you need to. Without children to assist us later in life, we planned accordingly. First, we moved into a bungalow, and now we’ve taken the next step into a retirement community while we’re still fit and independent. It’s a retirement community, not an old folks’ home, and that’s what makes it brilliant.”

Margaret values the peace of mind their new home provides. “A few years ago, Keith was going through chemotherapy, and one night he almost collapsed. I didn’t think he needed an ambulance, but at one o’clock in the morning, I

didn’t know who to call. That experience got us thinking about the future.

“We visited a few retirement communities, but most didn’t have 24-hour on-site support, and we didn’t like the apartments. But when we visited The Spindles, we looked at each other and said, ‘this is nice.’ It oozed luxury and comfort to me. It’s like living in a five-star hotel.”

The couple opted for a partexchange on their bungalow to simplify the process and moved in just a few months later.

“We think it’s fantastic. We don’t just like living here, we love it.”

Margaret adds, “We got such a warm welcome. It felt like home straight away. We’re so happy and content.”

Futureproofing for a Better Life

Planning for later life isn’t about giving up independence; it’s about securing it for as long as possible. Moving into a retirement community before it becomes a necessity allows people to settle into their new environment, build social connections, and access support when needed - without the stress of a crisis-driven decision.

For Margaret and John, Ann and Harry, Angela and Tim, Margaret and Keith, and Pat and Michael, their moves have brought security, companionship, and a vibrant new lifestyle. By taking control of their futures today, they are ensuring a happier, more confident tomorrow.

Support throughout your move

Moving can be daunting, especially if you have an emotional tie to your family home and haven’t bought or sold a house for decades.

Those feelings can increase if you want to move quickly or just don't want the stress of selling your home and the responsibilities that go along with that. Working with a moving partner offering a part exchange service is a simple solution, and an easy way to settle in sooner than you may have imagined.

Trevor moved to The Sidings in Lytham in April 2023. When his house had been on the market for six months and hadn’t sold, he decided to use the part exchange service.

He explained: “I think my house hadn’t sold because it was on the expensive side for

Blackpool. So, I looked at a part exchange and although I took a financial hit compared to the original asking price, from my point of view the peace of mind was worth every penny.”

David, a retired accountant, who moved to The Spindles in Menston in April 2024, also felt it was the right option for him.

David said: “I knew that I could do a part exchange, which appealed to me. I agonised over it for a bit because I was very aware that financially you get about 10% less than the market value of your property. But I said to my daughter, ‘I've thought about it, and I’m at an age that if I can move to somewhere where I’d really like to live, without having to put more money into it, then I can accept that.’ So that’s what I did.

“I found the way that they handled the part exchange and everything, was good. It took away all the worry of dealing with a chain. You hear too often about house sales going wrong somewhere in the middle, and then you're

all back at square one. I didn't have to worry about that and the time it saves is precious.”

Margaret and Keith, homeowners at The Spindles, were also pleased with their part exchange.

Keith said: “A friend’s cash offer took 18 months to go through with no chain. We thought the part exchange was a brilliant way to avoid all that. We came to look around towards the end of August and we moved in here in November. You might receive 10% less than the market value, but Adlington offered incentives, making it worth it. It’s a good company to deal with. They’re very honest and we get very good service.”

Find out more about how you could make your next move a simple and stress-free one by calling our helpful sales teams on 0800 118 1694 or visit adlington.co.uk/MME

TALE OF FOUR STEWS

With the celebrations of St David's Day in Wales, and St Patrick's Day in Ireland, plus British Pie week, what better excuse for a heart-warming stew.

For thousands of years, stews have evolved from a basic survival meal into a rich part of British culinary tradition, shaped by local ingredients, climate and culture.

So, as we await the final departure of winter, travel around the nations to enjoy hearty stews without even leaving the table.

Stew Name(s) Main Meat Key Ingredients Consistency Regional Variations

Lancashire

Hotpot, Beef & Ale Stew

Scotch Broth, Cullen Skink

Irish Stew

Cawl / Lobscouse

Lamb or beef

Lamb, mutton, or smoked haddock

Mutton or lamb

Lamb or beef

Find your favourite

England: Best for crispy potato topping (Lancashire Hotpot) and ale-based beef stews.

Scotland: Scotch Broth (barley-based) for a traditional feel, or Cullen Skink (smoked haddock) for seafood lovers.

Onions, carrots, potatoes

Barley, leeks, carrots, turnips

Potatoes, onions, carrots, parsley

Leeks, potatoes, swede, carrots

Thick, rich (potatotopped)

Thick (barley) or creamy (fish-based)

Very thick (potatoes break down)

Light broth, chunky vegetables

Cornish Stew (with swede)

Potted Heid (beef head stew)

Guinness Irish Stew (richer, darker)

Pembrokeshire

Cawl (best served next day)

Ireland: The thickest, heartiest stew, perfect for cold weather.

Wales: Leek-based, lighter stew, traditionally served with cheese and bread.

St David’s Day 1 st March

Welsh Stew,

known as Cawl or Lobscouse

Cawl (pronounced kowl), or lobscouse, is a hearty Welsh stew. It has been a staple of Welsh cuisine for centuries and is often enjoyed with crusty bread and cheese.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

1kg lamb shoulder (or beef brisket), cut into chunkss, 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced, 2 carrots, sliced, 1 parsnip, sliced, 1 small swede, peeled and diced, 1 large leek, sliced, 1 onion, chopped, 1.5 liters water or lamb/ beef stock, 2 bay leaves, salt and black pepper, to taste, fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, add the lamb (or beef) and cover with water or stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour, skimming off any scum that rises to the surface.

Add the potatoes, carrots, parsnip, swede, onion, and bay leaves. Simmer gently for another hour.

Stir in the leeks and cook for a further 15-20 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.

History of stew

Early Britons, including Celts and Romans, cooked simple stews using wild game, root vegetables, and herbs in clay pots over open fires

St Patrick’s Day 17 th March

Irish Stew

Irish Stew is a hearty, slow-cooked dish. It’s simple, filling, and perfect for a cold day!

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

1kg lamb or mutton (shoulder or neck, cut into chunks), 1kg potatoes , 2 large onions sliced, 3 large carrots chopped, 750ml lamb or beef stock, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish), 1 bay leaf , salt & black pepper, to taste, 1 tbsp butter or oil (for browning)

Instructions

Heat butter or oil in a large pot. Brown the meat on all sides for extra richness. Remove & set aside.

In the same pot, layer half of the potatoes on the bottom. Add half of the onions & carrots. Place the browned meat on top. Add the remaining potatoes, onions, & carrots.

Pour in the stock until everything is just covered. Add the bay leaf, parsley, salt & pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5–2 hours on low heat.

stews became a cheap, nourishing meal for the working class.

In Wartime Britain we relied on stews due to rationing, with people making "Victory Stew" using whatever was available.

The arrival of potatoes from the Americas in the Tudor & Stuart Eras changed the nature of stews, making them heartier.

During the Industrial Revolution, as urban populations grew,

Due to maritime trade, Lobscouse became popular in North Wales, particularly in towns along the coast, such as Anglesey, Caernarfon, and Conwy. It was a simple, hearty meal for working families, and

from that dish was born the Liverpudlians nickname, Scousers. The name "Lobscouse" comes from the Norwegian, or Low German word, "Lapskaus," meaning a meat and vegetable stew.

Today, British chefs have modernised stews, using slow cookers, high-quality ingredients, and international influences while keeping the dish’s humble, comforting roots.

HELLO MARCH

St David's Day 1st March

World Engineering Day 4th March

British Pie Week

3rd – 9th March

Crufts

6th – 9th March

British Science Week 7th – 16th March

St Patrick's Day 17th March

Marie Curie Month

Not only an amazing scientist herself, Marie’s name is now the daffodil-themed flagship of the charity raising funds to support those facing the challenges of end of life care. You can find out more and donate at mariecurie.org.uk

Mothering Sunday

30th March

ST PATRICK'S DAY At the Spindles

01 Which island off the coast of Wales is known for its large population of Puffins?

02 Which tech company was founded first: Apple, Microsoft, or Google?

03 The Irish flag has three colours. What do they symbolise?

04 Which Irish city is known as the "Rebel City"?

05 Which online retailer was originally just an online bookstore?

06 According to UK tradition, what should you never take with you when moving into a new house?

07 Wales is famous for having the longest town name in the world, but how many letters does it contain? (Bonus point if you can say it!)

08 Which British computer scientist is credited with inventing the World Wide Web?

ANSWERS ON PAGE 14

Marie Curie walk At the Spindles

A celebration of the daffodil

Being the national flower of Wales isn’t the daffodil’s only claim to fame.

Daffodils, specifically compounds derived from them, are being studied for their potential role in Alzheimer's disease treatments. The focus is primarily on galantamine, an alkaloid compound found in daffodils. Galantamine has been researched for its ability to increase acetylcholine

RARE DAFFODIL HUNT

levels in the brain as Alzheimer's patients often have reduced levels of this chemical, and by inhibiting its breakdown, galantamine can help improve cognitive function, at least temporarily. The research by Welsh company Agroceutical Products, established in 2012 by Kevin Stephens, a former Welsh sheep farmer, now mass produces daffodils 1,000ft above sea-level in the Black Mountains of Powys.

You are invited to join the horticultural charity, RHS, in celebration of the daffodil by helping them to map the UK’s daffodils, in the hope of finding three rare varieties. Log your findings on their website: rhs.org.uk/science/daffodil-diaries

How technology is helping our fourlegged friends

Smart Pet Trackers & GPS Collars

Devices like Tractive and Pawfit can help you track your pets' location in real-time, reducing the heartache of lost pets.

Automated Feeders & Pet Cameras

Smart feeders like SureFeed and Furbo pet cameras allow owners to monitor, feed, and even talk to their pets remotely via smartphone apps.

MUSIC Recommendation to bring a smile

Have a listen by scanning the code with your smart device camera.

The Dubliners - Sicknote (a humourus ditty about bad luck)

Veterinary Telemedicine & Health Monitoring Apps like PawSquad provide virtual vet consultations, while smart wearables track pet activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns to detect health issues early.

Narcissus ‘Mrs R.O. Backhouse’

Narcissus ‘Mrs william copeland’

Narcissus ‘sussex bonfire’

Coral Trumpet, ivory flowers

White double flowered

Double flowered yellow and orange

Technology in later life

Stay connected, safe, and empowered

As we grow older, embracing technology can sometimes feel like a daunting task. But the benefits of becoming digitally savvy can, far outweigh the initial learning curve.

From connecting with loved ones to stay in touch, being entertained, and staying safe, technology has become an essential tool in later life.

Technology helps you to:

• Access entertainment, watch films, discover music and documentaries.

• Manage health with apps that remind you to take medication or track appointments.

• Stay mentally active with games, news, and educational resources.

• Protect your safety with security devices such as video doorbells and remotely accessible alarm systems.

Why technology matters

The use of the internet among adults aged 75 and over has nearly doubled in recent years, rising from 29% in 2013 to 54% in 2020, according to the Office for National Statistics. Today, four in five people aged 65 and over (around 10.1 million) use the internet at least once a month.

• Stay connected with family and friends.

• Shop online for groceries so you don’t need to struggle with heavy bags.

• You can even get a digital assistant now, such as Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Nest who can help with setting reminders, calling contacts, controlling smart home devices, and providing news and weather updates.

Getting started: Build on what you know

The best way to get comfortable with technology is to start small. Whether it’s learning how to send a message, stream your favourite TV series, or set reminders, each skill builds confidence for the next.

In many of our retirement communities, help is readily available to ease this journey into the digital world. At The Spindles in Menston, for example, one of our duty managers runs a fortnightly tech group and makes herself available in the homeowners’ lounge to offer guidance. This could involve anything from

showing someone how to take a picture on their phone to explaining how to navigate a specific app.

At The Sidings in Lytham, Dr Trevor has made the most of technology to enable him to enjoy his lifelong love of opera whenever the mood takes him. Having always been a fan of the arts, Dr Trevor discovered that YouTube offers a treasure trove of performances. From piano music to grand operas, he now has access to a world of culture at the touch of a button.

For homeowners at The Sailings in Southport, the transition to digital has been

just as impactful. Simon Norris, the General Manager, explains how the community’s monthly Tech-Support Group has helped homeowners navigate challenges ranging from setting up phones and broadband routers to renewing disabled badges online - a notoriously tricky task. This hands-on support has fostered a sense of empowerment and confidence, enabling homeowners to embrace the digital age with enthusiasm. Even partnerships with external organisations are making a difference. At Adlington House, in Urmston, collaboration with Age UK Trafford brought IT experts to the community, where they held classes. These sessions provided a welcoming

environment for several homeowners to learn new skills and build their confidence online.

Embracing the benefits

Technology can enhance your life in countless ways. Video communication tools like Zoom and WhatsApp and social media platforms like Facebook allow you to stay connected with loved ones, no matter where they are. Streaming services such as Netflix provide endless entertainment options, while platforms like YouTube can introduce you to new hobbies and interests. Healthcare apps help you stay on top of your medication and appointments, and news and shopping apps bring convenience to your fingertips.

For retirees, the digital world offers a wealth of opportunities to stay connected, informed, and entertained. The stories of homeowners like David, Trevor, and others illustrate how technology, coupled with the right support, can transform lives. As Trevor aptly puts it: “It’s amazing what’s out there when you start exploring.”

Using technology safely

While technology opens up a world of possibilities, it’s important to stay vigilant against online scams. Here are some simple tips to help you to stay safe:

• Be cautious of messages or emails from unknown sources pretending to be a company or friend. Always verify their identity through trusted means.

• Scammers often create urgency. Take your time to confirm the legitimacy of a request.

• Be wary of unexpected claims about account issues or emergencies. Double-check through a reliable contact.

• Never make payments or share personal details unless you’re certain it’s legitimate.

• If in doubt, ask a trusted friend or family member for advice.

For one of our homeowners, David, knowing he could pop

downstairs and speak to a member of the management team for support was crucial when he received a suspicious message claiming to be from Royal Mail. Unsure if it was a scam, he was able to seek advice immediately, putting his mind at ease.

If you are comfortable using the internet, these resources can be helpful National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) ncsc.gov.uk

Government-backed advice on staying safe online, avoiding scams, and securing your devices.

Get Safe Online getsafeonline.org

Free, easy-to-understand advice on internet safety, protecting passwords, and spotting scams.

Age UK Digital Advice ageuk.org.uk

Tailored online safety advice for older people, including tips on avoiding fraud and setting up secure accounts.

Introduced in 2014, the Government Digital Inclusion Strategy aims to help people develop the necessary digital skills and confidence, so if you’re just getting started, many local libraries and other community centres now offer free digital skills classes or drop-in sessions where you can ask about using the internet safely.

With a little guidance and support, the digital possibilities are exciting and endless.

Useful smart device apps perfect for later life

Be My Eyes connects blind and low-vision users who need sighted assistance with volunteers from anywhere in the world.

What 3 Words Identify and direct to a location, without an address. Used by over 100 UK emergency service helplines.

Lumosity Brain trainning games for the over 50s.

Duolingo Learn a new language in a fun and interactive way.

Audible Listen to audio books on the move.

MedList Pro Set reminders to take your meds.

Pocket Physio Easy-to-use guide to the physiotherapy exercises.

Magnifying Glass Turn your phone into a Magnifier. If you are ever worried that you’ve become a victim online, contact Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, to report what’s happened: actionfraud.police.uk

Technology Buzzword Debunker

Algorithm – A behind-thescenes system that decides what you see online, like how Facebook chooses which posts appear first on your news feed.

App – A small program on your smartphone or tablet that helps you do things, like check the weather, send messages, or shop online.

Bluetooth – A short-range wireless technology that connects devices, like linking your phone to a speaker or hands-free headset.

Browser – The program you use to access the internet, such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge.

Cache – Temporary storage on your device that helps websites load faster but sometimes needs clearing to fix issues.

Cloud – A way to store files (like photos or documents) on the internet instead of just on your device, so you can access them anywhere.

Cookies – Small files stored on your device by websites to remember things about you, like your login details or shopping preferences.

GIF (Graphics

Interchange

Format) – A short, looping animated image often used in messages and social media for fun reactions.

Hashtag (#) – A symbol used on social media (like Twitter or Instagram) to group topics, e.g., #LondonNews or #GardeningTips.

Malware – Harmful software (like viruses or spyware) that can damage your device or steal personal information.

Phishing – A scam where criminals try to trick you into giving personal information (like bank details) through fake emails, texts, or websites.

QR Code – A square barcode that you scan with your phone camera to quickly open a website or app (e.g., for menus in restaurants).

Spam – Unwanted emails or messages, often from advertisers or scammers, trying to sell you something or trick you.

Streaming – Watching TV shows, films, or listening to music over the internet without downloading them (e.g., BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Spotify).

Two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA or MFA)An extra layer of security where you need two steps to log in, like entering a password and then confirming with a code sent to your phone.

URL – The web address of a website (e.g www.bbc.co.uk) that you type into your browser to visit a site.

Wi-Fi – A wireless connection that lets your devices (phones, tablets, laptops) access the internet without cables. Cut along the dotted line to keep handy

Dark Mode – A display setting that changes the background to black or dark grey, making screens easier on the eyes, especially at night.

Smart Home – Devices (like smart speakers, lights, or heating controls) that connect to the internet and can be controlled using your phone or voice (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Nest).

VPN (Virtual Private Network)A tool that adds extra security to your internet use, hiding your location and keeping your browsing private.

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.