WHAT’S TRENDING? TOP TRENDS FOR 2023

This is the year of reducing stress levels, finding a better work-life balance, and enhancing the quality of your life. In other words, it’s all about YOU! Here’s a brief overview of what trends we can expect to see this year.

Colour

And the colour of the year is… Viva Magenta 18-1750. Symbolising strength, power, bravery and fearlessness, this vibrant colour encourages experimentation and self-expression. So, if you’re looking to make a bold statement this year, majenta is the colour to go for.

Food

Foods trending this year include dates, grains, mushrooms, and CBD-infused foods. Flexitarianism will trend in a big way with more and more people leaning towards a predominantly plant-based diet. And, if butter boards don’t appeal to you, you could always try (wait for it…) - tinned fish boards! People are placing tins of fish – mostly canned sardines, tuna, and mussels on cutting boards for guests to tuck into.

D Cor

Since from the lockdown period, our homes have become sanctuaries with calming interiors, a relaxed environment and a spa-like feel to them. Plants will be on trend for 2023, with offices and homes being filled with lots of greenery. Furniture with curves add a softer, more relaxed look and feel. Natural elements such as bamboo and rattan will trend alongside more earthy colour palettes.

Shopping

Online shopping will continue to trend. With the click of a button, shoppers can buy anything from groceries to furniture without ever leaving the comfort of their homes. Whether you’re shopping for special décor pieces, furniture or clothing, thrifting will thrive in

2023. Repurposing preloved items is not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

From physical wellbeing to mental health, people are taking stock of their lifestyles and opting for healthier options. Less is more this year with lower intensity workouts such as walking and yoga, mindful drinking (mocktails, non-alcoholic G&Ts, ciders and wine), earlier dinners and bedtimes for improved weight loss and healthier sleeping patterns.

Travel

This year’s travel trends are all about relaxation, exploration and inspiration. The main drivers post-covid are wellness spas, retreats and spiritual journeys. Travelers will continue to prefer smaller guest lodges over the bigger chain hotels and a return to nature will trend. Solo travel will be on the rise for those of us seeking a bit of solitude and soul searching, and cruises are also trending since they provide a stress-free vacation.

The Stanford Festival

To the organisers of the Stanford Festival, I would like to express my appreciation for a well-organised event. Pulling together all the strings to get it off the ground is not an easy job to say the least, and then to have to contend with the unknown factor of the weather, for which there is no control! The Kaapse Klopse March through the village was a memorable sight. The only minor missing piece, for me, was that there were no "time slots" given on the posters/flyers for each event throughout the day. Had I known in advance what time the 'Reel Dancers' were to perform, I would have been able to be at that event without having to sit through other events that I was not interested in. As it was, I was unable to get any photos nor a video of them, such a pity for me. Congratulations on a great event, I trust this year’s event year will be just as memorable.

Richard Randall, Stanford

HOW WILL WE AGE AS A VILLAGE?

We all want to be independent and in control of our lives for as long as possible—preferably until the day we die. But independence doesn’t always pan out; illness or injury can strike at any time and make life living alone impractical. And, as our worlds shrink, living alone can start to feel lonely—and loneliness, researchers say, can kill.

I thought I would like to share a village community model which combines aging with the type of interdependent living that helps make aging on one’s own possible for longer. It’s an innovative, DIY take on what villages can offer—trusted relationships with neighbours and the wider community.

The idea is to have a non-profit, grassroots solution that’s governed by its members. Although the village model is designed for older adults, choosing to join a village is a vote in favour of intergenerational living. Not everyone wants to live in a large retirement community - sometimes referred to as an “old-age ghetto.” When you live in a village, you’re still part of your larger community.

In the village model, older members of a community are linked with one another, and with a network of volunteers and paid services. There are over 300 villages now in the US and each is governed by a board of directors made up of members. Social events might include game days, lunches and dinners, trips to museums and other places of interest.

The coordinator manages a vetted list of service providers and community partners to call on when a villager needs help: home maintenance and repairs, technology help, health and wellness services, transportation, light housekeeping and shopping assistance. Service providers—from drivers to repair people—will often negotiate special prices when they’re contracted to work for an entire village.

I just thought this sounded like a good idea we might explore as a village that cares.

Elma Hunter, Stanford