International Day of Older Persons
Building communities for older people in Hammersmith.
October 1st is the International Day of Older Persons. This year, the UK theme is ‘Building Belonging: Celebrating the power of our social connections.’ As the Centre for Ageing Better explains, the day is a chance to “celebrate the vital role that social connections can play in our lives; from a quick hello on the street to deep and supportive relationships that are built over time. The communities we live in shape our ability to connect – and in turn, the connections that we make help shape our local environment.”
Friendships are important for most people, whatever their age. However, it can be harder for older people to make new social connections, especially if you live alone, no longer go out to work or have mobility issues.
Bringing people together through almshouses
Hammersmith United Charities has two almshouses – John Betts House and Sycamore House. Both are designed to make it easier for older people to maintain or develop social connections. Residents’ flats are built around a large communal garden, which everyone has access to, and regular events such as coffee mornings, exercise classes and social groups give people extra opportunities to come together in the communal lounge. The almshouses are located in the busy heart of Hammersmith, making it easier for residents to maintain friendships in their local community as they age.
As one resident, Lorraine, says, “There’s lots on socially here at Sycamore House, so I involve myself in that as much as I wish – I usually go to the coffee morning and catch up with everyone on a Thursday. I’ve made some very good friends here.”
Read more about how living in an almshouse community can reduce loneliness and isolation.
Support for older people in Hammersmith
Many other charities can also offer support if you’re struggling with loneliness, the cost of living or other challenges.
- Age UK Hammersmith and Fulham runs a variety of activities every week, from yoga to a film club. You can also get support if you find it difficult to go shopping.
- The Men’s Shed group meet several times a week and maintain Godolphin Gardens as well as working on their own projects.
- Citizens Advice Hammersmith and Fulham can give you advice on a range of topics, such as debt, benefits and energy costs. The charity offers face-to-face meetings, and you can also call for free on 0808 278 7832.
- The WILDE Foundation provides a creative outlet for women who have experienced trauma (such as domestic abuse) and those struggling with loneliness or mental health challenges. Many of its members are over 60.
- The RENA Initiative delivers monthly art workshops and outings for women of every age.
- Women Aid and Empowerment runs accessible exercise classes, including chair-based yoga. Participants are able to socialise after the classes. Founder Hanna shares, “I have a lot of retired and widowed people attending. Some had become isolated in their home. Since coming to the class, their health has improved and so has their loneliness.”
- The Grove Neighbourhood Centre Folk Art Group helps to tackle loneliness though a weekly art group. Most members are retired. Chair Carey Whitley says, “We provide a place where it is easy to nurture new friendships.”
- Women’s Trust provides free counselling for women who have experienced domestic abuse. (1 in 30 people aged 60 to 74 is a survivor of domestic abuse, whether that’s physical violence, financial abuse or coercive control.)
- For Brian offers dementia-inclusive activities, including art sessions.
Volunteering as an older person
Volunteering can be a great way to combat loneliness and give back to your local community. In fact, 35% of people who are aged 65 or older frequently volunteer. Whatever your age or mobility needs, there’s likely a volunteer role to suit. Whether you fancy reading with children, volunteering at your local foodbank or making sure people can access free financial advice, get in touch with local charities to find out more. You can also find volunteering opportunities at Simply Connect.
Protecting the rights of older people
While the Equality Act is designed to legally protect people from discrimination, older people still often experience ageism. According to Age UK, this can include being refused interest-free credit, a new credit card, car insurance or travel insurance; being refused a referral from a doctor to a consultant; or even losing your job.
Often ageism is more subtle. As the Centre for Ageing Better says, “Ageism is all around us, yet it’s so ingrained in our daily lives that we barely notice it. Being told you should ‘act your age’, ‘slow down’ or ‘that’s ‘too young’ for you’. Becoming ‘unemployable’ in your 50s. Being told you’re ‘surprisingly tech-savvy’ or ‘you shouldn’t wear that at your age’. This isn’t a part of ageing. It’s ageism.”
In many countries, there is no legal protection against ageism whatsoever, which is why several charities have been calling for a UN convention to protect the rights of older people. The UN has agreed to start work on such a convention “to ensure older persons’ equality, dignity and societal inclusion – not just for today’s population but for the youth and children who will be the older persons of tomorrow.”
You can find out more about how to challenge ageism at www.agewithoutlimits.org
Guy is a retired solicitor who has lived in Hammersmith for over 40 years. As well as having a long legal career, Guy has decades of experience in the not-for-profit sector. He was a school governor for 35 years and spent several years volunteering as Chair of the Finance Committee at Hammersmith & Fulham Law Centre. If you recognise Guy, that’s probably because he also served as a local councillor for Hammersmith & Fulham.
“We recently represented a migrant woman who was trafficked to the UK by a wealthy family. She was forced to work extremely long hours as a nanny, housekeeper and cleaner. She didn’t receive anywhere near the minimum wage, and the family had control of her passport and bank account.”
Everyone at Hammersmith United Charities would like to thank Vivienne Lukey as she steps down after 12 years as a trustee, including six years as Chair.