Each year, International Day of Older Persons raises awareness of the opportunities and challenges associated with ageing, while celebrating the contributions that older people make to our communities.
The theme this year, “What’s on your doorstep?”, encourages us to think about the local people, places and opportunities that help older people stay connected, informed and supported within their communities. It also invites us to consider what happens when barriers emerge that make accessing those opportunities more difficult.
For older people, community connections can provide friendship, purpose, support and opportunities to remain involved in the activities that matter most to them. These connections can help people maintain their independence, continue pursuing their interests and feel a sense of belonging, even when life circumstances change.
At Keychange, we see every day how meaningful relationships, shared experiences and opportunities to participate in community life can have a positive impact on wellbeing. Whether someone is living within one of our care communities or receiving support through Community Connectors, staying connected remains an important part of living well.
Staying connected can become more difficult as we get older due to life changes such as retirement, bereavement, health changes or reduced mobility. Sometimes the biggest barrier is simply not knowing what opportunities are available locally. For others, confidence may have been affected by a period of illness, caring responsibilities or a significant life change.
These experiences can leave people feeling less connected to the communities they have always been part of. This can be particularly challenging when those communities have provided friendship, support, purpose and a sense of belonging over many years.
When these barriers emerge, the right support can help people reconnect with the opportunities and relationships that matter most.
Community Connectors supports older people to reconnect with what is on their doorstep, by supporting them to access local opportunities, services and community activities.
This free service, piloted in Southwick, West Sussex, seeks to understand the unique barriers individuals may be facing in accessing support, services and local opportunities, and work together with the individual to overcome these.
Moving into a care home naturally brings a change in doorstep, which can present both opportunities and challenges. While individuals may be leaving behind familiar places, routines and relationships, which can be deeply upsetting for many, they are also presented with new opportunities. With safe spaces to flourish, individuals can build new connections, explore different activities and become part of a new community.
With seven care communities across the South of England, we see first-hand that while a person’s surroundings may change, their need for connection does not. Meaningful relationships, a sense of belonging and opportunities to participate in community life remain just as important, regardless of age or circumstance. That’s why we work hard to create environments where people can continue to build friendships, pursue their interests and remain connected to the world around them.
Ultimately it’s about building and rebuilding connections for individuals who – for a wide range of reasons – may feel disconnected from society and their locality. Everyone’s situation is different. That is why we take the time to listen, understand what matters to each person and work alongside them to explore local opportunities that match their interests, needs and aspirations. – Alex, Community Connectors Project Lead
Care communities can help older people stay connected by creating opportunities to build relationships, participate in shared activities and regularly engage with others – whether that’s within our care communities, or beyond their four walls.
At Keychange, we do this by opening our doors to local organisations, churches, schools, volunteers and community groups, bringing what’s on our doorsteps inside. In doing so, we create opportunities for friendships to grow through shared experiences, supporting wellbeing and fostering a sense of belonging.
“This summer, we invited a group of older people supported by Age UK to our garden party. It’s a joy to work alongside local organisations to support those within our communities to feel better connected, and for those who live locally to develop relationships and really thrive. We’re hoping to work more closely with Age UK in the future, creating more opportunities that benefit both our residents and the wider community.”- Donna Powell, Manager at Erith House
At Keychange, ‘What’s on your doorstep’ is a reminder that community is about more than physical proximity, it’s about feeling like you belong. It’s about having opportunities to participate and feel connected to wider society.
Whether someone receives support through Community Connectors or is living in one of our care communities, we believe older people should have opportunities to stay connected to the people, places and activities that matter most to them. Through personalised support, community partnerships and opportunities for meaningful conversations, we help people maintain and build those connections.
Written by Laura Rose, Marketing & Communications Officer at Keychange
