‘For what it’s worth: it’s never too late…to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of.’

 – F Scott Fitzgerald

Despite our youthful pessimism about growing older, a mounting body of scientific evidence shows that in many ways life improves with age. We become happier and less anxious, more adaptive, and resilient. We deepen our friendships and expertise and shift our focus to the positive over the negative. This evidence is heartening to hear when we consider that our life expectancy has risen dramatically over the last 100 years. According to the Office of National Statistics, people aged 65 years old in 2020 can now expect to live on average a further 19.7 years for men and 22 years for women, projected to rise to 21.9 years for men and 24.1 years for women aged 65 years old in 2045. And this goes hand in hand with recent research that reveals that those with more positive attitudes about growing old tend to live longer and healthier lives than those with negative thoughts about ageing. The study led by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people more satisfied with the ageing process had lower risk for conditions such as diabetes, strokes, cancer and heart disease, better cognitive functioning and were more likely to engage in physical activity. In addition, they are less likely to have trouble sleeping, are less lonely and are more optimistic with a greater sense of purpose.

A positive and fulfilled retirement is at the heart of what the team at LifeCare Residences Communities strive to achieve for their residents as they champion health, enjoyment and mental wellbeing which is also underlined by their ethos, ‘We care about living life’. The LifeCare Residences team work hard in creating the right environment to help retirees prosper by providing exceptional living environments, services, and amenities as well as a strong emphasis in supporting residents in achieving their health and lifestyle goals in order for them to live well, for longer. This sentiment is further reinforced by consistent positive feedback from LifeCare Residences residents who say, “We love living here – the health benefits of living in a community and staying active keeps us young.” The following support services come as standard across all LifeCare Residences Communities; housekeeping, laundry, room service,  and maintenance support allowing retirees to relish a more active old age with fewer chores. The communities operated by award-winning LifeCare Residences provide vibrant places to live, offering a full-spectrum of five-star amenities and services that not only make day to day living smoother, but they also help to free up time allowing retirees the luxury of time to appreciate the pastimes and hobbies they’ve longed to enjoy. What is more, it has been proven that indulging in activities and hobbies can actually help to slow the ageing process.

This month, and next, at both Battersea Place – London’s first luxury retirement community and beautiful Grove Place in the heart of the Hampshire countryside will be opening their doors to prospective residents to experience first-hand the wonderful and enriching lifestyle on offer at the LifeCare Residences communities. There are also various coffee mornings hosted by the team at Grove Place on the 8^th and 22^nd February and 15^th and 29^th March as well as an Open Home Event on Wednesday 15^th February. A strong sense of community lies at the very heart of Grove Place and the coffee mornings have been designed to highlight just that – through coffee, cake, and friendly gatherings. The coffee mornings are designed to be informal and relaxed with the opportunity to mingle with residents. Prospective residents will hear from the residents directly and see for themselves the range of activities and clubs on offer. They will hear directly from the residents about how many of them have found their social circle expanding once again, as they have an opportunity to meet and make friends in the comfort of their own home with like-minded, vibrant people. With numerous opportunities to socialise, including during meals, leisure experiences and outings, many residents say that they’ve found a restored sense of purpose and joy in their social lives once they move in. In addition to the coffee mornings, Grove Place will also be hosting an Open Home event on Wednesday 15^th February. Visitors will not only meet the residents but are also invited to take a tour of the magnificent Grade I listed Elizabethan Manor House which sits within 27 acres of tranquil Hampshire countryside. This stunning building is also home to many exceptional communal facilities on offer to residents, and visitors are warmly invited to experience for themselves the wonderful community.. Visitors are invited to look at the five-star hotel-inspired amenities such as the gym and spa and attend a talk on health and nutrition by the Grove Place fitness instructor or even enjoy watching the resident ukulele band perform. Residents can stay in shape in the fully equipped gym and by working out with a personal trainer. Grove Place boasts a chef-led restaurant, indoor pool, billiards room, relaxing lounge, beauty treatment room, hair salon and spa. Residents have full use of their own concierge service and access to 24-hour emergency support and care. Also, on hand on the day, will be a representative from Studio 64, the interior design partner at LifeCare Residences who can go through the practicalities of downsizing and moving into the wonderful one-bed apartments on sale at the moment. Delicious refreshments will also be served in the coffee lounge.

On 16^th February, Battersea Place, London’s first luxury retirement community will be hosting an Open Home Event. Not only is the event a brilliant opportunity for prospective residents to take a tour of the unrivalled facilities, it is also a fantastic chance to sample offerings from local suppliers to coincide with Fairtrade Fortnight which includes yoga and art teachers as well as florists and local food and drink suppliers. Visitors will also be able to view an apartment and find out for themselves what makes Battersea Place such an unrivalled, trailblazing, and award-winning retirement community which boasts the sort of services and facilities one would expect to find in a five-star hotel. These amenities include a chef-led restaurant and bar, health and beauty treatment suite, indoor pool and spa, cinema, library, front of house concierge, and a concierge service exclusively for residents. Battersea Place was the first to provide a new generation of retirement facilities to London, designed to bridge the gap between independent and assisted living which sensitively integrates a high-end London residence with a discreet, state-of- the-art care capability – The Albert Suites – should a resident’s needs change. The Albert Suites provides personalised nursing care in 27 luxurious suites. Situated next door to London’s beautiful Battersea Park, Battersea Place comprises of an exclusive collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses and is also ideally placed for easy access to many of London’s attractions. And despite being situated in the heart of London, residents at Battersea Place can simply step over the road to enjoy the beauty and 200 acres of wide-open space of Battersea Park for a brisk walk or a gentle stroll in the lovely gardens or a spot of tennis, boules, bowls, or croquet.

As we get older – we still want to laugh, love, and be needed as well as wanting to stay independent and keep doing the things we love. Moving into a retirement community can give retirees back their independence and a renewed sense of living life on their own terms which are all key steps towards living a longer and more fulfilling later life.

If you would like to learn more about our offering and how we can enhance the ‘every day’ please call 0800 009 6950. For those who are unable to visit in person, we are also able to offer virtual tours of our communities at your convenience.

LifeCare Residences.  We care about living life.