Older Generation Struggles to Stay Social, New Stats Show - McCarthy and Stone
(PRWEB UK) 18 July 2014 -- The research undertaken by McCarthy & Stone, the UK’s leading retirement developer, demonstrates that whilst 59 per cent of those surveyed didn’t currently worry about the prospect of loneliness, half did recognise that they would become more isolated if they did not have a partner or friend with which to socialise.
Not only that, but with 16 per cent admitting that they already only see friends and family at weekends, if at all, and over a quarter spending more than five hours a day by themselves, 73 per cent also confessed they felt maintaining the company of others was important to them in order for them to lead fulfilling lives.
Kim Caldwell, Sales & Marketing Operations Director from McCarthy & Stone commented: “We all rely on the kindness of other people, whether it’s to share a problem, celebrate an achievement, comfort us or just to make us smile. Having the companionship of others is important to boost self-esteem and build confidence – this is particularly an issue for older people, who as their children move away or their partners and friends pass on, can find it difficult to maintain an active social life. It’s often not something we consider while fit and well, but it is a very real problem that can have major implications for our health and wellbeing in later years.
“These statistics show just how much older people need others in order feel like themselves. This is why as a retirement developer we pride ourselves on building community focused properties, where people need never be alone if they don’t want to be. Having this option whilst retaining the ownership of a new apartment can really help provide a sense of stability for those who are already living alone or are already starting to worry about the future.”
One current McCarthy & Stone homeowner, Mrs Marian O’Brien, has found her loneliness decrease substantially by making the decision to move: “I didn’t realise how lonely I used to be, but all my friends say how happy and relaxed I have been since I moved. And they’re right, I am. It’s lovely to have been able to meet new people.”
All McCarthy & Stone developments offer a variety of facilities such as a homeowner’s lounge, landscaped gardens or picturesque courtyards, in order to offer people the opportunity to meet new people and maintain an active social life. House or Estate Managers offer constant support and are often the hub of social life, organising activities, outings, or just providing a listening ear. Plus friends and family are catered for, with the provision of a comfortable guest suite, making it easier for them to stay with their loved ones. Assisted Living developments also have table service restaurants, offering freshly prepared meals 365 days a year.
With over 35 years of experience, McCarthy & Stone has become Britain’s leading provider of retirement apartments, having built more than 45,000 apartments across over 1,000 different developments. To find out more, please log on to McCarthyandStone.co.uk. Or if you’d like to get involved in the conversation go to McCarthy and Stone’s Facebook page or Twitter.
*OnePoll survey of 1,000 over 55’s.
About McCarthy & Stone
We are Britain’s leading builder of retirement housing, pioneering the concept of purpose-built accommodation for older people. We have sold more than 45,000 apartments to nearly 50,000 homeowners in over 1,000 different locations.
With a choice of types of retirement developments that includes Retirement Living and Assisted Living, we offer the widest variety of award-winning one and two bedroom apartments for sale nationwide. Our Retirement Living developments offer the independence of retaining home ownership while living in an apartment specifically designed for later life as well as greater peace of mind and companionship. Assisted Living developments offer all of this, plus a helping hand through flexible care and support packages that make life that little bit easier.
Everything we do is built around a belief that later life can be rich, rewarding and fulfilling. We believe it is an opportunity to rediscover the things our customers love and explore new territory. Helping people make the most of it is our purpose and our passion, so on a daily basis we strive to think differently and care more about transforming later life.
For further information, visit http://www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk.
For further press information:
Vicky Coyle
Haslimann Taylor PR
0121 265 7070
vicky(at)htpr(dot)com
Vicky Coyle, Haslimann Taylor PR, +44 121 265 7070, [email protected]
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