Bathing Solutions* are currently running a #BreakingBarriers campaign to break the barriers for elderly people.
For one of the first times in history we are about to see the number of our senior generation surpass that of the youth, with those 65 and up making up 15.6% of the global population by 2050.
Advances in healthcare and standards of living have improved quality and length of life for older generations, yet society often casts off its seniors as ‘incapable’ or ‘unable’ to learn new skills.
Times are changing and it’s time for us to change too, breaking the stigma and encouraging each other to take action and get inspired to learn new skills or tricks of the trade.
I am lucky enough to have two Grandmas and one Grandad, two in their late 70s and one mid 80s. Age certainly hasn’t slowed them down. My Grandma and Grandad in their 70s are both very active Grandparents, still doing the school runs of my cousins, dog sitting for my Aunties and maintaining their home and surrounding farmland.
My Grandma in her 80s has only just started thinking about adapting her bathroom to be prepared for when she gets older. She has embraced modern technology, treating herself to an iPad to email all of us, download crossword apps and watch her soaps on catch up. She regularly goes out to social groups including knit and natter where they knit items to give to homeless charities. She volunteers every week at hospital as a trolley dolly (not the correct term but you know who I mean), going round selling snacks and magazines.
It is never too late to take up a new hobby, make new friends and learn new skills. Do you know anybody that may be feeling a little cut off? Why don’t you go round, have a brew and see if you can support them in any way? Have a look at what is in your local area that they might like, our local library have various activities going, the colleges may offer subsidiary’s on courses for over 65s, Age UK and the women’s institute often run groups and organise day trips.