Living well, ageing well' #1: The power of attitude Enjoying old age takes good planning, good support and a great attitude says HBH ccept support. Independence can be overrated, Senior Living CEO, Bonnie Robinson. Bonnie says Bonnie. Independence isn't about having no believes it's important to plan ahead, not just support, it's about continuing to have a say in your for the young-old' years but also for 'what happens next? The other thing that can really help is to learn to life. I suggest to many older people that they just get the support they need to lead a good life. If you need a walker and it means you can be more mobile and get out more, then get one, embrace it When most of us think about retirement, we tend to think about the young-old' years from 65 to around 80 or so, explains Bonnie. "We don't tend to think about what would happen if we live to 90 or 100 and what we want to get out of that stage The beauty of the environment at HBH Senior Living is that residents are supported with the help they need to have a great life. Some people fight the idea of living in a retirement village or care facility, but there's no day. It's about giving yourself permission to try new things you never know, you may just find that you enjoy it! point sitting at home alone al BONNIE ROBINSON, CEO HBH SENIOR LIVING These days, the number of people living into their 90s or even into their 100s is growing rapidly What's more, it's inevitable that the longer you live, the higher your chance of having some sort of health or disability issue. That's why Bonnie believes it's crucial to ask yourself what strategies philosophy of care) provides a fantastic framework dependent. do I need to enjoy life and what's my attitude going to be? and purpose, and using the skills they ve gained in a lifetime. It's also about giving back because if you're helping others, then no-one is completely The Eden Alternative (which is a key part of HBH's for older people to think about what they want out of life. Its based on the pillars of companionship.ivng well, ageing well is a series of articles profiling the lives and sharing the stories of HBH can be a real challenge for people to stay positive onnection, meaning and if they do have health issues. It is normal to grieve for the things you have lost says Bonnie. But she believes that this is where attitude comes in to play For example, being told you can't drive any more is The Virtual Village concept currently being upsetting, but you can either stay at home feeling explored by HBH Senior Living will also make sad or you can think "okay, I can't do that, but what a difference to older people in the Howick else can I do? Sure. youll have to plan a bit more and be more reliant on others, but you can stl get people in the community overcoming loneliness out there and enjoy life. worth living. says Bonnie. Our job Seior Living's residents, staff and families, and the "life lessons' they've leamed along the way. is to help our residents find those things in their older lives. community. The Virtual Village is all about older CARE & VILLAGE In every little way, we care by supporting each other, creating connection A service of Howiek Baptist Healtheare Ltd