Over the next few weeks the Homes at the Heart campaign, run by the National Housing Federation and supported by The Almshouse Association, is focusing on different issues affecting the housing market. This week the focus is on living well.

Loneliness is a growing problem for many in our society. During the coronavirus pandemic many of us have become more comfortable with using our computers and phones to communicate with one and other via FaceTime, WhatsApp and Zoom. These apps have provided us with an effective stopgap enabling grandparents and grandchildren to continue to see each other, whilst allowing many to work from home. These are benefits that we cannot underestimate, but these apps are still missing the key human elements which can only be achieved by in-person communication. Those same grandparents still want real life hugs and kisses.

It would be wrong, however, to assume that this problem has only arisen with the pandemic and its associated lockdowns and as such, will ease once life returns to some kind of normality. Loneliness, particularly within the older members of our society, has recently received much needed attention from media and the Government. Similarly, research, such as a recent piece conducted by UCL, highlight that loneliness is linked to a higher risk of developing dementia. Moves such as the appointment of Baroness Diana Barran as the Minister for Loneliness are steps in the right direction, but are not solutions in themselves.

At The Almshouse Association, we turn to our thousand year history for lessons in how to deal with and manage loneliness through the homes that people live in. By design, the almshouse model helps to tackle the issue through the creation of micro-communities which promote engagement and interaction between residents. Many of our members oversee almshouses with beautiful communal gardens which allow residents to mix and socialise (although recently this has had to be social distanced). They also host events which connect residents with their wider community. Although the majority of almshouse residents tend to be older, our members are starting to see younger residents living in their homes. This allows for greater inter-generational interaction as young and old mingle and contribute to each other’s’ lives. Continued interaction both within and outside the almshouse means that we can tackle loneliness and contribute to improve mental and physical wellbeing.  

If you would like to learn more about almshouses, please take a look around our website. We would be more than happy to discuss how you can start your almshouse journey. 

#HomesAtTheHeart

Further Reading: Homes at the Heart – affordability and supply

Posted 24 Aug 2020