The pandemic has had a huge impact on us all, but it has been especially difficult for our older residents, many of whom have had to shield for long periods. To bring some interest to our residents we have launched an online conference for older people named by our residents: Rocking Later Life.
Residents in our retirement living schemes had an advance showing at Rocking Later Life last month ahead of its official launch and have been energised by the range of opportunities to get fitter, learn more about volunteering, take up music and live their best life as they get older - simply put, Rocking their Later Lives as you can see from our promo video.
The conference, which was initially designed as an in-person event but has translated perfectly into a YouTube video that can be watched where and when best suits each resident, has been a real collaborative effort with residents and our external partners.
We have some fantastic speakers, covering a wide range of topics including:
- The range and ease with which older people can get online or connect with others, as demonstrated by some of our residents and staff
- Learn more about how to be active in later life and the importance of wellbeing with Steve Gardner of Oomph! Wellness – why we all needed a bit more Oomph! as we emerge from the pandemic
- Long-standing Notting Hill Genesis volunteer Richard Fentiman discusses one of the historic walks he hosts for older people, covering the Church Street neighbourhood in Westminster, and how much enjoyment he gets out of volunteering in later life
- Exploring how singing can help those living with dementia with Grace Meadows, director of Music for Dementia 2020
- Do you know all the things you could do with your ashes? Humanist Sophie Lovejoy takes us on a Dead Interesting Talk
- Listen to a life told with humour and music through NHG’s podcast Every Kinda People, celebrating the lives of those living within social housing and sharing the fascinating story of a resident living in one of our extra care services
The full conference is now available to watch on YouTube.
Robert East, director of care and support for Notting Hill Genesis, said: “Our priority is ensuring that our older residents live fun, fulfilling lives and are able to enjoy a range of activities within their close-knit communities. Rocking Later Life is going to play a vital role in showing them the opportunities out there and how they can live their best lives.
“Those who have watched the conference have been inspired to make the most of the chances they have to get heathier and become more digitally engaged so they can connect with family and friends more easily.
“I want to say a huge thank you to all the individuals and organisations that spoke at the conference, we couldn’t have done it without you all and I’m sure you’re all as proud as we are at what we have achieved.”