After an incredibly tough year of lockdown, shielding and Covid-19 fears, older residents are more receptive than ever to getting digitally connected – and we’ve launched our Rocking Later Life video conference to help them.
Many residents in our extra care schemes got an advance look 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 history, take up music and live their best life as they get older.
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 more than a year in the making.
The topics of the conference include:
- Oomph! Wellness explaining why exercise during the pandemic has been so important and suggesting some simple routines – with Steve Gardner, head of training
- Long-standing Notting Hill Genesis volunteer Richard Fentiman discusses one of the historic walks he hosts for older people, covering Church Street, Westminster, and how much enjoyment he gets out of volunteering in later life
- How singing can make a difference for people living with dementia – with Grace Meadows, director of Music for Dementia 2020
- Sophie Lovejoy, an independent humanist celebrant, discusses the many different options for what you can do with your ashes – right up to having them released in space
- Residents and staff discuss the benefits of getting digitally active in later life
- Every Kinda People – a podcast series set up by Notting Hill Genesis’ volunteering team that gives our fascinating residents the chance to discuss their personal stories and the music that has meant so much to them
The 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 to they can speak to 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 and I’m sure you’re all as proud as we are at what we have achieved.”