Community spaces in retirement living schemes are vital. They open up opportunities for pursuits such as exercise classes, community suppers and intergenerational activities. Crucially they support residents from a social perspective, making them feel like they belong, providing them with a place to come and share a coffee, do a jigsaw or just be.
When we attended the official launch of Merbury Close, the lounge had already been used for a carol concert with a visiting school choir and the day of the launch was buzzing with craft activities as well as chair aerobics! A daughter of one of the residents commented that the lounge refurbishment had encouraged her mother to leave her flat and now she felt a lot less lonely. This is what it is all about.
Professional retirement living design with homely and inviting communal spaces can make the move less traumatic but also support residents in making connections with their new neighbours and help them to build new communities.
