John Nettleton, Audley Group Planning Director and Chair of Audley Foundation, says:

“January can be a challenging month for people, especially for older people who may feel lonely during the darker winter months. That’s why the Audley Foundation was set up to make a difference, with initiatives like Chatty Benches – welcoming spots near several of Audley Group’s villages, designed to encourage conversations and connections for the local communities. With days being shorter, reduced sunlight hours and temperatures dropping, this can significantly impact mental health, particularly for those who may already be feeling disconnected from their communities.

“So, the point of the Audley Foundation’s Chatty Bench initiative is to create an environment to sit down and have a conversation. We currently have three benches and hope to add another four in 2025. Something as simple and beautiful as a welcoming space for people to connect can have a huge ripple effect on their wellbeing.”

To fight the January Blues, Emma Robinson, Health and Wellness Director, Audley Villages, shares four tips on how to support older people’s mental health through the winter, using Audley’s CHAT method:

  1. Check in: When the days are cold and dark, people can easily feel down. The first thing you can do to support someone is checking in on them. An open question like ‘how are you?’, instead of ‘Are you alright?’, can prompt people to be more honest about how they feel.
  2. Have a conversation: Even if someone is feeling blue, they might not necessarily want to talk about their sorrows in great depth. A more lighthearted conversation about their favourite TV programme or book might just be enough to take their mind off the solitude. Remember people who don’t have as much company tend to miss daily routine interactions.
  3. Ask about their hobbies: A really good way for older people to boost their social life is to hang out with like-minded peers. Ask them if they have a sport or activity they really enjoy, and help them find a club that suits them. Audley Club members get access to state of the art facilities in their areas, including gyms, exercise classes and spas. Our members meet up and make friends with others on a daily basis and often end up sharing unforgettable memories together.
  4. Take your time: It might feel overwhelming for someone to join a new group, club or activity, especially if it’s new to them. Making friends as adults can also sometimes feel nerve-wracking, so encourage your older relatives to try different things one after another, rather than several at the same time. This way they can have a feel of what they enjoy, at their own pace.

ENDS

About Audley Group

Audley Group is a specialist retirement housing provider which acquires sites, develops and then operates retirement villages. The Group has two brands: Audley Villages, founded in 1991 and aimed at the luxury end of the market, and Mayfield Villages, a proposition with broader appeal. Audley Group now owns a portfolio of 21 villages across the country.

Owners buy their own house or apartment on a 250 year lease with access to facilities and flexible care if needed, enabling them to live an independent and healthy life. Audley Group is an accredited care provider and a founder member of The Associated Retirement Community Operators, ARCO.