How to have a happy 2021, according to local care home residents

Residents at Hazelmere House Bupa Care Home, Wilmslow, have shared their New Year’s Resolutions and advice to younger generations with inspirational words of wisdom to kickstart 2023.

The advice offerings were organised by Activity Co-ordinator Hayley Gray in a bid to boost morale amongst residents and inspire others within their local community, with resolutions ranging from becoming more tech-savvy to having a more positive outlook on life.

Josephine Porter, aged 90 and a resident at Hazelmere House, has vowed to be more tech savvy, commenting: “My New Year’s Resolution is to become a pro at using WhatsApp! As much as I enjoy my family visits, I want to get more involved with their online group chats, as they’re always sending me lovely pictures and updates. I think it will surprise them when I become a whizz at it.”

Meanwhile, some residents are aiming to stay fit and healthy this year. June Turner, aged 92, and Janice Parton, aged 67, have both made resolutions to be more active and to take regular walks.

Dorothy Robinson, aged 95, commented: “My New Year’s Resolution is to stay as healthy as I can and enjoy as many activities as possible.”

Taking a different approach, Winifred Hughes, aged 96, commented: “I have decided not to make any New Year’s Resolutions because I always break them… But I do wish for a safer, better life for the younger generation!”

When looking ahead, Desmond Williams, aged 90, provided his advice for the younger generation on how to achieve their goals, commenting: “Be positive, decide on a career choice early and work towards that goal to achieve it.”

Finally, Alan Spencer, aged 88, has vowed to become the go-to resident of Hazelmere House for news and information, commenting: “I believe it is very important to be in-the-know as much as possible. I thoroughly enjoy staying up to date with the news and learning new information, as it gives you a well-rounded view on life. So, this year I want to be the ‘know it all’ of Hazlemere House.”

Reflecting on the activity, Tom Davison, Clinical Deputy Manager at Hazelmere house, commented: “It was lovely to hear all the residents’ very varied New Year’s Resolutions. They show that you are never too old to set another goal or have a new dream and they have a lot of wisdom for the younger generations to glean inspiration from. Every new beginning comes from an ending of some form - it is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”

The team at Hazelmere House look forward to helping their residents put their New Year’s Resolutions into action throughout 2023, and hope that their advice provides inspiration to others who may be reflecting on their goals and aims for the year ahead.

Hazelmere House Bupa Care Home is situated in Wilmslow and welcomes residents in need of nursing or residential care, including those living with Huntington’s and Parkinson’s. For further information, please visit https://www.bupa.co.uk/care-services