Over 60s wellbeing programme in Tower Hamlets
As people age, there is a greater emphasis on spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, and focusing on wellbeing. This shift can lead to greater meaning for those lucky enough to be well-off, healthy and surrounded by family and friends. However, older age is also a time when changes can come thick and fast, some of them unwanted. For people who are feeling anchorless after retirement, devastated after bereavement or divorce, beset by physical ailments and sensory impairments, or who don’t have children and family close by, the challenges can be punishing. Suddenly, what should have been a time of harvest seems more like perpetual winter.
Why participants joined the programme
“To appreciate being older, not dreading it.” T from near Brick Lane.
"I really like coming here, to socialise and to meet other people." Lynda
Globe Community Project works to reach those older people who are at risk of isolation and loneliness due to a range of factors through our six-week programme for over-60s. The programme provides participants with wellbeing tools to adjust positively to ageing and to counter low mood. It also offers the skills and practices to forge meaningful connections with others, make new links, take part more fully in the community, and access the support they need. We keep groups small to give each person tailored, in-depth support with real transformative potential.
Joseph participating in the over 60s course
“I appreciate this course so much - two hours ago my heart was heavy, now it is so light. I used to feel very shy and I never wanted to speak in a group but now I feel good about speaking here. I feel confident about myself.”
What does the cycle of life mean when growing older?
During the first session of our six-week programme, we usually explore the 'Cycle of Life ', a concept that encompasses the various stages of life from birth to death. As a group, we discuss each stage of life. As we approach the stage of elderhood in the Cycle of Life, we also talk about death. As one participant shared, “It was difficult because we never talk about death.”
People always feel that elderhood and retirement are as important a part of life as stages like childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
Our participants show us that growing old involves adapting to change, including physical health, retirement, and losing loved ones. Resilience and adaptability become essential. Embracing change rather than resisting it can lead to a much more positive and fulfilling ageing experience.
Say My Name
The highlight of the session is when we conduct two rounds of saying our names. We go around, and each person says their name and the others say the name back by paying attention to the person. Learning each other’s names is a joyful exercise, fostering a sense of belonging and community. It also helps people feel seen and included, making everyone feel welcomed and valued.
Participants are asked how they feel when they are listened to.
Some of the comments include… “I feel valued.” and “I feel heard.”
They are also asked how they feel when someone doesn’t listen to them.
Some of the comments include… “I feel ignored.” and “I feel upset.”
Our Impact
In the last year, our over-60s programme has supported 34 older people at risk of loneliness and isolation in Tower Hamlet. This year, we would like to reach far more people, and your continued support is crucial to this mission.
By supporting us, you are becoming an integral part of our community, and we value your contribution. We invite you to join our growing community by subscribing to our newsletter, Subscribe to GCPConnect.
“Before the course my level of confidence was between 0-3 and now it’s 7! It’s very different. I’m now listening more to myself and to others. And I’m understanding much more about myself, what I need when I feel anxious or tired or angry. You think you are always right, but you are not.”
Can you help further our reach?
If you’d like to support more programmes like this, please consider setting up a regular gift to Globe Community Project.