< PreviousThere’s no right or wrong way to grow old, and new technology is making it so that even those who would have been isolated before, can reach out with the touch of a button 70 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COMFORT & COMPASSION Growing old in a 70-73.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 11:50 Page 1Proudly serving the families of Gainsborough and the surrounding areas for over 50 years For a prompt, sympathetic service from a recognised family business 41 Heaton Street, Gainsborough, DN21 2EA 01427 810619 www.cliffbradley.co.uk ȼ .%2 0!ˏ$ ,!(ˏ+"ˏ!/0 ȼ 5ˏ * ˏ%#$0ˏ!.2% ! ȼ .!ȥ, % ˏ"1*!. (ˏ,( */ˏˏ LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 71 COMFORT & COMPASSION © Shutterstock/Halfpoint 72 Á T here’s no single way to grow old. The adage is to grow old gracefully, but somewhere along the way people have conflated that with not complaining or having a stiff upper lip to the ravages of time. Such a worldview is becoming outdated and rightfully so. People should be free to live their lives how they choose, and with technology and the internet making everything more accessible, there’s no reason one’s golden years have to be boring years. Social media allows people to interact with family and friends, while Skype calls or WhatsApp provides more social interaction. Shopping can be done remotely and delivered to your door, and even the home itself can be wired up so that someone who has difficulty moving around can open doors, talk to visitors and see who is outside the front door from the comfort of their living room. It’s not quite Jetson’s style living with food delivered to our person yet, but with drones being used more commonly in all walks of life, perhaps that’s not as far off as it may seem. Every older person will have their own ideas about what they’d like to do and where they feel most comfortable. It all depends on the individual’s response and, throughout Lincolnshire, there are plenty of experts who can explain the myriad options available – both to those who are intending to use it, and their loved ones. In general, there are three main routes an older person will consider when their health begins to deteriorate slightly, and they decide they need more assistance and support. They may decide they prefer the continual support of living full- time in a care home with staff on hand around the clock. Alternatively, there’s the option to continue living at home but arrange for regular visits from carers and possibly arrange to visit a club or day-care centre a couple of times a week. Many care providers do often invite in non-residents to partake in luncheon clubs or special events, which can be a great boost for older people who may not otherwise be able to get out and about as much as they like. For many old people, they are happy to continue their live on their own but welcome the occasional outing or visit to provide a break from the same four walls and a chance to have a chat and a cuppa with friends. It also provides those who care for them at home a chance to relax, knowing they’re in safe hands. Sometimes the desire to continue living in your home could appear to be at risk from changing circumstances which may mean it’s no longer suitable. This doesn’t have to be the case, however, as there are many ways to adapt a home to suit older age. These include stairlifts for mobility, through to specialised walk-in baths all the way down to a buzzer system at a door – so the tenant doesn’t need to get off their seat every time the doorbell rings. The other option, and a happy middle ground, is making use of sheltered accommodation and retirement housing schemes. It’s certainly the case that many older people remain fiercely independent and wish to enjoy privacy, but at the same time would welcome some company and the peace of mind that someone is always on hand in there’s a problem. In these developments, residents treat where they live – it could be a suite or a bungalow – as their own homes, coming and going as they please, inviting guests when they want and engaging any carers and other services at their own request. At the same time, though, communal areas mean they can enjoy each other’s company and have someone to turn to when they require companionship and assistance, while the properties have constant security so there’s always someone on hand in case problems occur. This kind of accommodation is sometimes used by those in search of respite care – they may have just left hospital or are recovering from a serious illness and are aiming to get back on their feet. The safety net of sheltered accommodation can help ease the transition back to total independence, or provide a moment to consider the next move, which could well be staying in this kind of set-up full time. 70-73.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 11:50 Page 272 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COMFORT & COMPASSION Ultimately there should be two goals when it comes to make the decision as to what kind of accommodation to look for. Safety and just as importantly, happiness. For many people this is the later stage of their lives, and while they will have doubtless had many varied experienced in their youth – there is certainly no desire to give up and waste away their last years. In addition, research has shown time and time again that happier people live longer and have more fulfilling lives. This is often touted as one of the reasons an elderly person’s health may deteriorate after their spouse passes away. Maintaining independence and living at home goes a long way to letting a person still feel they are in control of their own lives – something which can feel lacking when people are trying to make decisions over where you will live. But if the person in question does not have a partner still with them, then living alone in a house is going to limit the amount of social contact they get from others. Care homes on the other hand offer a lot more in terms of social events, often arranging walks or bowls events – or even just quizzes and competitions. The goal is simply to get people active, be it with their body or their mind – and not treat them like they are incumbent burdens of responsibility, but normal people like everyone else. This is something many family members forget when dealing with elderly relatives, especially if they have invited them to live in their own homes. It’s not unusual to hear that patronising “are you okay nan?” – often delivered in the same manner one would address a particularly young child. This is often done with the best of intentions. Perhaps the family member in question is hard of hearing or does not respond as quickly as they used to. But either way the tone can make things difficult for the person in question, often eroding at their already weakening confidence. Conversely if you visit any of the good care homes across Lincolnshire, one of the things that stands out is just how normally the staff chat with the guests. In the same tone you might use to talk to someone you had met at a pub, or some sports event – or even a business meeting. They discuss the same things too, recent news, the latest movies or sitcoms – or even how a particular football team has recently performed. What is important to remember is that as we age, our bodies and minds might to some degree begin to weaken, but that does not make us any less of a person. And like many who are in that situation now – we will still have a strong sense of self-respect. Along with a desire to do things our way. © Shutterstock/fototip 15 Bigby Street, Brigg, North Lincs DN20 8EJ Tel: 01652 650 520 Comforts Avenue, Scunthorpe, North Lincs DN15 6PN Tel: 01724 280 082 J. Naylor Funeral Directors Independent Funeral Directors www.jnaylor-funerals.co.uk We have experienced staff to personally help you with your individual needs. Planning for the future? We can help you arrange a funeral now or help if you are planning for the future. Member of National Association of Funeral Directors 70-73.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 11:50 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 73 COMFORT & COMPASSION “Someone to give me a future” Could you be her someone? ĚŽƉƟŶŐĂĐŚŝůĚĂŐĞĚϯLJĞĂƌƐĂŶĚĂďŽǀĞ ŐŝǀĞƐƚŚĞŵƚŚĞĐŚĂŶĐĞƚŽůŝǀĞ͕ƚŚƌŝǀĞĂŶĚ ŐƌŽǁƵƉŝŶĂƐĂĨĞ͕ƐƚĂďůĞĂŶĚůŽǀŝŶŐ ĨĂŵŝůLJŚŽŵĞ͘ Interested? &ŝŶĚŽƵƚŵŽƌĞƚŚŝƐEĂƟŽŶĂůĚŽƉƟŽŶ tĞĞŬĂƚŽƵƌƵƉĐŽŵŝŶŐŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĞǀĞŶŝŶŐŽŶdƵĞƐĚĂLJϭϱƚŚKĐƚŽďĞƌ͕ ϳͲϵƉŵ͕ĂƚƌĂŶƐƚŽŶ,Ăůů,ŽƚĞů͕>ŝŶĐŽůŶ͘ Book your place today! ǁǁǁ͘ĂĚŽƉƟŽŶĞĂƐƚŵŝĚůĂŶĚƐ͘ŽƌŐ͘ƵŬ ϬϭϱϮϮϱϱϰϭϭϰ Locally there is a need for more adopters to come forward for these groups of children as they often end up waiting the longest for a family to be found. That’s why this National Adoption Week – which runs from 14th-20th October – Lincolnshire Adoption Service is hosting two information evenings in the hope that more people will come forward for these groups of children. Anne Johnson, Adoption Team Manager, said: “Unfortunately these groups of children often wait the longest for a family and there are is a misconception that if you adopt a baby that it will be easier but this isn’t necessarily true. There are still many firsts you can have with these children and I would urge anyone who has considered adopting to attend one of the information evenings to find out more.” The evenings will include talks from approved adopters about their experiences of adopting, as well as information about the process to become an adopter, and what support is available from Lincolnshire Adoption Service. The evenings are being held 7pm – 9pm on Tuesday 15th October at Branston Hall Hotel in Lincoln, and on Thursday 17th October at Greetham Valley Hotel in Rutland. To book your place, visit www.adoptioneastmidlands.org.uk, or call 01522 554114 for more information. More adopters needed locally Could you care for a group of brothers and sisters, a child aged 3+, or a child with additional needs? If the answer is yes and you have a spare bedroom, then Lincolnshire Adoption Service would love to hear from you. 70-73.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 11:50 Page 474 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY PETS CORNER De-stress with pets We often say that we do everything for our pets, but science has shown that they do much for us as well – particularly our mental health. 74-75.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 10:56 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 75 PETS CORNER © Shutterstock/BARRI M ankind’s bond with animals goes back a long time, millions of years in fact when we were still Neolithic cavemen. At the time our concerns were a little more immediate, animals could be used to aid us in hunting or for cattle, where in return the animal got a steady supply of food and relative safety. Those concerns aren’t as necessary for us now, yet we still glean incredible benefits from our pets, be they dog, cat or even fish. There have been many studies over the matter, with many using difficult to determine qualifiers like `wellbeing` or `happiness` - and although it may be hard to measure these emotions, it is true that individuals with pets almost universally expressed higher levels of happiness, meaning and self-esteem. This benefit has been noted not just in everyday life however, but also in the workplace. A 2015 study in Japan had individuals testing their concentration and productivity in work-place scenarios, with certain groups looking at pictures of cute animals, some at nothing, and others of other humans. In almost all cases the group which looked at pictures of animals were reported to have higher productivity levels, more concentration and also more focus on the tasks they were given. In essence, the animals allowed them to work harder and longer – and follow up evidence suggests this is increased if it’s a picture of your own pet. You can see examples of this all throughout the world. Soldiers who suffer from PTSD or other difficulties coming back into normal society are often given dogs to aid them, particularly in America. The emotional attachment we build with animals allows us to confide in them as well, with a UK-based study showing that students who had faced rejection were better able to cope when interacting – or even just talking – about their pets. Researchers suggest this is a feeling of belonging, something that all people intrinsically want, but aren’t always able to achieve. In almost all cases of a pet, the animal is happy to give that sensation to their owner, along with all the benefits it provides. Cats, dogs, whatever pet you have – they don’t hold grudges (though at times it may feel like it), nor do they decide that they don’t want to deal with you on one particular day because of something that happened at the office. They are always available to provide unconditional love, with or without prompting. And for those over fifty, the benefits can be even more pronounced. Two of the biggest problems faced by the older generation are loneliness and a lack of fitness. In the former case it may be because their children are living their own lives, or that they are distanced from family and friends – either way, a pet can help to relieve the sensation. For fitness however, this can often depend on the kind of animal you have. No one expects you to take your fish for a walk, and the cat probably won’t be interested in moving off the couch either. But if you do have a dog, then daily walks can be an incredible way to burn calories – one that often goes unnoticed by you, as it may be nothing more than a long walk through a nearby park. The effects of the exercise, mixed with the fresh air, social interaction and companionship however, cannot be understated. We may not rely on our pets to feed us anymore, that burden is on us now. But that doesn’t mean pets aren’t still an important parts of our lives, our families – but also a great way to improve our health. 74-75.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 10:56 Page 2Grimsby Saturday 7 – Saturday 7 September Boudica, Caxton Theatre This is a brand-new ancient-history play penned in verse by Tristan Bernays telling the story of one of Britain’s most iconic women – a queen, a warrior and a rebel. The play premiered at Shakespeare’s Globe in London back in 2017 and now’s your chance to see it first-hand in Grimsby. To find out more, visit www.caxtontheatre.com. Cleethorpes Friday 6 – Sunday 8 September Festival of the Sky The brand-new Festival of the Sky presents a unique celebration of arts and culture in the heart of Cleethorpes. Themed around discovery, sky and the environment, the festival will present a diverse and exciting programme of events including bespoke installations, unforgettable performances and much more, all stretching across the seafront, promenade and into the town. To find out more, visit www.festivalofthesky.co.uk. Gainsborough Saturday 21 September Through the Decades with Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly, Trinity Arts Centre Marc Robinson has played the part of 76 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY onwhat’s Buddy Holly all over the world and with his latest show with Darren Page he will bring a rocking feel-good factor with massive hits including ‘I Drove all Night’, ‘Pretty Woman’, ‘Mean Woman Blues’ alongside ‘Peggy Sue’ and many more. All in this the 60th anniversary since the death of Buddy Holly. To find out more, call 01427 676655. Louth Thursday 26 September Steve Bugeja: Single Mum, Louth Riverhead Theatre Following his 2017 visit to Louth Riverhead Theatre, Steve Bugeja returns with Single Mum. Steve helped his single mum find her Prince Charming, all while learning his times tables. Probably worth mentioning he was seven at the time. Steve is the host of Radio 4’s Economics with Subtitles and has appeared on The Russel Howard Hour, The Zoe Ball Show, Stand Up Central, Love Island Aftersun and Comedy Up Late. For more information, visit www.louthriverheadtheatre.com. Horncastle Saturday 14 September Roman Horncastle Revealed, Horncastle Library Discover Horncastle’s ancient origins with a display of local artefacts beside the Roman wall at the library. Booking is required for the guided tours which takes around an hour and a half. The tour takes you around the town’s Roman walls including several well-preserved sections not usually accessibly by the public. To find out more, call 01507 524727. Horncastle Saturday 14 – Monday 16 September Autumn Festival, Stourton Estates This festival is a celebration of everything great about Lincolnshire and includes forestry demonstrations, food & drink, shopping and live music into the evening. There’s plenty of great activities © Shutterstock/Rick Partington Near Boston Until Tuesday 2 September Summer Knights Treasure Trail, RSPB Frampton Marsh Meet the knights who guard Frampton Marsh against evil monsters. Follow the trail and complete their quests. If you succeed you will win the keys to their treasure chest and the prizes within. For more information, call 01205 724678. 76-79.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 10:54 Page 1Grantham Thursday 12 September The Furrow Collective, Guildhall Theatre The Furrow Collective is an English/Scottish band consisting of four talented performers and multi-instrumentalists incorporating harp, viola, fiddle, banjo and more. Formed in 2013, the group were drawn together by a shared love of traditional song and balladry of England, Scotland and beyond. See the group live in Grantham for a compelling new take on traditional songs. To find out more, visit www.guildhallartscentre.com. to try your hand at from bush-craft to ace- throwing, not to mention cookery and craft demonstrations. There’ll also be live folk music from talented artists playing throughout the day. For more information, visit www.stourtonestates.co.uk. Lincoln Monday 23 – Saturday 28 September Lincoln Book Festival Hear from acclaimed authors at The Collection and Lincoln Drill Hall in a fascinating series of talks promising revolutionary thinking from some of Britain’s best-known historians and historical fiction writers. The event brings together some of the nation’s best-loved novelists, historians, biographers, broadcasters, academics and public figures to the city for a week-long literary festival devoted to the best history writing and historical fiction. To find out more, visit www.lincolnbookfestival.org. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 77 78 Á Norton Big Wood Thursday 22 August Lost Village Located in an abandoned forest, long since forgotten by the outside world, the Lost Village is a place where reality flickers and the inexplicable occurs. A place where nothing is what it seems. As you navigate through the trees, by derelict buildings and relics of the past, through deserted junkyards and deep into the woods, your curiosity grows and the dissonance of real-life fades into the night. You’ll meet the most incredible people, dance to the most incredible sounds, eat the most exceptional food, and share impossible stories with kindred souls. To find out more, visit www.lostvillagefestival.com. © Shutterstock/Breslavtsev Oleg © Seth Tinsley 76-79.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 10:55 Page 278 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY WHAT’S ON Brigg Saturday 21 September Make a Clay Greenman/Woman, The Steel Rooms The ancient image of the Greenman has been present in churches and spiritual buildings for thousands of years. Using stoneware, attendees will build a Greenman plaque that is unique. The plaques will be finished with iron oxide to give a rustic and antient look. The three-hour session will be led by experienced potter Karen Raithby. Suitable for anyone over 13, though children ages 10-12 are welcome if accompanied by an adult. To find out more, visit www.thesteelrooms.com. © Shutterstock/Dmytro Zinkevych Bransby Sunday 29 September Bransby Horses Autumn Fayre A fun-filled day out for the whole family including riding demonstrations and parades, a dog show, retail stalls, and a BBQ with Pimms and Prosecco on offer. The Fayre is free to attend, but donations are gratefully received. All funds raised go directly to helping care for the horses, ponies, donkeys and mules living at the charity and enable Bransby Horses to continue with the vital welfare work. For more information, visit www.bransbyhorses.co.uk. Sleaford Saturday 5 October Lincolnshire Orchid Show 2019, Leasingham Village Hall Here you can see beautiful orchids in flower that you won’t be able to find in supermarkets or garden centres. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to buy them as well with traders offering a variety of orchids. Lincoln Thursday 19 – Sunday 22 September Lincoln Street Food Festival, High Street Enjoy flavours from around the globe at Lincoln’s street food festival. Talented chefs will be cooking fresh on the high street and outdoor seating will be provided on Lincoln Cornhill nearby. There will be live music on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday night in a fully licenced polish bar on the Cornhill to add atmosphere as the festival runs into the evening. To find out more, call 07969 279529. © ShutterstockJosep Suria South Lincolnshire Saturday 28 September – Sunday 27 October South Lincolnshire Walking Festival Now in its fifth year, the South Walking Festival returns with a host of walks taking place in Boston Borough, South Holland and North and South Kesteven. There are walks to suit all comers, long or short, they’ll all take you on some of the most beautiful parts of South Lincolnshire. For more information, visit www.heritagelincolnshire.org. © Shutterstock/less.talk 76-79.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 10:55 Page 3There’ll also be plenty of advice for orchid growing with a talk aimed at beginners. A Tombola will be held with all proceeds going to Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance. To find out more, call 01205 461028. Stamford Saturday 5 October Stamford Record Fair, St Mary & St Augustine’s Church Hall The regular and well established record fair returns to Stamford for another Saturday of buying and selling vinyl and CDs. There are friendly dealers aplenty so whatever you’re into – classical or heavy metal – there’s something for everyone. For more information, call 01780 764772. Grantham Thursday 19 September Jane McDonald, Guildhall Arts Centre Jane McDonald, one of the nation’s best-loved entertainers, is back with her new live show. The BAFTA award-winning star of Cruising with Jane McDonald and Jane & Friends always delivers a stunning performance and along with her live band, guarantees to bring the audience to their feet with an evening of music and laughter. For more information, visit www.guildhallartscentre.com. © Jane McDonald © ShutterstockKathySG Stamford Thursday 26 – Sunday 29 September Stamford Georgian Festival Now in its fourth year and hosted by South Kesteven District Council, the Stamford Georgian Festival, is an exciting, colourful and fascinating festival encompassing performance, events and spectacle. This year, the festival is celebrating ‘The Age of Wonder and Invention’ and bringing to life Georgian England’s remarkable period of discovery and innovation. The 2019 festival programme is inspired by some truly captivating stories of Stamford’s past, including one particularly celebrated English balloonist Mr Green from Stamford gas works in 1825. To find out more, visit www.stamfordgeorgianfestival.co.uk. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 79 WHAT’S ON 76-79.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 10:55 Page 4Next >