Monday 27 March 2017

Simple Everyday Ways to Take Care of Yourself

"You're retired... what have YOU got to be stressed about?"

Has anyone ever said something like that to you?

They don't know the half of it, do they? 

Caring for elderly relatives, running around after the grandkids, too much to do now that you're retired, too little to do now that you're retired, loneliness, your health not as good as it used to be, aches and pains where you never used to have them, money worries, watching your family dealing with their own money worries and not being able to help...

the fact that you're no longer working doesn't mean that the things that cause you stress retired at the same time you did!

Self care is vitally important not just for stress relief but also for overall mental health. It can do everything from helping you get over a bad day to improving your self confidence. It also doesn’t take a lot to take proper care of yourself.

Here are some different ways to practice self care every day...

Keep  a Journal

A really excellent way to start practicing self care every day is to keep a journal. This is something you can easily keep with you no matter where you are, whether you put it in your handbag or pocket, or you have a digital journal on your computer. It's good to have something to write in even when your laptop is out of charge, so keep a journal and pen handy and get writing! With journaling, you're able to write in it whenever you feel stressed or just to mull over what happened each day. It can be very cathartic.

Have Some Alone Time Every Day

If you're busy, busy, busy and always surrounded by people and noise, make sure you have at least a few minutes each day all to yourself. This can be a 30-minute walk that you go on after dinner, a fun 15-minute dance party to your favourite oldies radio station, or just 5 minutes in the morning before everyone else gets up while you enjoy your cup of coffee. It can seem so simple and minimal, but these little stretches of time where you're alone and just doing something for yourself can make all the difference.

And if you have a bit too much alone time and not seeing enough people is becoming a problem for you, check out our 10-Step Checklist for Making and Keeping New Friends or, if you live in the UK, visit the DO IT website and punch in your postcode to see all the volunteering opportunities in your area.

Get More Exercise

Sometimes helping your physical health is also important, so don’t forget about exercise. This will make you feel better about yourself and raise your self confidence, which also helps your mental state. Plus, exercise is really good for helping to relieve your stress and the endorphins you get from it can be tremendous for improving your mood. You don’t need to go to the gym for an hour every day either. Something as simple as an afternoon walk or doing a bit of weight lifting in the morning before your shower is perfect. You can also take advantage of other activities that also include exercise, like taking your dog for longer walks or taking the grandkids hiking over the weekend so everybody is exercising more.

In addition to exercise, you should also be focusing on proper diet by drinking more water and eating healthier. This is all part of taking better care of yourself. But you know this already! Just stick to it and if you fall off the wagon and have the odd cheat day or two, get back on it a.s.a.p. and don't beat yourself up too much.

Did you arrive at this page looking for pre-retirement courses or coaching? You'll need our Contemporary Retirement website.

Sunday 26 March 2017

Free attractions and activities in Manchester this Easter

There's all sorts of free attractions and activities in Manchester this Easter! Take a look at http://manchester.gov.uk/allsortstodo


Did you arrive at this page looking for pre-retirement courses or coaching? You'll need our Contemporary Retirement website.

Saturday 25 March 2017

Old Moat 'Quids In' Food Club


Who can join?

Any households in the Withington/Old Moat M20 postcode area - not just Southway tenants - that claim at least some Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.


Did you arrive at this page looking for pre-retirement courses or coaching? You'll need our Contemporary Retirement website.

Monday 20 March 2017

Hulme Carers Meeting TODAY

Today's guest speaker will be Karen Hirst who will be doing a Mindfulness session.

Did you arrive at this page looking for pre-retirement courses or coaching? You'll need our Contemporary Retirement website.

Tuesday 14 March 2017

Fundraisers Needed!

Greater Manchester Bakers, Runners, Cyclists, Competitors...

Cyril Flint Befrienders NEEDS YOU!

They're looking for fundraisers to raise vital funds to help end loneliness in GM...


Monday 13 March 2017

NHS Choices Kidney Disease Check

Take this test to find out if you should have your kidney function checked. 


content provided by NHS Choices

Friday 10 March 2017

University of Manchester researchers are seeking healthy volunteers

University of Manchester researchers are seeking healthy volunteers to gather data on movement patterns on their magic carpet, which analyses gait to identify problems before a fall happens.

Volunteers are required to walk on the magic carpet in a variety of ways while their movements are recorded.  It will take around 30 minutes.

Click here to find out more, (including the selection criteria).

Thursday 9 March 2017

Do you care for someone with dementia in GM?

If you care for someone with dementia you may be experiencing feelings of isolation and could do with someone to talk to.

Manchester Carers Forum has a group of volunteers with direct experience and understanding of caring for someone with dementia.  A volunteer can keep in regular contact with you by telephoning and visiting you, giving you opportunities to talk about the issues that  matter to you.

For more information call Anne Connolly on 0161 819 2226 or info@manchestercarersforum.org.uk.

Tuesday 7 March 2017

Could you benefit from a tailor-made technological invention?

The BBC is starting to produce a second series of the show Big Life Fix, where a skilled team of scientists, engineers and designers create bespoke technology for individuals and groups to transform their lives for the better.  The BBC is looking for older people who feel they could benefit from a tailor-made invention.  Perhaps it’s a daily task, hobby or lifelong dream that’s proving to be a challenge, or something the whole community faces.

If you are interested, please contact the casting team on 0203 040 6908 or biglifefix@studiolambert.com by 1st April. All calls are treated in the strictest of confidence. Alternatively, a short contact form can be filled out here to express interest in the show.

(Article courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Over 60s spend an average of 9.4 hours a day sedentary


Monday 6 March 2017

Aged 50+? Used to be a punk? PUNK PROJECT - Call for participants!

We’re looking for people aged 50+ who were involved in the original punk scene to take part in an intergenerational project with students from the Manchester School of Art. The project will investigate ideals around rebellion and how this was portrayed through fashion and styling, as well as exploring changing perceptions of gender differences and contemporary representations of punk.

We’re holding an initial meeting on Tuesday 14 March at Manchester Metropolitan University Special Collections when you can find out more about the project and what’s involved. 

If you’re interested in coming along please contact Claire Cowell, Age Friendly Culture Co-ordinator on 07776 170 688, claire.cowell@manchester.ac.uk.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Sunday 5 March 2017

Macmillan are looking for voluteers in GM

Macmillan are looking for willing volunteers who are passionate about helping people, whatever stage of the journey. The team would love to hear from individuals who have time to give to someone affected by cancer.

Click here to find out more and learn about Pauline's story as a volunteer.

Friday 3 March 2017

New day trip group to launch in Levenshulme









The Levenshulme Task Force is an action group made up of older people working to make Levenshulme more age-friendly. The group is supported by the Inspired People's Project established to help older people to feel less lonely and have improved well-being.

The group are now keen to organise regular days out for older people living in Levenshulme and Longsight. Using the model of North City Nomads, they are developing a membership group called "Leve Livelies".  If you or anyone you know would like to join the group or learn more please pop into or contact the Inspire Centre (0161 850 4044) and leave your contact details for the Levenshulme Task Force.


(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Thursday 2 March 2017

UK’s first LGBT older person’s community planned for Manchester

The ambition to create a community aimed at older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people has been announced by Manchester City Council.

The project would be part of the city’s programme that provides high quality housing for older people, and is the first LGBT majority "Extra Care" scheme in the UK.  Manchester’s older LGBT population is growing. There are more than 7,000 people in Manchester over the age of 50 that identify as LGBT and there is an expected increase of over-65s in the next two decades. 

Read the full article (with video)

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Wednesday 1 March 2017

GM Ageing Conference 2017 Highlights

February's landmark conference was a great success.  Organised by the GM Ageing Hub, it bought together a wide range of influential GM leaders, world-leading academics, community sector innovators and older residents to discuss prospects for building an age-friendly city-region.