A widower has spoken of his new lease of life after moving into a retirement home.
Keith Ponter lost his wife Jane in October 2020.
He has since moved into Richmond Villages Wood Norton, where he made new friendships with fellow retirees, including a new female companion.
Keith said that these relationships have kept him going.
“I think it is very important – it’s what keeps us going and wards off dementia,” he said,
“I always join in whatever is going on around me. I very seldom remain in my apartment alone.
“The events at the village are most beneficial at bringing people together. There are a multitude of activities to attract everybody and nobody feels left out.”
According to Age UK, there are over two million over 75s living alone in England, with over a million older people saying they go more than a month without contact with close friends or family members.
To combat this, the Worcestershire retirement village has an extensive activities programme and offers a range of living options to meet different residents’ requirements.
At Richmond Villages, Keith has met a new female companion, who he says is the best thing that has happened to him for a long time.
The pair now live in adjoining apartments.
To find out more about Richmond Villages, visit www.richmondvillages.com.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here