6 Ways to Improve your Quality of Life – Growing Old in Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich

As humans, we share a mutual desire for a good quality of life. While you can’t control all aspects of your life, discover what changes you can make to improve your day-to-day.

We understand that everyone measures quality of life differently. Beyond creating unique care plans for every Client, we’re keen to support every member of our local community improve their quality of life.

You can apply our tips either on your own or with the help of a local Right at Home Carer based in the Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich area.

What does good quality of life look like?

The definition of a good quality of life is subjective - it changes from person to person depending on your unique situation . However, there are some universal factors that impact all of us in one way or another.

What affects quality of life in Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich

Excluding societal factors such as education or access to healthcare, here is a list of some of the factors that impact our Clients’ quality of life:

• Physical and mental health/wellbeing
• Relationships/Social life
• Access to hobbies
• Financial situation/Finances/Financial security
• Contribution to society

Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich quality of life

There are 2.5 million people aged 50 or over living in London with 1,043,400 over the age of 65.  Although London is the richest city in the UK, rates of pensioner poverty are far higher in the capital compared to the rest of England according to Age UK London Poverty Report.  5% of older Londoners (over 50s) live in poverty, compared to 18% in the rest of England. 

Many people aged 55 and over are lonely.  Many live alone and consider the TV as their main form of company. To help with the loneliness and sense of isolation experienced by these individuals there are a wide range of home-based services including the personal care and companionship we provide at Right at Home Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich.  We can also help clients connect with local community groups and other services in the area, based on their interests and needs.

Tips for improving your or your loved one’s quality of life in Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich

Tip 1 Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Healthy eating, sleeping and exercise habits can provide significant benefits for your wellbeing.

Contact us for our healthy eating guide for senior citizens.

We understand reduced mobility, pain, and certain physical conditions can make it harder to engage in physical activity. However, there are plenty of local activities in our local area for all levels.  See the Age UK Lambeth website for more information on events locally.  In Tooting, the long established popular Furzedown Project has a year-round range of activities, social events and outings for the over 50s. 

Our amazing, friendly CareGivers in Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich can also help you to access physical activity and support with healthy eating.  

Tip 2 Reduce/Limit stress

Prolonged stress has known negative effects on our physical and mental wellbeing.  Look for ways to reduce and cope with stress in your daily life. Some recommended coping mechanisms for stress include meditation, reading, light exercise, and doing things you enjoy.

Some of our Clients in Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich enjoy gardening as a way to relieve stress.

If you care for after a loved one and start to feel stressed, consider seeking support from us to discuss our respite care services.  Reducing your own stress levels can indirectly improve the quality of life for you and your loved ones.

Tip 3 Make time for friendships

Social contact is another crucial element of your quality of life. Making connections with other humans is a huge part of our lives as social beings.  We are naturally social creatures and benefit from making connections with others.

The digital age has brought new ways to stay connected with your loved ones, but we can’t underestimate the importance of physical presence. Plan to see your family and friends in real life at least once a month. Or seek new connections from local groups.

Learn more about the impacts of loneliness  and how to counteract them. Or contact the Right at Home team in Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich about offering companionship and support.

Tip 4 Make time for hobbies

Doing things that you enjoy releases dopamine, the feel-good chemical in our brains.  Finding enjoyable hobbies and making time for them has improved many of our Clients’ quality of life in Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich.  If you’re not sure where to start, consider joining a singing for the mind group.  These are great fun.  The popular songs are infectious, making it almost impossible not to join in and have fun!  Ability to sing in tune is not essential!   

Tip 5 Get involved in the Local Community

Community involvement has a host of benefits, one of which is a better quality of life. Joining community activities can increase feelings of belonging. Better yet by joining you can support positive changes in the wider community, for people across Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich.

Find out more about how to get involved in your local community by exploring local opportunities on the council websites and other local websites.

Tip 6 Spend time outside

Increasing the time you spend outdoors, amongst nature is a low-cost yet effective way to improve your quality of life. Time in nature has proven benefits for our mental wellbeing specifically.

Our local team recommends:-

• Walking in the amazing historic local parks such as Crystal Palace and Brockwell Park.
• Visiting the art Gallery in Dulwich Village followed by lunch in a local café.
• Visiting the local Feast Festival in West Norwood (first Sunday of the month) featuring local artists and foods.
• Visit the fantastic Horniman Museum followed by a walk in their gardens with stunning views over London.

How can our care services in Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich help improve quality of life?

Improving our Clients’ quality of life is one of our main missions.  Improving our Client’s quality of life is at the heart of everything we do.  Our CareGivers in Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich are experienced in caring for Clients with various needs. We treat everyone with compassion and believe that personalised care plans are crucial for a good quality of life.

Whether you seek Companionship & Support,  require assistance with Personal Care  or need a more specialised/complex care solution, we can help.

Find out what our Clients in Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich have said about our care: Our reviews.

Improving Carers’ quality of life in Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich

Many primary family Carers may find it challenging to make time for themselves.  However, ensuring effective rest is crucial for a good quality of life and your wellbeing. That’s why our Carer teams in Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich also provide trusted Respite Care to provide a break for primary CareGivers.

Get in Touch

Speak to out to our friendly team at Right at Home Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich to discuss your care needs and find out how we can help improve your quality of life.