Setlementtiasunnot explored English senior living solutions from May 15-18 as part of the Future Senior Living Project (TULE). Suvi Tuomala and Katri Kaukinen from our team participated in the trip.
They also visited Toynbee Hall, the birthplace of the settlement movement.
– It was wonderful to see that supporting the courtyard and community spirit were the starting points in the design of the buildings. Residents’ comments and thoughts on living reinforce our idea of the need for communal living and its significance to residents, states Suvi Tuomala.
They visited, among others, Appleby Blue Almshouse, which features many common areas, and where encounters are facilitated through shared spaces, the courtyard, and the open-air corridors. In the middle of the block, there is a communal courtyard and cultivated areas on the roof.
– It was pleasant to visit diverse sites and notice that many aspects are already being implemented in our own properties. Nature is central to construction in London. Residents have the privilege of obtaining an apartment in a communal building for those aged 55+. The residents were very happy and gladly shared their experiences of living there, Tuomala recalls.
Katri Kaukinen also strongly remembered that aging is not seen as a negative thing in London.
– The design of buildings for older people takes into account that one can live a normal working life in the same apartment, but also continue living there even after needing, for example, assistive devices or other services.
– The discussions held with colleagues during the trip confirmed that similar challenges exist everywhere. It is encouraging that active solutions are being sought together, says Kaukinen.
