NATIONAL SIBLINGS’ DAY:
MEET THE SIBLINGS LIVING BACK TOGETHER AGAIN IN RETIREMENT TO MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR GOLDEN YEARS
With this April 10th marking National Siblings Day, which celebrates the lifelong connection that exists between siblings, McCarthy Stone has reported a rising trend for siblings living in its retirement communities together.
After decades of living apart, the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities says that siblings are either choosing to move back in with one another in the same apartment, or at very least into the same development – often to combat isolation and loneliness after a change in circumstance. In the UK, it’s estimated that 1.4 million older people are often lonely[1] so it’s no surprise that people are more reliant on their loved ones than ever before.
In the UK, around 80% of the UK’s population have at least one sibling[2], and there’s much to be said about the life-long bond often forged between brothers and sisters, despite any sibling rivalry when growing up. For many, a relationship with a sibling is often their longest, pre-dating any friendships and romances, and will usually outlast the parent-child relationship, too.
As a result, the retirement housebuilder says that it has seen many siblings enjoying a multitude of benefits from taking the plunge. These include unlocking instant companionship rather than feeling isolated, improvement to health and wellbeing thanks to being able to share memories and that all important practical support by having immediate family right on your doorstep.
One brother-sister-duo doing exactly that is Jenny Hurford, 85, and Michael Lambert, 90, who both own a Retirement Living apartment opposite one another at McCarthy Stone’s Ridgeway Court in Heathfield, East Sussex.
“Mick and I have always been very close – our relationship has never been anything but love. Having him just across the hall from me has made a world of difference, especially after I lost my husband only recently,” says Jenny.
The 85-year-old, who is the youngest of six siblings, previously lived in a bungalow in Seaford with her late husband of more than 63 years, John.
“After John died, I was at sixes and sevens. I could no longer manage the upkeep of the bungalow and I felt so alone. That’s when Mick told me there was a vacant flat opposite him at Ridgeway Court, so we chatted it over with my daughter who thought it was a wonderful idea. It would mean I’d have some company – and some lovely company at that.
“Ever since I was a little girl, Mick has always taken good care of me – even now, he takes me under his wing, making sure that I’m okay. I feel like the luckiest sister alive.”
Seconding this, Mick talks about how the two have always shared a special bond.
“There’s never been any secrets between us, we tell each other everything. If ever Jen has any issues, she knows she can come to me. We’re as close now as we were when we were children – in fact, we often both say we still feel like we’re in our youth.”
Looking back on their childhood, Jenny and Mick have many a fond tale to tell. “Some of the earliest memories I have are of Jen starting junior school back in 1943 – I remember having to tie her shoelaces up,” laughs Mick. “During the war when there was an aid raid, the four youngest siblings, including Jen and I, would sleep together under the stairs. It was a tight squeeze, but we made it work.”
Jen adds: “We were never a well-off family in terms of money, but we were well-off in love – and that’s reflected in mine and Mick’s relationship now. Together we sit and reminisce about the good old days, like when we went ballroom dancing of a Saturday night.”
Fast forward, both Jen and Mick are continuing to make new memories together at Ridgeway Court, where they say the community spirit is second to none. Jen explains: “I’ve always cherished good company, so it’s great that there are so many people you can talk to at the development – it’s one of the things that persuaded me to move here. Not to mention, there’s always some kind of event or activity happening. I particularly enjoy when we play Beetle Drive, which until recently, I hadn’t played since I was at school.”
Mick adds: “I think it’s important that you make the most of life at the development, so I try and get stuck in where I can. There are regular quiz nights, as well as fish and chip lunches which I help to organise, and if you have any hobbies, there’s plenty of opportunity to pursue them.
“There’s never a dull moment, especially with Jen around. For Christmas, she joined my wife, Lynda, and I for dinner, and together, we felt right at home.”
Mick concludes: “Jen and I are incredibly lucky to have shared some truly special times over the years, from being the photographer at her and John’s wedding to helping her start a new chapter here at Ridgeway Court.
“I’m a strong believer that you control your own future, which is why when you’re down, you have to pick yourself back up and make the best of life with those around you.”
Meanwhile, in Hamilton, Scotland, three sisters Jean Mackie, 85, Cathie Stewart, 88, and Margaret Loudon, 90 are also benefiting from living under the same roof at Lauder Court. In fact, the trio’s close-knit bond has gone from strength to strength whilst living in different apartments at the same development.
“We’re closer now than we’ve ever been,” says Jean. “We always look out for one another and make an effort to see each other regularly, which is easy now that we live under one roof. I have Cathie and Margaret round every Tuesday and bake for them, although I have my suspicions that’s the only reason they come to visit,” she says chuckling.
“I was the first of us to move to Lauder Court, which was nine years ago when my husband became ill. Cathie followed fairly soon after and then Margaret moved in a year later. Living in the same development has put both our minds and our family’s minds at ease.”
Cathie also agrees that living close by has done wonders for their relationship. “We’ve always been a close family, ever since we were kids,” she says. “It was a funny dynamic when we lived at home, with five girls including our mother and a fourth sister who lives in Canada, which meant our poor father had to put up with us all as the only man,” she laughs.
“Margaret and I previously lived in Hamilton whilst Jean lived in Motherwell, so it was difficult to meet up together, especially with work and our own families to take care of, although we always kept in touch. We moved to Lauder Court so we could be near one another and see each other more regularly. Now, we’re always in each other’s apartments putting the world to rights over a cup of tea or mingling with the other homeowners at the coffee afternoons. It’s lovely, as we see each other every day.”
The sisters are also making the most of the vibrant lifestyle.
“We really enjoy getting involved in the social activities where we can. You can usually find us in the communal lounge chatting away or at the ‘Knit and Natter’ club on a Monday afternoon, although admittedly, we do more nattering than knitting,” says Margaret.
“Everyone is so kind and easy to get on with. We’ve made some lovely new friends since moving in, it’s a wonderful community and what makes it even better is that we get to experience it together as sisters.”
More than nine out of 10 customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, ensuring it has received the full Five Star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation. McCarthy Stone is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this rating every year it has taken part in the survey.
For further information about McCarthy Stone, please visit: www.mccarthystone.co.uk
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