International Day of Older Persons is on 1st October and aims to challenge the misconceptions and stereotypes of older people and is a day to celebrate the important contributions that older people make to society.

At Abbeyfield, we celebrate all of our residents and older people in our communities throughout the year; and have so many inspiring residents who have accomplished some remarkable achievements and undertaken incredible activities across our homes - check out our selection of residents' stories below.

Read some of our amazing resident stories

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Adeline

Adeline Franken, a resident of Cove House at the Abbeyfield Silverdale Society, has broken the British record for the oldest female skydiver ever after jumping out of a plane from 15,000.

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Anne and Betty

Residents of Whiston Court, Anne and Betty ladies love to keep busy and after taking part in a few activities within the house and getting some feedback from other residents, they decided to start their own Social Club.

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Beryl

Abbeyfield Wendover resident Beryl Hunter took a train and two buses by herself from Buckinghamshire to Marylebone, to show her support for Richard Ratcliffe's recent protest at the Iranian Embassy.

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Chris

There are many famous figures from the world of football to have a trophy named after them. However, the Chris Nicholl Trophy was named after resident of Speedwell Court, Chris, a former player and manager.

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David

Resident of Westbourne House, David, shares his long-term hobby of sketching on his iPad to create resonating portraits of his fellow residents and members of staff.

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Edna

Ridgway Court care home in Farnham, is home to 87-year-old Edna Jones, who has been creating some rather special gifts to brighten up the lives of children and adults alike in her local neighbourhood.

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Frank

Having won the Gold award at Farnham in Bloom for the third year in a row Frank is encouraging residents to enjoy relaxed exercise in the beautiful gardens. Frank hopes his passion for gardening will inspire generations to come.

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John

John, a resident at The Firs Complex has been awarded ‘Member of the Year 2019’ by the gym he attends.

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Lorraine

Lorraine, resident at St Mary’s House, is a multi award-winning thrill-seeking volunteer with an extensive history of caring for and volunteering with both the elderly and adults who have disabilities.

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Peter

Peter Robinson, a resident at Abbeyfield Court in Locks Heath, has given 50 years to help UK charity fighting global poverty, Christian Aid.

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Peter

Peter, resident of Abbeyfield Clifton House, is using his passion for gardening to help transform the outdoor spaces at the house and the local community – even creating a Hotel for Bugs!

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Speedwell residents

Residents of Speedwell Court take part in this year's Motitech Road Worlds for Seniors — a unique championship that allows older people and people with dementia to take part in a global sporting event from anywhere.

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Captain Tom 100

Residents of Abbeyfield took on a range of challenges to ‘Get to 100’ as part of the Captain Tom 100 campaign. People were encouraged to take on anything they like – from walking 100 metres to baking 100 cakes or writing 100 letters – as long as it was based on the number 100. 

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Sheila

Speedwell Court's resident artist, Sheila, runs regular classes for her fellow residents, members of staff and the public.

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Val

Meet Valerie (Val for short) she's far from your stereotypical 70-something year old, with pink hair, her own knitting group and a great deal to share.

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Residents at Westfield House

The residents of Westfield House in Loughborough are celebrating receiving an award from the Royal Horticultural Society and East Midland in Bloom.

Enjoyed these stories?

We have plenty more stories from our amazing residents for you to read.

Read more resident stories
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