Emotional Wellness: Supporting a Happier, Healthier Life
This year, at Home Instead Wimbledon & Kingston, we want to make our local area a great place to age. To do this, we are focusing on the idea of the 7 dimensions of well-being, derived from Dr Bill Hettler’s model of general health and wellness. Each month, we are focusing on a new theme, suggesting tips, tricks and local groups that can help cover every aspect of ageing well!
March’s Theme: Emotional Wellbeing
When we think about staying healthy as we age, physical activity is often the first thing that comes to mind. While movement and exercise are incredibly important, emotional wellness is just as vital. Mental and emotional health are closely connected to physical health, meaning it often isn’t enough to simply “keep active.”
Making sure to nourish both your social needs as well as staying physically fit can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced later life. The Kingston council is committed to making Kingston a place where people can age well. In the same spirit, we at Home Instead Wimbledon & Kingston are dedicated to supporting older adults in the community to live well, stay connected, and maintain independence for as long as possible.
Why Emotional Wellness Matters as We Age
Research shows that staying active later in life does more than just strengthen muscles and joints. It can also improve brain health.
Consistent physical and social activity in older adults has been shown to:
- Improve cognitive function
- Support memory and attention
- Increase processing speed
- Reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia
According to the World Health Organisation, ageing well involves several key areas of wellbeing, including social participation. Staying connected with others, whether through clubs, support groups, hobbies, or volunteering, plays a major role in maintaining emotional health.
Luckily, the Kingston and Wimbledon area is full of wonderful activities you can do!
Local groups and activities
Many adults struggle with losing their sense of self after retiring, and a huge part of this is the expanse of free time they are now faced with. By taking part in groups and activities in the local area, older adults can find new hobbies, keep fit and make new friends at a time that can feel particularly isolating.
The Sacred Heart Church in Wimbledon hosts multiple groups:
- Bereavement Support for Widows, Tuesdays 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM. More information
- Mental Health Support group, Thursdays 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. More information
We help host a Love to Sing group at the Quaker centre, Fridays 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM. More information.
The Princess Alice Hospice hosts Bereavement Walks and Talks
- Bushy Park (1st Thursday and 3rd Friday of each month. Time: 10.45 AM)
- Richmond Park (2nd Wednesday and 4th Tuesday of each month. Time: 10:15 AM)
Here you can have a gentle walk with others and are encouraged to stay on for a conversation and a coffee at the end. More information.
The Malden Centre and Tolworth Centre both provide specific ‘forever active programs’ put together by Kingston Council to help older adults keep active.
These span a huge variety of classes from chair exercises, yoga, aquafit and Zumba! More information here.
Mind in Kingston holds mental health walks every Monday at 11:30 AM. More information.
Gardening Thursdays run by Kingston Environment Centre. A free gardening group which meets every Thursday from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. More information.
Walking Football every Sunday and Wednesday. Hosted by the WFA in Tolworth.
Only £5 per session. More Information.
Dementia friendly support
Sacred Heart Church in Wimbledon hosts a Memory Lane Club on Wednesdays. 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. More information.
Art Club hosted by Conquest Art on Tuesdays from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM. More information.
Get in the Know with the Caring Companion
We also publish a monthly Caring Companion, highlighting fun and accessible events happening in the local area.
These activities are open to everyone and provide great opportunities to try something new, meet others, and stay engaged with the community.
