Study finds living in almshouses can boost life expectancy

Living in an almshouse can boost the longevity of its residents by as much as two-and-a-half years compared to their counterparts in the general population, according to a new Bayes Business School report.

Analysing up to 100 years’ worth of resident records from various almshouses in England, the research suggests that living in these communities can reduce the negative impact on health and social wellbeing, particularly for those who are living in isolation.

The results show that, for several of the almshouses included in the study, residents can expect to live as long as wealthier members of the general population despite coming from the most deprived quintile.

Walton Charity has two almshouses in Elmbridge - Mayfield and Fenner House - both offering accommodation for people aged over 55s. Fenner House celebrates its 40 year anniversary this year and many of their residents are testament to the findings of this report.

Doreen Hardwick, who is 91 years of age and a resident of Fenner House, describes herself as a Londoner but after many years living in a cold flat in Sutton, her son urged her to move near to his home in Walton on Thames. Being closer to her son, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren, she has never looked back. She says she is extremely happy at Fenner House, describing her flat as cozy and warm and the staff as excellent. Doreen is hard to catch indoors though, as she’s usually out and about catching a bus to Kingston or Brooklands to do her shopping or meeting up with her family.