In today's digital world, we often forget the power of human touch. Yet touch remains one of our basic needs throughout life.

At Abbeyfield South Downs, we know that fighting loneliness takes more than just being near others. True connection happens when we feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued. That's why we were delighted to welcome the wonderful volunteers from A Touch of Gentleness to our Holdenhurst house.

Why Touch Matters

Touch is the first sense we develop. When someone holds our hand or gives us a gentle massage, our bodies respond in amazing ways:

• Our immune system gets stronger
• We make more oxytocin (the "feel-good" hormone)
• Our stress goes down
• We feel more connected

Studies show that oxytocin helps our hearts stay healthy. It keeps our blood vessels clear and flexible. So, touch is good for both our emotional and physical heart.

Touch and Loneliness

Loneliness has been described as an epidemic among older people. According to research, more than 1.4 million older people in the UK experience loneliness, and this can have serious implications for health—comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

When we lack human touch and connection, we feel it deeply. Our residents have shared how meaningful even the simplest interactions can be:

"Having someone take the time to give me a hand massage, to listen to my stories, and to simply be present with me—it’s lovely," says one of our Holdenhurst tenants. "It's not just about the physical touch, but the connection."

A Touch of Gentleness Visits

The volunteers from A Touch of Gentleness have been visiting our Holdenhurst house, bringing their special brand of connection. The not-for-profit organisation is dedicated to bringing the transformative power of touch, human connection, and gentleness back to communities.

During these visits, our tenants receive therapeutic hand massages while enjoying chatting with volunteers. The room fills with warmth and a sense of calm.

What makes this approach so powerful is its simplicity. The volunteers aren't providing complex therapy; they're offering something we all can give: kindness, time, and human contact.

Building Connected Communities

At Abbeyfield South Downs, we know that beating loneliness isn't just about having people nearby. It's about making real bonds. Our houses are set up with this in mind.

In our houses, people enjoy:

• Meals cooked and shared with others
• Common rooms that make chatting easy
• Both private space and group areas
• Staff who value real talks
• Fun events and visits

When added to visits like those from A Touch of Gentleness, this setting helps fight loneliness. Tenants don't just live near others; they enjoy companionship that makes life better.

The Benefits of Supported Living

Supported living offers many ways to help wellbeing as we age. Many residents tell us how life changed after moving from a lonely home to our friendly setting.

Some people come to us after losing a partner or living alone for some time. Their children often worry about them as loneliness sets in. When they move to Abbeyfield, they tell us how much they value having their own private space while also enjoying regular company at mealtimes. They no longer worry about house repairs, and feel safer knowing support is always at hand.

This mix of freedom and support creates a place where people can thrive as they age. Add in the benefits of groups like A Touch of Gentleness, and you get a complete approach to wellbeing.

Finding Connection As We Age

If you worry about a loved one feeling lonely, or if you're thinking about your own later years, here are some points to think about:

• Human bonds aren't just nice to have—they're vital for health
• Supported living offers both freedom and community
• Simple acts like touch can bring big benefits
• Making chances for real talks should be a top goal as we age

At Abbeyfield South Downs, we work to create houses where older people can live independent, active lives with real connections. We believe later life should be full of growth, joy, and good relationships.

We'd love you to visit one of our houses to see our community for yourself. Come for a chat, stay for lunch, and find out what makes Abbeyfield so special.

To find out more about A Touch of Gentleness, visit www.atouchofgentleness.org