Retirement village residents check in with themselves

Residents of Cleveland Manor and Wellington Point Retirement Villages’ recently discovered this when more than 100 residents came together for morning and afternoon teas to mark R U OK? Day.

The event, a national day of action dedicated to connecting people through a potentially life-changing question, prompted many to have open and honest conversations about depression; many for the first time.

It was an important conversation to start for village manager Wendy Rogers, who said a starting point is needed to show older people that it is OK talk about such sensitive topics.

“I think it is a generational thing; people of an older generation don’t really talk about those feelings,” Ms Rogers said.

“There were quite a lot of residents who opened up; some of whom you would never think would have been struggling.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to start the conversation, as well as for us to show that while we work here, we truly care about our residents and want to ensure they are OK.”

While the day assisted in highlighting the importance of connecting, it will in no way be forgotten. The village has committed itself to continuing asking the questions R U OK? in its newsletters, as well as by promoting an open door policy.

“Our doors are always open for having a chat and a cuppa; we’re looking to ensure residents at any point can come in and see us to talk about things.”

Beyond blue estimates between 10 and 15 per cent of older people experience depression, with many people over 65 feeling there is a stigma attached to depression and anxiety, viewing them as weaknesses or character flaws.

R U OK? was set up to foster meaningful conversations about life’s ups and downs and help create a more connected world.