Residents’ Worldview
In the interviews with residents, individual approaches to life varied and some perspectives could be seen as particularly valuable for resilience in the community. This fits with academic research which has found that individual beliefs and attitudes can be important when a community is undergoing dramatic change. We can assume that those who came forward to take part in the research are perhaps more outgoing, more social and curious, or more active than others. It is valuable to have heard these perspectives from residents even though within each almshouse community, there will be a wide variety of approaches to life.
Among the residents we spoke to, there was a widespread acceptance of difference: “It’s up to every individual how they choose to live, isn’t it?” (Resident 10).
A number were prepared to try things and to push themselves:
“There are certain things I can’t do that I could do but yes, I’d have a try, and I might not be able to do it, but I’d have a try”
(Resident 1).
They found ways to cope and took pride in not asking for help and in trying things for themselves. Some contrasted their own approach with others who were “pampered” (Resident 1) and let others do things for them without pushing themselves to try first.
Several had firm views on getting on with others, and seeking to avoid causing problems, listening to gossip or having confrontations:
“Get on with who you can…and talk to people the way you would like to be talked to”
(Resident 49)
In dealing with challenges, a stoical attitude was evident in a number of interviews – people spoke of ‘getting on with it’ and not worrying about something they could do nothing about. Some believed in living in the present:
“It’s ridiculous to think that far ahead. What’s the point? You’re not living now if you start doing that”
(Resident 15)
Some individuals were accepting of change, including change of accommodation, often based on their life experience:
“[some other residents] thought this would be the last place they’d be…but you can’t think like that, not in London”
(Resident 15)
Similarly, a number talked about accepting aspects of ageing:
“Yes, I’ve got a few health problems, but doesn’t everybody when they get older? You’ve just got to learn to live with them”
(Resident 35)
In dealing with change more generally, a number of philosophical perspectives were put forward, including not worrying over the future; seeing each day as a bonus in older age; and seeing what is really important in life:
“People have got too many problems, unnecessary problems. Life is simple. You need a full belly, you need a roof over your head, you need clothes on your back, you need love, you need community, you need each other, and that’s it. There isn’t much more, people want too much”
(Resident 16)
