Ditching meat and dairy for health or environmental concerns are growing in popularity, and not just with younger generations. Over 1.31 million people gave up animal products in January 2019 as part of the Veganuary movement with those aged 65 and over, accounting for ten per cent of this total.
Research from charity Vegetarian for Life shows that the number of vegan residents in UK care homes almost trebled in the five years to 2019.
We take sustainability very seriously here at Eden, from the food we eat to the way we build. If you’re looking beyond Veganuary for more ways to enjoy a sustainable retirement, here are three good reasons to take a look at our later-living homes.
Choosing an eco-friendly retirement home
At Pearl House in Newbury, the 12 penthouses each benefit from their private rooftop garden, providing a perfect opportunity to grow your vegetables or flowers for wildlife to thrive. You can learn more about how to create your green patch over on our guest blog by Diane Appleyard at The National Allotment Society.
The design at Pearl House has green initiatives in mind; among these is the use of renewable and low carbon technology, such as photovoltaic panels (PV) and low energy external lighting, as well as water-efficient fittings such as low-flow showers in all homes.
Landscaping across the scheme incorporates native species, which contributes to the area’s existing ecosystem and thrives with precipitation, meaning a low level of manual watering is required.
Embracing a healthy diet
To help residents live a sustainable lifestyle, Eden works with brands who support its ethos, such as Radish. It supplies assisted-living catering for its eat-in restaurants alongside dine-at-home services and recently trialled Veganuary with its residents at several retirement developments across the UK.
Rebecca Bridgement, managing director of Radish, says: “Traditionally our customers enjoy a good old-fashioned roast dinner, stew, or hot pot. However, throughout Veganuary, we introduced a promotional menu with some delicious vegan starters, mains and desserts for our residents to try and enjoy. Our on-site chefs spoke with the residents and explained why a vegan or vegetarian option could be a healthy option for them, with the majority trying out the menu.”
Radish is now working closely with Eden’s food development team and the company’s nutritionist to introduce meat-free days more regularity in all its locations. Rebecca comments: “This may be a huge change from what Eden’s residents are traditionally used to so we are keen to continue emphasising the health benefits that eating a plant-based diet can achieve.”
It’s never too late to try a plant-based diet. You can view some easy recipes by visiting: www.uk.veganuary.com/recipes
Minimising waste and prioritising recycling
Even small steps can have a positive impact on the environment. Only boiling as much water as required in the kettle, hanging out clothes to dry or walking/taking public transport where possible all make a difference.
At Pearl House in Newbury, our town centre location means the local shops are within easy walking distance. For days out, there is a car and scooter share club; residents can hire either mode of transport when required.
When dining at one of Eden’s developments, you can be confident we take every opportunity to reduce wastage. Radish ensures all of its food is served without packaging unless requested and has swapped plastic disposables in favour of recycled paper straws and cutlery. You can read more about the changes on its blog here.
If you’d like to find out more about living sustainably in retirement or the availability at Pearl House, call 0203 757 2828 or visit www.edenrl.com/portfolio/newbury/.
Associated Retirement Community Operators
We are prospective ARCO members and aim to comply with the ARCO Consumer Code at all of the retirement communities we are building.
