A widower has spoken of his new lease of life after moving into a retirement home.

Keith Ponter lost his wife Jane in October 2020.

He has since moved into Richmond Villages Wood Norton, where he made new friendships with fellow retirees, including a new female companion.

Keith said that these relationships have kept him going.

“I think it is very important – it’s what keeps us going and wards off dementia,” he said,

“I always join in whatever is going on around me. I very seldom remain in my apartment alone.

“The events at the village are most beneficial at bringing people together. There are a multitude of activities to attract everybody and nobody feels left out.”

According to Age UK, there are over two million over 75s living alone in England, with over a million older people saying they go more than a month without contact with close friends or family members.

To combat this, the Worcestershire retirement village has an extensive activities programme and offers a range of living options to meet different residents’ requirements.

At Richmond Villages, Keith has met a new female companion, who he says is the best thing that has happened to him for a long time.

The pair now live in adjoining apartments.

To find out more about Richmond Villages, visit www.richmondvillages.com.