Care home residents share messages of wisdom

A bald man wearing black glasses and a stripy polo shirt. He's sitting on a light brown armchair and holding up a whiteboard with "be yourself and be happy" written on it. He's smiling at the camera.Greensleeves Care

Don Jeffery was among several residents offering advice for younger generations

Daisy Stephens
BBC News, Berkshire

"Stop and smell the flowers" and "be yourself" are some of the messages care home residents have shared with younger generations as part of a gardening project.

Residents of The Manor in Windsor, Berkshire, spent an afternoon potting plants and writing down their life advice, to be shared with family and friends.

Anne Regan, activities coordinator at the home, said gardening was a therapeutic activity, adding that the Seeds of Wisdom project was "thought-provoking".

"It reminds us that knowledge is power and that it pays to plan ahead where possible," she said.

Two women in flowery dresses sitting in wheelchairs. The one on the left has short brown hair and is holding up a whiteboard saying "always enjoy the outside whether you're gardening or just having a lovely walk", and smiling at the camera. The woman on the right is looking at the woman on the left and smiling.Greensleeves Care

Cath Shaw thinks people should spend more time outdoors

"Always be yourself and be the happiest you can be," said 87-year-old Don Jeffery.

Wendy Sammes, also 87, said her tip for younger people was to take life more slowly.

"Look around you, slow down, stop and smell the flowers, look at the world and don't be afraid to ask for advice," she wrote.

A woman with short grey hair and wearing a pink cardigan, sitting in a wheelchair and holding up a whiteboard saying "look around you, slow down, stop and smell the flowers, look at the world and don't be afraid to ask for advice". It's a sunyn day and there's a garden behind her.Greensleeves Care

Wendy Sammes advised people to take life at a slower pace

Audrey Oliveire, 88, said people should travel if they can, advising: "The world is your oyster, don't clam up."

Bobby Smith, 87, gave some slightly more practical advice - to not get in the car with a bad driver.

And 93-year-old Cath Shaw emphasised the importance of spending time in nature, writing: "Always enjoy the outside, whether you're gardening or just having a lovely walk."

A woman with short grey hair and wearing a green top and glasses. She's sitting in a wheelchair in a room, and holding up a whiteboard saying "don't get in a car with someone who's a bad driver".Greensleeves Care

Bobby Smith gave some practical advice

"Our residents have experienced so much throughout their lives and asking them to share their nurturing tips was incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking," said Ms Regan.

Residents potted pansies and petunias, which the care home said connected them with nature and helped stimulate their memories.

The Seeds of Wisdom project is part of an initiative by Greensleeves Care to encourage people to learn about options for care in later life.

A woman with short white hair and wearing a stripy black and white top and blue gloves. She's sitting outside at a table, and repotting a seedling.Greensleeves Care

Gardening activity is therapeutic for residents, the care home said

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