At Sanctuary Care, we believe that purpose knows no age. It’s something that evolves - shaped by who you are, what matters to you, and how you want to live each day. Purpose gives life meaning, direction and joy, and it plays a vital role in wellbeing at every age.
For Sanctuary Care residents, this is brought to life through our research-based Enriching Lives framework. A 'Sense of Purpose' supports wellbeing, independence and social connection – by recognising individual interests, experiences and the ways people want to spend their time, and creating meaningful opportunities to continue learning, contributing and feeling connected. For many, that purpose is found in sharing knowledge and passing on life skills and experience to others.
Sanctuary Care’s Lifelong Learning Exchange creates opportunities for young people to learn new skills directly from Sanctuary Care residents - from the arts, professional skills and gardening to storytelling, sewing and life lessons!
“Our Enriching Lives framework is about supporting residents to live with purpose at every stage of life. "
- Louise Palmer, Director of Operations
We recently commissioned a survey of the British public and found that:
75%
of Brits agree younger generations can learn from older generation's lived experience
Half
of Brits think the practical skills most at risk of getting lost are writing letters, sewing, mending clothes or cooking from scratch
Most
Brits say they prefer to get advice from grandparents or older relatives than AI or social media
We also asked our residents about their sense of purpose and found that:
80%
of residents say they have skills or hobbies to pass onto younger generations
65%
of residents say practical skills like writing, sewing and cooking are the ones they'd most like to pass on
79%
of residents say they have skills that can't be learned on social media
Together, these insights highlight the power of a meaningful exchange between generations. When knowledge, skills and life experience are shared, purpose flows both ways, giving younger people the chance to learn something practical, personal and often overlooked, while offering Sanctuary Care residents the opportunity to pass on what they know, feel valued and continue contributing in purposeful ways. Through conversation, curiosity and connection, wisdom and learning are shared across generations, showing that purpose isn’t defined by age or experience, but by the chance to learn, contribute and belong.
"Across our care settings, we regularly see meaningful exchanges between residents, children and young people - sharing skills, stories and experiences that benefit everyone involved. The Lifelong Learning Exchange is just one example of how purpose, connection and contribution are woven into everyday life at Sanctuary Care.”
- Louise Palmer, Director of Operations
Lifelong Learning Exchange - Lesson 1: Music
Margaret Maclachlan, age 81, Briarscroft Residential Care Home - Birmingham
For Margaret, purpose has always been rooted in music. A former nurse, teacher and minister, Margaret spent much of her life guiding, encouraging and inspiring others, and music has been a constant thread throughout. Here, Margaret teaches a young visitor Sienna, how to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on the piano.
Have your go at learning to play the piano, download our one-page guide on getting started (PDF 2.6MB).
Lifelong Learning Exchange - Lesson 2: Sewing
Cherise Chapman, age 80, Nunthorpe Oaks – Middlesbrough
Cherise learnt to sew at school as a young child, and this skill followed her through to her early career where she repaired clothes as an invisible mender. It was here that her passion for sewing flourished. In this video, Cherise teaches young visitors, Anna and Fil, how to sew.
Lifelong Learning Exchange – Lesson 3: Storytelling
Douglas Murphy, age 89, The Manse - London
Douglas is a seasoned storyteller, spending much of his professional life as a journalist for the Daily Mail and Daily Express. He finds purpose through carrying on his passion by continuing to write and currently writes the home’s newsletter. Here Douglas helps a young visitor, Isabella, learn the essential skills for storytelling and how to start a career in journalism.
Share your learning experience
We want to see how you get on with trying a new skill! Share your experience having a go - we want to see how you get on! Whether you’re trying a new skill yourself or helping a young person try something new, we want to hear from you.
To share your experience, follow Sanctuary Care on social media and use hashtag #LifelongLearningExchange when you post.
Enriching Lives
Our commitment to purpose sits at the heart of everything we do, ensuring every resident feels valued, connected and able to live a life that feels truly their own.
For over 25 years, Sanctuary Care has been dedicated to going beyond the standard expectations of care. We enrich lives by placing the uniqueness of each resident at the heart of what we do, understanding their passions, dreams, and the connections that bring them joy.
Our independent research has revealed that an enriched life is defined by fulfilling six essential senses:
Security
Feeling safe and cared for.
Belonging
Building meaningful relationships.
Continuity
Continuing the activities that bring joy.
Purpose
Being part of something special.
Achievement
Celebrating personal milestones.
Significance
Being treated with dignity and respect.
More on Sanctuary Care
Specialist Support
Our Enquiry Support Team are here for you at every step of your care journey - we are here to talk.
Our support team
Proud to be not-for-profit
Being not-for-profit means that any surplus income we get, we continually reinvest to improve the care we provide.
Not for profit care
Book a showround
Want to take a look around our care homes? Book a showround today to find out how you can view our care homes.
Book your showround
For further information about life at Sanctuary Care's not-for-profit care homes, our Enquiry Support Team are here to help. Call us on 0800 046 4812.
