‘Rude and irregular’ is how a 1761 surveyor described the Charterhouse’s buildings, when the site had already been an almshouse providing accommodation for pensioners, known as Brothers, for over 100 years. The Charterhouse, the heritage site at the centre of my micro-internship, is an almshouse with buildings dating back to the 14th century set in the heart of modern-day central London. Walking around its cobbled quadrangles and up uneven staircases certainly didn’t remind me of a care home as I know it, but that was the focus on my research – to find out if there is a link between heritage sites and healthy ageing, for visitors and for residents.

I met my first hurdle when trying to pin down what various sources truly meant by ‘healthy ageing’, as they all seemed to offer slightly different interpretations. For my research, I decided to use the WHO definition of “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.”[1] Wellbeing, however, was yet another term applied in various ways, so I selected the definition for the 2014 Care Act, which understands it as comprising of many factors, including physical and emotional health, personal dignity, economic stability, having suitable accommodation, and contributing to society. [2] As there is little research directly linking heritage to healthy ageing, I used wellbeing as a mediator between the two, but investigating the possibility of a direct link would be an interesting area for future research in which the Charterhouse has the potential to play a leading role.

Using the Care Act’s criteria for wellbeing, I examined how living on the Charterhouse heritage site would directly help its Brothers as they age. There is evidence showing that not only is the risk of developing dementia lower for those who engage with cultural activities – heritage being one of them – but cultural engagement also made the greatest contribution to wellbeing in later life, even more so than physical activity.[3] The Brothers of the Charterhouse are also afforded personal dignity, as they are able to live independently, without relying on family, and are regularly engaged in stimulating conversation when dining communally. The importance of learning is also emphasised, with regular lectures. The day after our group visit to the Charterhouse, for example, a lecture about pollination was being delivered.

Economic stability and suitable and stable accommodation are considered foundations of wellbeing in most cultures.[4] The importance of its provision cannot be underestimated, as temporary or precarious housing can negatively impact mental health, while inadequate housing can cause injuries or infections.[5] Living, especially under such constant conditions, in a heritage site is linked to greater community engagement[6], and feeling involved in the community is a part of wellbeing. The Brothers are further involved in the community as have been choosing to lead tours for the public since the site opened as a heritage attraction in 2017, which allows them to share the benefits associated with heritage sites.

The Charterhouse is uniquely positioned to make an impact on its local community, as there are significant barriers to accessing heritage sites in urban areas, such as central London.[6] Visiting heritage sites can provide people with an increased sense of identity and social connectivity, both of which are factors influencing wellbeing. Regular visitors to heritage sites are more likely to report good physical and mental health, as well as rating their life satisfaction more highly.[6] Socially prescribed visits to museums have the ability to slow cognitive decline in older people and positively impact their wellbeing[7]. The Charterhouse therefore not only helps its Brothers to age healthily, but also the wider community, all due to its status as a heritage site.

The fact that the Charterhouse, as a heritage site, brings benefits to visitors’ wellbeing must, by association, increase the Brothers’ own sense of giving back to the community and make their work feel meaningful. This likely, in turn, increases their own wellbeing and allows them to age more healthily, creating a loop of healthy ageing which only becomes more beneficial as time goes on. Charterhouse residents already see a 2.41 year increase in life expectancy compared to others from their socioeconomic group living in the wider community[8], and expanding the existing relationship between the Brothers and the community could have the potential to increase this further. It seems therefore undeniable that, while the buildings of the Charterhouse can be described as ‘irregular’ in comparison to standard retirement communities, the benefits of this irregularity for everyone involved far outweigh any impracticalities, and they do in fact facilitate healthy ageing.

Isobel Summersell

1. WHO. Healthy ageing and functional ability. 2020  [cited 2024 26/06]; Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/healthy-ageing-and-functional-ability.
2. Unknown. The Care Act: Wellbeing. 2017 [cited 2024 26/6]; Available from: https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/information-and-resources/care-act-2014/the-care-act-wellbeing/.
3. England, H. How Heritage Can Improve the Lives of Older People | Heritage Counts | Historic England. 2023 [cited 2024 26/06]; Available from: historicengland.org.uk/research/heritage-counts/heritage-and-society/older-communities.
4. Lawrence, R., Health and Housing. 2012, Elsevier Ltd. p. 323-331.
5. Thompson, C., et al., “I don’t know how I’m still standing” a Bakhtinian analysis of social housing and health narratives in East London. 2017.
6. Alliance, T.H., Heritage, Health and Wellbeing: A Heritage Alliance Report. 2020.
7. Mughal R., P.M., Sabey A. & Chatterjee H.J. , How Arts, Heritage and Culture can support health and wellbeing through social prescribing. NASP. 2022.
8. Benzirma, A., Rickayzen, B., Smith, D., Vikhanova, A, Almshouse Longevity Study: Can Living in an Almshouse Lead to a Longer Life? 2023.

Isobel completed a micro-internship with the Oxford University Heritage Network and the Charterhouse, and was one of two micro-interns exploring the relationship between heritage and healthy ageing in relation to the Charterhouse in London. For the micro-internship, Izzy worked with fellow micro-intern, Meriel Klinkner, to produce a wider report on the relationship between heritage, healthy ageing and wellbeing.  Isobel is currently studying for BA in German at Wadham College, and Meriel is studying for a BA in Ancient and Modern History. 

Photo by Ethical Creatives