Positive Elders

Part of the Pit Stop family, Positive Elders focuses on what men bring with them: experience, skills, perspective, and the capacity to contribute. It’s about staying connected, finding purpose, and shaping this stage of life in ways that feel meaningful.

Maintaining wellbeing in later life

Positive Elders is rooted in evidence that social connection, purpose and belonging are key to maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing in later life – particularly for men, who are more likely to experience isolation following retirement, bereavement or changes in health. By creating regular opportunities for older men to connect with their peers, share their experiences and feel valued, Positive Elders helps prevent isolation from becoming crisis and creates healthier, more connected communities.

My wife got terminal cancer. When she died it broke my heart, and this place was a godsend to me.

What Postive Elders offers

Positive Elders is a three-year project designed to reduce loneliness and isolation while supporting men to navigate change with confidence and connection. Through regular meet-ups, group activities and shared conversations, we offer supportive spaces where men can talk openly, learn from one another and explore what matters next – at their own pace.

Our focus

We support men through some of the key transitions that often come later in life, including:

  • moving from work into retirement or worklessness
  • bereavement and loss
  • becoming a carer
  • changes in health, roles or routines

These transitions can be challenging, but they can also open up space for reflection, growth and new possibilities.

We create opportunities for men to explore who they are now, and how they want to contribute as elders within their families, friendships and communities.

This strand focuses on:

  • recognising skills, experience and wisdom
  • reframing identity beyond paid work
  • finding ways to stay active, involved and valued
  • contributing time, knowledge or support to others

Together, these conversations and activities help men build a positive, confident sense of self in later life.

Who Positive Elders is for

Positive Elders is for men aged 55 and over who:

  • want to connect with others at a similar stage of life
  • are adjusting to retirement, loss or change
  • value conversation alongside shared activity
  • want to stay involved, purposeful and connected

There’s no pressure to share more than you want to. You’re welcome to simply turn up, listen, and take part in ways that feel right for you.

Monthly meet-up

We host a regular Positive Elders monthly meet-up for members aged 55+:

  • Where: Marzano’s Café, The Forum, Norwich
  • When: first Wednesday of the month, 2pm

This is a relaxed, friendly environment to meet others, have a coffee and enjoy good conversation.

Our supporter

Positive Elders is generously supported by The Earl of Northampton’s Charity (to which The Mercers’ Company is sole Trustee).