Sorrel Bentinck's on a mission to find a different way of life...
Now she's reached the 50-something age-group, and has three grown-up children, Sorrel Bentinck is on a mission to find an alternative lifestyle for herself, "My children have always said "There'll always be a granny flat for you," I’ve seen friends of mine who’ve got elderly parents, or parent particularly on their own, and they get so tied by them. Although they love them, there’s a lot or resentment there as well. I really don’t want that for my children and me."
Sorrel's determination is also fuelled by a deep dislike of communal homes, and a belief that there are many people who do not wish to live alone. She envisages a set-up which would allow personal independence, but add support and companionship, "We would live together in some kind of loose affiliation, just friends doing and not doing things together. I think that if there are other people around who would think this fun to do, and exciting and an adventure - we can get this thing to move..."
Asked what kind of people she envisaged living with, Sorrel replied "Slightly eccentric, some married couples, single people, men, women, and it would be wonderful to have someone who adores gardening, someone who adored music … somebody who loves chat, someone who loves food ..."
On the practical side, Sorrel is concerned that the one big worry of old age is taken care of - that of having to leave your home and friends should you become ill, "I want to find enough money to have a nursing wing attached to this place, so that as people get really old, they don’t have to go away from their friends they’ve been with for the last few years, who can care for them and make sure they’re happy." She acknowledges that as people age, they can become a bit of a handful, but wants to look into all the possibilities.
Sorrel's own friends are very interested in her idea. This brings up the question of the selection process - but whatever the combination of people making the group, Sorrel's realistic about it, "There’s still going to be rows - that’s normal - there are bound to be. You've got to find a way of sorting them out, but there’s also going to be lots of laughter and fun and supporting each other as well."
