Cultural Identity and Belonging in Later Life: Is Extra Care Housing an Attractive Concept to Older Jewish People Living in Britain?

Abstract

The extra care housing concept of supported independence within a caring community is one that may offer much to minority communities, particularly those with changing patterns of family care. The context for this study is a UK population which is ageing, with a relatively small but growing number of older people within religious and ethnic minority groups who have needs specific to their cultural identity in addition to those in common with the majority. In considering its need for new forms of later life accommodation, the British Jewish community is looking for models that are acceptable both in terms of specifically Jewish cultural requirements and with respect to 'mainstream' middle class expectations of amenity, service, and social inclusion. This article presents findings of sixteen focus groups with middle-aged and older members of Jewish communities in London and the south east of England, and reflects on their attitudes to specificity in cultural provision in extra care.