A Year to Remember: Stannah’s Best of 2017

A Banner Year

2017 was a memorable year for Stannah. Not only did we mark our 150^th anniversary, we also celebrated 25 years of Stannah stairlifts in the US. But, it wasn’t just a year for remembering the past; we also opened our very first direct sales office in Canada, now proudly serving customers throughout the Greater Toronto Area! These impressive milestones would not have been possible without brothers Brian and Alan Stannah, who were awarded MBEs last year for their lifetime of service to British manufacturing.

As a family-owned and operated business, we at Stannah understand that the products we sell are only part of the picture. Aging in place really depends on a number of factors. With that in mind, we created the official Stannah blog to be a place where people of all ages can come for meaningful discussion and helpful information. We cover a wide range of topics, related to seniors and senior living. While 2018 has already yielded some interesting new articles, we figured now was as good a time as any to take a look back at some of our greatest hits from 2017!

5) What is a Stair Lift? 40 Years of Redefining Standards

If you are considering a stairlift for a loved one, this is one article you won’t want to miss! #5 on our countdown, What is a Stair Lift? 40 Years of Redefining Standards, not only explains what a stairlift is, but also examines Stannah’s impact on the industry. Over the past forty years, we’ve helped transform the stairlift from a clunky piece of medical equipment into a sleek modern appliance. Practical features, a more aesthetic design and customizable options have made our stairlifts the safest, most reliable and best looking on the market. Additionally, Stannah has worked to breakdown the stigma associated with installing a stairlift in your home. If you’re shopping for a stairlift or just interested in learning more, this article is a must read!

4) World Diabetes Day: Act Today to Change Tomorrow

#4 on our countdown is an article that came later in the year, but made a big impact. In November, Stannah took part in World Diabetes Day, the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign. In recent decades, diabetes has become a critical world health issue, rising to the level of a global crisis. In fact, by 2040, 1 in 10 adults will have some form of diabetes. The disease carries with it devastating health effects, that disproportionately impact women and disadvantaged communities. Education is key to prevention, so it’s important to understand the different types of diabetes and take action to lower your risk. This article also touched on the communal aspect and how some cities are working to improve healthy outcomes. If you’re interested in joining the fight against diabetes, check out the article and find out more about how you can get involved!

3) Aging in Place: What to Do if Stairs Have Become a Problem

More than ever before, seniors are making the decision to age in place. This means, rather than moving in with a family member or entering a nursing home/assisted living facility, these seniors are choosing to stay in the homes that they have grown to know and love. #3 on our list is Aging in Place: What to Do if Stairs Have Become a Problem, an article that we wrote to address some of the common obstacles to achieving this goal. How do we go about assessing mobility? What’s the safest way to navigate the stairs? What are the pros and cons to alternative living options? What’s the best way to manage physical energy throughout the day? Ultimately, it all comes down to balance: physical, financial and emotional. If aging in place is a topic that interests you, this article is a great place to start.

2) The Arthritis Suit Experience: Walk a Mile in Someone Else’s Shoes

At Stannah, we’re constantly working to improve our products. After forty years of design, much of that comes down to small details and little changes that make operating our stairlifts easier. This requires research, an understanding of mobility and, above all, empathy. Our #2 story, The Arthritis Suit Experience, is something that many of our new employees participate in during their initial visit to Stannah HQ. The suit mimics the effects of arthritis, restricting the movements of the wearer and causing discomfort. This gives our employees a sense of what it’s like living with arthritis and helps alert them to specific areas where we can improve. This article is the story of one employee’s experience with the arthritis suit and how it changed her perspective. If you know someone struggling with arthritis or just want to learn more, it’s a worthwhile read!

1) Youth Day: Senior Citizens’ Advice for Younger People

And just like that, we’ve reached the top spot on our countdown. The 2017 Stannah article of the year is Youth Day: Senior Citizens’ Advice for Younger People! For International Youth Day, we decided to examine the relationship between generations, and show how seniors can have a profound impact on young people. While millennials have helped many of their older family members and co-workers adjust to a changing world, full of new technologies, the value of our seniors’ wisdom and experience can’t be overstated. Their ability to shake up conventions, while still embracing the tenants of traditional wisdom, gives seniors a unique perspective. The article examines some of the science behind why many seniors are able to check their emotions and make more insightful decisions, and examines the question, “If you could say one thing to young people out there, what would that be?” If you’ve ever looked back on your life and wished that you could give your younger self some advice, take advantage of this opportunity! Now is the time to embrace these words of wisdom from folks who have been there and done that.

Stannah: 150 years & Beyond

150 years as a family business is something that we take great pride in. As we turn our attention to 2018 and beyond, Stannah will continue to provide top quality stairlifts and mobility products. But, we’re also proud of this blog and our social community. In the coming months, we will be writing and sharing even more content that addresses issues that matter to seniors. Whether you need one of our stairlifts or not, we’re glad that you found our blog and we hope that you stick around for all of the interesting and exciting moments ahead!