Get out and get active
Whether its gardening, walking or tai chi, now’s the time to join in,
Spring is in the air and it’s the perfect time to think about stretching your limbs and doing something to keep fit. Thankfully, retirement homes across the UK offer a range of classes to encourage residents to get out into the great outdoors after this year’s long, cold and wet winter.
Audley retirement villages have walking groups, archery clubs, croquet on the lawn, a foraging group, a gardening club and, if the weather is good, tai chi and other fitness classes take place on the lawns.
‘getting outside, enjoying fresh air and sunshine can be transformative for our wellbeing,’ says Emma robinson, Audley’s health and wellness director. ‘not only do these activities support owners’ physical wellbeing, studies show being out in nature alleviates stress, boosts mood and promotes emotional resilience’.
Sten and gillian Chesser, 82 and
75, who live at Audley Stanbridge Earls in romsey, Hampshire started a group called ‘Short Walks with JoJo’ — named after their dog. ‘We meet every two weeks and explore the countryside — different routes when we can. The group ranges between four and 18 owners depending on the weather. it’s blossomed into a real community,’ says Sten.
gillian also set up The gardening network, so owners can help cultivate the huge grounds with head gardener Mark Dwelly. ‘recently we planted spring flowers around the village in pots. Our big project at the moment is to restore an abandoned pond into a pool for wildlife to flourish’.
One and two-bedroom apartments cost from £434,950 and two- bedroom cottages from £630,000. ( audleyvillages.co.uk)
Many Churchill retirement Living developments also run tai chi and aerobics classes, some outside when weather allows.
And at its riverain Lodge development in Taunton they play a game called ‘Kubb’ on the lawn. Teams try to knock over the ‘kubbs’ — fun while exercising.
One and two-bedroom apartments cost from £ 224,950. ( churchillretirement.co.uk)
At richmond Villages Bede in Warwickshire, residents play bowls and there is a bowls evening competition for residents and staff. richmond Villages northampton and Cheltenham are both starting gardening clubs this year.
One and two-bedroom apartments at Bede are from £125,000 to £150,000; from £275,000 to £395,000 at northampton with two-bedroom penthouses at Cheltenham from £430,000 to £629,995. ( richmond-villages.com)
Sue Swindell, 67, a retired carer living at Anchor’s The Standard development in Standish, near Wigan says: ‘Since moving here and starting Anchor’s wellbeing programme i’ve felt a lot happier. not only have i lost weight and feel fitter, but i’ve felt a lot better about myself.’
‘Our wellbeing programme supports residents to live a healthy, active, and connected lifestyle,’ says Brett Jenkins, wellbeing development manager.
‘in spring and summer, outdoor activities are held across the country that include gardening competitions, walking clubs, summer parties and picnics.’
properties at The Standard are under a shared ownership scheme, with one-bedroom apartments from £96,500 plus £362 a month rent, two-bedroom apartments from £134,000 plus £502 rent. (