Published in the Daily Mail on 6 September 2024


Jolly classes are helping retirees to keep in shape

Keeping fit at any age is important. But dur – ing retirement, it’s vital. Thankfully, retirement homes across the country now organise classes from cheerleading to weightlifting to keep their homeowners on the move.

According to McCarthy Stone, more than half of its residents over 65 said they feel more act – ive now than at any age before.

Brenda Wright, 87, says she feels fitter than ever thanks to Sit-Fit, a low-impact seated class to music. ‘As a group, we all feel as if we get a really good workout from the classes,’ she adds.

‘Not only can I feel the difference in my muscles, but I also feel more energetic. By the end of the session, I’m usually glowing and I can feel the blood rushing through my veins.’

Brenda moved to McCarthy Stone’s Albert Court in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, two years ago. ‘I always enjoyed doing exercise and swam right up until my early 80s,’ she says.

 

One and two-bedroom apartments are available from £399,950 (mccarthyandstone.co.uk).

Yoga is what keeps Marion Payne, 82, fit and flexible. She and husband Kevin moved into their two-bedroom apartment at Cognatum’s The Rivus development in Wantage, Oxford-shire, a year ago, after struggling with a big house and garden.

‘I used to do yoga but hadn’t done it for a while and it has really helped my hips, which were beginning to get painful,’ she says. ‘It also brings you calmness, which improves your mood. I would recommend it to anyone of any age.’ One and two-bedroom apartments start at £265,000

Marilyn Silvester, 80, who lives at Mayfield’s retirement village in Watford, Hertfordshire, created a cheerleading team after seeing the film Poms about a woman who moves to a retirement community in the US and forms a cheerleading club. Marilyn asked the village’s gym coach to help her form her own squad and now they practise every day, have their own pom-poms and premiered their routine for charity at the Watford Summer Fair last month.


For more information:
01491 821170
property@cognatum.co.uk / www.cognatum.co.uk/properties-for-sale/

Cognatum, a not-for-profit company, has 60 retirement estates in 21 counties across central and southern England, a total of 928 retirement homes. All are in prime locations within vibrant market towns or villages, within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Each estate benefits from thoughtful architecture, landscaped grounds, and a dedicated estate manager.