Retire in style to a healthier body and soul
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Physical activity is a key component to health and happiness in later life
Physical activity in later life isn’t just about staying fit; it’s a holistic approach to maintaining mental clarity, emotional resilience, social connection, and independence. This makes retirement healthier, more joyful, and more fulfilling overall.
Paul Adams, Head of Cognatum Property says, “There’s strong evidence that good levels of activity reduce the risk of a whole range of health problems including heart disease, stroke and some cancers as well as depression and dementia – and provide a welcome stimulus to those recently retired who are adjusting to having time to fill. The best way of slowing the ageing process, both physically and mentally, is to stay active. With more time available in retirement, there’s a powerful argument for increasing levels of activity rather than taking it easy.
“Studies show that people who stay active as they age tend to live longer and have a higher quality of life. Being physically fit allows retirees to pursue hobbies, travel, and enjoy time with loved ones.
“Everyday activities—like climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or playing with grandchildren—become easier when physical strength, endurance, and flexibility are maintained. This helps retirees stay independent and feel empowered in their daily lives.
“Equally important, many physical activities, such as joining a walking group, attending a fitness class, or participating in community sports, create opportunities for social interaction, providing a sense of community, and helping the older generation to be emotionally resilient as they navigate the changes that retirement, or semi-retirement, can bring.
“Many of Cognatum’s sixty six retirement estates organise regular exercise of some sort for their residents, from walking, to games of croquet, to water aerobics, to exercise and gym classes.”
The Rivus, Wantage, Oxfordshire
One of Cognatum’s newest retirement developments, The Rivus in Wantage, has a wellness centre with sauna, treatment room, weights area and exercise area.
Their weekly yoga class for residents is tailored to suit a range of experience levels and to deliver benefit to both the mind and body.
Marion Maher, a resident at The Rivus loves her weekly yoga session having dipped in and out of yoga all her life. She says, “Yoga keeps me fit and flexible. It’s really helped my hips, which were beginning to get painful; but the big change has been the calmness it gives me. I would recommend it to anyone starting at any age, however old.”
Sales prices from £265,000 for a one bedroom apartment; rental prices from £1,600 pcm inc. gas, electricity and water.
Bluecoat Pond, Horsham, Surrey
Adjacent to the wonderful Christ’s Hospital School, residents of Bluecoat Pond are able to take advantage of many of the school’s facilities including gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and badminton courts. There are fitness classes every day, some of which have been developed especially for those in later life
Learn more about Bluecoat Pond >
The Playing Close, Charlbury, Oxfordshire
A beautiful pavilion houses the indoor swimming pool at The Playing Close.
Learn more about The Playing Close >
Berehurst, Alton, Hampshire
Four acres of beautiful grounds include an indoor swimming pool and all-weather tennis court.
Orchard Yard, Wingham, Kent
Landscaped grounds including allotments tended by residents include a modern and well-equipped gym where regular classes.
Learn more about Orchard Yard >
Bramley Grange, Bramley, Near Guildford
Set in five acres of mature landscaped gardens, in an AONB, Bramley Grange offers residents a high-vaulted swimming pavilion with fitness area for year-round use.
Learn more about Bramley Grange >
Old Town Farm, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire
The swimming pool a Old Town Farm is housed in a beautiful old timbered barn.