Fitness has always been important to Brenda
Brenda loves the social, mental and physical benefits of her regular exercise classes at Albert Court, a Retirement Living PLUS development for the over 70s in Oxfordshire. She says an important part of maintaining that lust for life is doing a retirement hobby or interest that you love:
“I’ve always enjoyed doing exercise and have done everything from swimming and tennis to netball. In fact, I swam right up until my early 80s,” she says. “I only stopped as getting to the local pool was a bit of a hassle. I now love to go on long walks and Albert Court is in the perfect location for that, as we’re only about 300 yards away from the riverbank.”
She’s not alone in rating walking, as according to our research almost a quarter (23 percent) of retirees saying walking is their favourite way to fill their free time. Photography (16 percent), growing veg (15 percent) and creative writing (10 percent) are also popular.
Keeping fit is a key component to a full and active retirement
Our study also found that over half (53 percent) of those aged 65 plus said they feel more active now compared to any age before, with around one in nine saying they aim to live life to the fullest rather than slowing down in retirement. Regular exercise in particular has long been tied to a multitude of health benefits, from improving strength and balance to boosting mood and staving off feelings of depression.
That’s part of the reason Brenda decided to join the ‘Sit-Fit’ class at Albert Court when it was first introduced a year ago.
“I’ve been part of the exercise classes from the get-go. There’s about 10 of us and we all sit round in a circle in our chairs and do various exercises to work different muscles, starting with our feet and working upwards. It’s great fun and everyone enjoys it.”
The classes were devised by Berkshire-based personal trainer Ben Broadhead who initially introduced them at Swift House in Maidenhead. As they grew in popularity, he expanded to Albert Court with his colleague Josh Morgan.
Ben, a mobile personal trainer who specialises in working with older adults says, “I was attracted to work with an older demographic as I understood how much exercise can help with quality of life, independence, and mobility. Josh and I adopt a holistic approach to cover the whole body, prioritising strength exercises, as these are most important for those aged 70 plus.
“Strength exercises can help manage a range of physical conditions, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, as well as joint pain. They also have a functional purpose, for example, bicep curls help build strength in the upper arms which can make tasks like carrying shopping or lifting easier.” Read Ben’s top five exercises for the over 70s to try at home.
Brenda says she has certainly felt the effects of the fitness classes in her everyday life. “As a group, we all feel as if we get a really good workout from the classes. 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.
“I’m quite lucky really as I have quite a lot of energy anyway and I’m relatively mobile which means I’m still able to pop to the shops. I’m one of the younger members of the group, as there are a few members in their 90s. But we don’t let our age stop us – we all get stuck in, waving our arms about, using the resistance bands, and throwing balls to one another. It’s a very friendly and cheerful environment, so we don’t mind if we look a bit silly in front of one another,” she chuckles.
It's not just the health advantages that keep Brenda coming back for more, “Everybody knows everybody at Sit-Fit,” she beams. “It’s such a fun and friendly activity, and often we’ll have a cup of tea in the communal lounge or gardens afterwards. Although there’s 10 of us, there’s still plenty room for more. “We also have a great relationship with our personal trainer, Josh. He’s very enthusiastic, he keeps us motivated with lots of positive reassurance, and he knows how to make us laugh.”
The weekly Sit-Fit classes on a Tuesday afternoon have helped her maintain other retirement hobbies, such as walking. “I do a lot of walking in my own time. We’re lucky as we have lots of lovely scenery nearby. We also have a garden at Albert Court, which I often walk round with the other homeowners. Doing any sort of exercise makes me feel great.”
Retirement hobbies also give Brenda a boost
When it comes to hobbies, walking and Sit Fit aren’t the only activities Brenda has dabbled in. “I used to teach French at the local comprehensive school. Now I run a fortnightly ‘French for Fun’ class at Albert Court, where several of the homeowners come along and we do all sorts of activities, including crosswords, games, and family trees whilst enjoying a glass of fizz. It’s nice to be able to put my knowledge to good use and help others learn a new skill.”
Always something going on at Albert Court
“There’s always something to do or someone to chat to at the development,” says Brenda. “We have a bridge and scrabble club, along with coffee mornings, a pastries and papers event, and fizz Fridays. We also have a music afternoon during which we listen to classic records and a film evening. Some of the homeowners have hosted their birthday party in the communal lounge too.
“We have regular visiting speakers, and recently someone came to talk on the history of Henley-on-Thames, which was very interesting. David Harper from Bargain Hunt also visited not too long ago. He joined us in the on-site bistro where a few of the homeowners brought along their antiques.”
Retirement living has been a boon for Brenda
Brenda moved to Albert Court just over two years ago, a short while after her husband passed away. “I’ve lived in Henley-on-Thames for 53 years, most of which I spent at my former family home, where I lived with my late husband. However, with four bedrooms, two flights of stairs and an uphill garden, it was becoming too much for me to manage on my own, so my children suggested I look for somewhere smaller and part of a community.
“I must say I’m very happy here. The staff are remarkable, nothing is ever too much trouble for them. We have a great laugh together and they regularly check on us.” Talking about the importance of hobbies, she comments: “It’s really important to keep busy and maintain social interaction, especially as you get older. If you don’t, your mind and body can slowly start to deteriorate.”
Join a community-spirited retirement development near you
Whether you choose an independent living apartment with Retirement Living or opt for the added services of Retirement Living PLUS, our welcoming retirement communities host a range of informal gatherings, fitness clubs, charity fundraisers and events to suit all interests and abilities.
Learn more about our retirement homes near you, call our friendly team on 0800 201 4811 or contact us online for more information.
