Wiltshire retirement village is set to pioneer life-enhancing fitness technique

A retirement village in Wiltshire will be among the first over-60s communities in the world to benefit from a scientifically proven method for improving the way we walk, which could increase residents’ quality of life and lifespan.

The innovative WalkActive method is being introduced at Wadswick Green in Wiltshire following a collaboration between Rangeford Villages, a leading developer of aspirational living communities, and Joanna Hall, the internationally renowned fitness expert behind the WalkActive method.

The partnership is set to revolutionize the wellness offerings available to property owners at Wadswick Green by integrating the scientifically proven benefits of the WalkActive Method into their daily lives with techniques that will add life to their years, as well as potentially add years to their lives.

It follows the recent publication of a large prospective study in Osteoporosis International, which demonstrated a significant correlation between longer duration of daily outdoor walking and reduced risk of osteoporosis among older adults. The WalkActive method not only enables people to walk further, it also helps them walk faster and with better posture, supercharging the benefits of daily exercise by improving the way we walk.

“Everyone knows that staying active is important later in life.”

Joanna commented,

“but the WalkActive method is much more than a gentle walk after lunch.

“With the techniques we will be teaching at Wadswick Green, residents will be able to walk using techniques that will reduce joint impact and increase speed by up to 24%, which combined with the accessibility of walking as a form of exercise, will help them to move better, feel healthier and smile more.

“We know WalkActive brings people together – whether it’s to socialize with new friends, support each other on their new health and fitness journey, or just chat about the weather while taking their daily walk. Being part of a supportive WalkActive community can do wonders for your mental health too. Our goal is not just to add years to people’s lives…but to add even more life to their years!”

Rangeford Villages will introduce the WalkActive Method as part of its diverse wellbeing offering at Wadswick Green and wellbeing managers will become accredited WalkActive Affiliate Trainers following expert training from Joanna.

“The introduction of the WalkActive method to the three Rangeford Villages communities will provide an evidence base for the benefits of WalkActive in the over 60s.”

Joanna continues,

“which could contribute to wider scale-up in health and social care settings. We are delighted that Rangeford Villages will be sharing the WalkActive method with the Wadswick Green community and look forward to their feedback.”

Walking is strongly associated with a number of physiological benefits, such as reduced blood pressure, cholesterol and hypertension, along with mental health and well-being. There is also evidence of a link between a higher number of daily steps and a reduction in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality. WalkActive isn’t just about walking further, it’s about walking better, making it an ideal way for people of all fitness levels to access exercise and feel the benefits. Through WalkActive Method programs, classes and coaching sessions, Wadswick Green property owners will be able to master the fundamentals of WalkActive, such as technique and cadence, while reducing joint impact and improving posture; both important considerations at any stage of life, but especially so as people age.

Howard Nankivell, CEO of Rangeford Villages, added:

“Our retirement villages are vibrant, supportive communities where social activities such as walking enhance people’s lives; not only from a physical health perspective, but also from a wellness perspective.

“Partnering with WalkActive allows us to strengthen our comprehensive wellness offering, providing our communities with innovative and science-backed activity. We are confident that this will greatly contribute to the vibrant and healthy lifestyle our residents enjoy.”

www.walk-active.com

https://www.rangefordvillages.co.uk/