How Residents Can Keep Fit at Retirement Villages

Being active and eating well is proven to help look after your wellbeing in later life and there is no excuse when moving to a retirement village! The mission of Wellbeing by Rangeford Villages is to empower residents to nurture their lifestyle choices and to help them thrive by providing an integrated approach to wellbeing throughout the village and beyond. Looking after our body and mind is essential to living a healthy and happy retirement.

Here are some frequently asked questions that we often get asked by new residents at our villages:

What If I Don’t Enjoy Traditional Exercise?

Physical activity doesn’t have to mean going to the gym if that isn’t your cup of tea. Pilates, yoga, gardening, dog walking, dancing or being part of the local walking group are all really good ways to get some exercise and keep moving.

What are the Benefits of Physical Activity?

Regular physical activity and exercise have many benefits including:

• Improved Cardiovascular Health: Physical activity strengthens the heart muscle, lowers blood pressure, and improves circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Weight Management: Regular exercise helps control weight by burning calories and building muscle mass. It also boosts metabolism, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
• Muscle Strength and Endurance: Exercise builds and maintains muscle strength and endurance, enhancing overall physical performance and reducing the risk of injuries.
• Bone Health: Weight-bearing exercises like walking, running, and weightlifting help strengthen bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Improved Mental Health: Physical activity releases endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Regular exercise can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and improve overall mood and cognitive function.
• Better Sleep: Regular physical activity can help regulate sleep patterns and improve sleep quality, leading to feeling more rested and energised during the day.
• Increased Energy Levels: Exercise improves circulation and delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues, boosting energy levels and reducing feelings of fatigue.
• Enhanced Immune Function: Moderate exercise can boost the immune system, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and infections.
• Improved Longevity: Regular physical activity is associated with a longer lifespan and reduced risk of premature death from all causes.
• Social Benefits: Participating in group physical activities can provide social interaction and support, promoting feelings of belonging and well-being.

How Can I Kick Start My Healthy Living at Rangeford?

As a new retirement village resident, you will be invited to attend a ‘Wellbeing Orientation’ in the first 3-4 weeks of moving in and this will help ensure that your living experience meets your desires, needs and expectations and that you get the most out of village life. It will be different for everyone and could include creating an exercise programme, connecting with village or outside groups, running a club or society or taking up a new hobby or interest.

What Kind of Exercises Classes Do You Offer?

An array of classes conducted by friendly, qualified instructors include Tai Chi, Pilates, Yoga and even aerobics and Zumba. Our trained professionals are fully equipped with the latest age-appropriate equipment and a member of the fitness team will be able to help guide with workouts.

At the heart of the luxury retirement villages, you will find ‘The Pavilion’ which acts as the main social hub and is the setting for most of the communal facilities. Here you will find a heated indoor swimming pool, complete with sauna, steam room and other spa facilities to help you stay healthy and relax.*  What more could you want?

How about Exercise Outdoors?

Green spaces are the life force of any retirement community, and our beautifully landscaped gardens are set amongst mature trees. You can spend time enjoying the beauty and wildlife through walks in our grounds and venture further afield on walks in the local area.

One resident from Wadswick Green said “We have more time to do the things we enjoy. We were active prior to the move, so it’s great that we can maintain that. The facilities are great and sometimes it feels like we have the pool to ourselves. It really encourages you to keep fit – in fact, I wonder if we’re more active now!”

Here at Rangeford Villages, you can be as involved as you want - Your Life, Your Way.

*Spa facilities not available at Mickle Hill North Yorkshire.