Wiltshire retirement village set to pioneer life-enhancing fitness technique

A retirement village in Wiltshire is to be amongst the first over 60s communities in the world to benefit from a scientifically proven method for improving the way we walk, which could boost 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 later living communities, and Joanna Hall, the internationally renowned fitness expert behind the WalkActive Method.

The partnership is set to revolutionise the wellbeing 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 adding years to their lives.

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

“Everyone knows that keeping active is important in later life,”

Joanna commented,

“but the WalkActive Method is much more than a gentle stroll after lunch.

“With the techniques we’ll 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 move better, feel healthier, and smile more.

“We know that WalkActive brings people together - whether that’s to socialise with new friends, support each other on their new health and fitness journey, or just to chit-chat about the weather as they take their daily stroll. Being part of a supportive WalkActive community can work wonders for mental health too. It’s our aim to not just add years to people’s lives…but add more life to their years too!”

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

“The introduction of the WalkActive Method at 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 a wider roll out in health and social care settings. We are delighted that Rangeford Villages will be sharing the WalkActive Method with the Wadswick Green community, and I’m looking forward to their feedback.”

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

Howard Nankivell, CEO of Rangeford Villages, added:

“Our retirement villages are vibrant, supportive communities where sociable activities like walking enhance people’s lives; not only from a physical health perspective but from a wellbeing perspective, too.

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