Location Is The Key To Fitness In Later Life

It’s no secret that a good exercise routine at all stages of life is the best way of staying healthy, both physically and mentally.

In later years, staying active is arguably more important than ever. 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.

Richard Williams of Cognatum said: “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.

“Where people live plays a big part in how much they exercise. We find that if people have exercise opportunities on their doorstep they’re much more likely to build regular activity into their lives than if they have to get into a car to get to a class, or a walk, or a leisure centre. Living within a few moments of the town or village facilities encourages walking rather than driving as a lifestyle choice.

“Regular brisk walks are one of the easiest and most accessible ways of maintaining an active lifestyle, as well as being a very social activity (as highlighted by the pandemic), so footpaths on the doorstep are a great incentive to get moving. If golf, or swimming, or gardening is where your interests lie, find a location that allows you to pursue your passion with ease. Local really does make all the difference.”

“An added benefit of moving to a retirement estate is the social aspect. With like-minded people on the doorstep, not only will it be easy to get recommendations for clubs and classes from neighbours, you may well find that you have ready-made company for walks, or an enthusiastic tennis partner.

Petersfinger Farm

All Cognatum estates are located within easy walking distance of vibrant market towns and villages, and are set within landscaped grounds, some extending to as much as five acres. Both these features encourage exercise. In addition, many estates offer facilities such as swimming pools, allotments and regular exercise classes.

Examples of Cognatum properties currently for sale that allow for an enjoyable lifestyle with easily accessible exercise opportunities include:

Orchard Yard, Wingham, Kent: A development of 15 luxurious homes with landscaped grounds extending to about three acres, a gym, clubhouse that hosts regular pilates classes, guest suite and allotments. It’s a gentle five-minute walk into the pretty village of Wingham with its shops, cafés, pubs and lovely church. Prices from £565,000.

Stuart Court, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire: A wide range of cottages and apartments set around a converted Victorian rectory and set in extensive landscaped gardens. A short walk through the estate’s private woodland conservation area takes you to the heart of the village with its post office, library, chemist, doctor’s surgery, restaurants and cafés. Stuart Court is next to Minchinhampton Common, hundreds of acres of common land, much of which is National Trust, allowing for gorgeous walks among wild flowers and quietly-grazing horses and cattle. Prices from £425,000.

Petersfinger Farm, Salisbury, Wiltshire: Four converted barns with terraces and oak-framed and glazed loggias set in 37 acres of pasture and wildflower meadows leading down to the River Avon. A level 500m walk leads to the river, 300m of private river frontage and a pretty summerhouse. Access to Salisbury city centre is by level cycle and footpaths or Park & Ride. Prices from £699,000

Find out more at Cognatum.co.uk.

Find out more about new retirement homes across the country.