The event will support the launch of a 'Walking Guide' initiative across all seven later living developments owned and operated by IVG. This new scheme is designed to help residents stay physically, mentally and socially active throughout their later life. Staying active not only offers people the opportunity to find new hobbies, make new friends and explore their local area together, physical activity and exercise can also help people to stay healthy, energetic and independent as they get older.
According to a 2013 NHS study, walking has the potential to save up to 37,000 lives in England every year, whilst NHS guidelines say that over-65s should be taking 150 minutes of walking or cycling each week.
Starting at Great Alne Park, residents were led by Julia on a route through the stunning local countryside, where she took the time to chat to residents, as well as CEO of Inspired Villages, Jamie Bunce. Discussions included what the company is doing to change the face of ‘later living’ and how Inspired is helping residents to enjoy an independent, active and fulfilled retirement. The expedition also included a beer tasting at the Purity Brewing Company in Great Alne.
Julia says: “This was a fabulous day to be involved in and I am proud to be part of such an important initiative. Walking is a great way for people to ease into exercise, explore their local area and get to know new people”.
The walk ended with lunch at local pub, The Turks Head, where residents tucked into their meals and shared stories about being part of an Inspired community and their favourite walks.
Jamie Bunce, CEO of Inspired Villages Group, who also took part on the walk, comments: “Great Alne Park was the perfect place to launch our new Walking Guides, surrounded by acres of woodland and stunning countryside.
“The Inspired walk was a fantastic day and we were delighted that Julia could be part of it. Our local residents and those who travelled from our other villages throughout the UK enjoyed it immensely.
"The event was part of our drive to help combat loneliness. It's predicted that between 2008 and 2033 there will be a 44% increase in the number of 65-74 year olds living alone across the country*, and research shows that being lonely can have a negative impact on physical and mental health**.
“Our residents are at the heart of everything we do, the success of our business depends on their general health and happiness. They are our biggest advocates. These Walking Guides endeavour to facilitate living longer and to encourage our residents to explore the attractive surroundings of their new homes."
Set within 78 acres of parkland to the north of the picturesque Cotswolds, Great Alne Park occupies an enviable position in the Warwickshire countryside. The development is within easy reach of Warwick, Leamington Spa and Henley-in-Arden.
Jamie says: “Great Alne Park reflects the needs of today’s retirees, who want to continue living independently, and yet take reassurance from knowing support is available should they need it.
"Just like every Inspired Village, the central facilities at the development are a focal point for the village. They give people the freedom to join new-found friends for a swim in the wellness spa, take a trip to the cinema just a short walk from their doorstep and, if they don’t fancy cooking, to enjoy a delicious lunch in the clubhouse restaurant.”
Inspired – which also owns Austin Heath, a development of luxurious apartments in Heathcote, Warwick – is striving to reinvent later living.
Jamie explains: “Our vision is to make a big impact on major issues such as health, care and loneliness. Our unique later living accommodation and communities are centred on the philosophy that adventures, good health and happiness don’t stop in retirement.
“People should be able to enjoy their retirement to the fullest and have fun, so we provide older people with homes that allow them to live younger for longer and enjoy a wonderful quality of life.”
To find out more about Great Alne Park, go to www.inspiredvillages.co.uk.
