Sweatbands at the ready – High Wycombe care home residents take unusual approach to getting fit

A care home in High Wycombe has been taking part in an unusual type of exercise to kick start the new year. 

Residents at Ridley Manor, in Lane End, formerly known as Gracewell of High Wycombe, have taken part in an 1980s-inspired workout as part of Care UK’s ‘Let’s Get Physical’ initiative – which aims to encourage residents to get up and active by trying something new.

The session saw residents and team members don colourful sweatbands as part of a seated workout to the beat of classic 80s songs. 

In addition to the colourful workout, residents also enjoyed a host of keep-fit activities, including bowling, cycling and archery. 

Alex Vasile, Activity Coordinator at Ridley Manor, said: “We had a fantastic time taking part in our special 1980s-inspired workout here at Ridley Manor. 

“We are constantly looking for new and exciting ways to encourage residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, which is why a fun themed workout seemed like the perfect activity.

“Gentle exercise can do wonders for older people by reducing the risks of heart disease. Coupled with the benefits of music, which can be a wonderful tool to encourage reminiscence, we felt we’d found the perfect activity – and we loved hearing some of our favourite tunes from 1980s while breaking a sweat! 

“Judging by the smiles on everyone’s faces, our 1980s-inspired workout was a hit – we are looking forward continuing the sessions throughout 2022. Who knows, we may have the next Green Goddess in our midst!”

Ridley Manor, formerly known as Gracewell of High Wycombe and now a part of the Care UK family, is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia, palliative and short-term respite care. The care home has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Ridley Manor, please call Home Admissions Advisor, Hayley Devereaux, on 01494 853 669, or email hayley.devereaux@careuk.com.

For more general information, please visit: careuk.com/ridley-manor.

To find out more about Care UK’s partnership with the Green Goddess, and for more top tips on how you and your loved ones can get involved at home, visit careuk.com/lets-get-physical.