UK’s ageing population inspires boom in retirement homes with swimming pools and spas
· 18% of UK population now aged 65 or older (ONS)
· Regular exercise can reduce likelihood of Alzheimer’s by up to 50% (Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation)
· Swimming is the ideal low-impact activity for retirees looking to keep in shape (Aqua Platinum)
The benefits of exercise during retirement have been well documented. Keeping active as you age can help to stave off a wide range of illnesses, both physical and mental. The Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, for example, states that regular physical exercise can reduce an individual’s chance of getting Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 50%.
Regular exercise also helps to prevent heart disease, maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels and boost mood and energy levels. However, not all forms of exercise are suitable as you get older, with high-impact activities putting unnecessary amounts of strain on muscles and joints. That’s why so many retirees embrace swimming.
“Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for those who don’t want to put too much strain on their joints. The low-impact nature of the activity means that it’s suitable for those in their golden years and the multiple health benefits are well known.”
Dominic Searle, Aqua Platinum
Luxury swimming pool design and build company Aqua Platinum has recently been working to help retirees boost their exercise levels, with the installation of a high end swimming pool and wellness complex at Royal Arthur Park in Wiltshire.
In addition to the sizeable indoor swimming pool, featuring two infinity edges, Aqua Platinum designed and built an integral spa, standalone spa, sauna and steam room. The complex is for the exclusive use of residents of the 350-apartment Wadswick Green retirement village, which was designed with health and wellness at its very core.
“The transition from work to retirement is a huge change. With more time on their hands, people have the opportunity to look afresh at their commitment to their fitness levels. It’s never too late to start a new exercise regime and swimming is a wonderfully gentle way to build strength, stamina and muscle tone. We were delighted to be able to provide such superb facilities for residents of Wadswick Green retirement village, enabling them to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing as part of their daily lives.”
Dominic Searle, Aqua Platinum
Luxurious retirement villages have boomed in recent years, with developers aiming to satisfy the demands of baby-boomers looking to spend their golden years in style. According to Knight Frank, those aged over 60 in England have access to some £1,200bn in unmortgaged housing wealth. Retirement developments provide them with the means to part with some of that cash in exchange for a range of premium facilities honed specifically to suit the health and social requirements of older people.
The Overview of the UK population: July 2017 from the Office for National Statistics confirmed that the UK’s population is getting older. Some 18% of the population is now aged 65 and older, while 2.4% is aged 85 and above. There are now 285 people aged 65 or older for every 1,000 aged 16 to 64. With an ageing population, developments such as Wadswick Green are set to increase in number over the years ahead, along with demand for swimming pool and spa facilities that retirees can use to keep themselves in tiptop condition.
For more information, call 0203 362 0442 or visit www.aquaplatinumprojects.co.uk.