Staying active and engaged is the key to a healthy later life and the fabulous facilities at Middleton Hall Retirement Village are designed to help people living there to do just that.
Set in 45 acres of award-winning grounds with allotments, sports facilities, a swimming pool and jacuzzi, a gym and fitness studio and a wide range of regular activities, from pottery to table tennis, there’s never a dull moment at the retirement community located in Middleton St George, near Darlington.
Overall health, fitness, improved memory function and better life expectancy – there’s strong evidence that residents of integrated retirement communities, which combine high quality housing options for older people with tailored support services, can look forward to all of these.
Research conducted by independent health and social care research organisation The Kings Fund and the York University found that older people in retirement communities are healthier and more independent and require reduced levels of health and care support.
Managing Director Suzanne Graham says that this matches the experience of those living at Middleton Hall Retirement Village.
“From using the gym for the first time, to getting involved with the numerous activities and events, people are encouraged and are able to lead active, independent lives, which has very positive knock-on effects on health and well-being,” she says.
Research by Aston and Lancaster Universities, commissioned by not-for-profit retirement housing developer The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, found that residents in retirement villages cost the NHS 38% less per annum, exercise by residents increased by 75%, anxiety symptoms decreased by 23% while memory improved by 24% and 85.5% of residents never or hardly ever felt lonely.
“People living here really embrace the opportunities we offer to be active and get involved,” says Michael Hodgson, Middleton Hall Retirement Village’s Healthy Living Manager.
“The social benefits are as important as maintaining fitness and flexibility. Our monthly calendar of activities has something for everyone, from sport to bridge and book clubs, art, pottery and knitting sessions, coffee mornings and cinema nights to volunteering and regular day trips.”
Dorothy and Mike Brett moved from Northumberland in June 2021 to live in one of Middleton Hall Retirement Village’s independent Waterside properties. For Mike the swimming pool and gym in Middleton Spa were amongst the main deciding factors. “We use them every day if we can. We’ve been members of gyms for over 40 years and we wouldn’t have moved here without it.”
Not having had the space to garden since he was in his 20s, Mike is also enjoying creating his new allotment.
Dorothy, a former county-level hockey player and gymnast who is also passionate about fitness, added: “The great thing is that everything is on the site. You don’t need to get in a car, the gym and pool are around the corner.”
For further information about Middleton Hall Retirement Village visit: www.middletonhallretirementvillage.co.uk or call 01325 332207.