BeActive: new wellbeing programme launched by Anchor Hanover

A new, comprehensive wellness and movement programme has been curated and launched by Anchor Hanover. Journalist and broadcaster and ex Krypton Factor host Gordon Burns helped us launch the programme this week.

BeActive is designed to empower older people to take control of their physical and mental wellbeing and make positive changes in their lives, during and beyond lockdown.

The inclusive programme has been carefully curated with industry experts and offers a wide range of online resources, from video-led exercise and dance routines to podcasts and tips on how to keep the mind active. It is available to everyone across the country for free here.

The BeActive launch follows the recently announced government drive to encourage adults to live healthier lives and comes at a time when over half (51%) of the public worry that lockdown measures for older people will notably impact their health and wellbeing.

Anchor Hanover’s research shows that three in 10 over 70s have felt increasingly lonely since lockdown restrictions were put in place, and 28% struggle to fill the day and keep themselves busy. Against this backdrop, there has never been a more important time to encourage and inspire older people to stay active and boost their mental health, mobility, and wellbeing.

The BeActive programme includes videos in the successful 10 Today series – 10-minute audio workouts, hosted by Anchor Hanover resident and qualified fitness instructor Terry Keen, designed to get older people stretching and moving, created in partnership with Sport England and Demos – as well as fresh and engaging content such as Tai Chi, Pilates and Yoga instruction videos.

BeActive podcasts will also be released every two weeks which will cover an array of wellbeing topics such as mindful breathing exercises and a six-week pain management programme by charity Versus Arthritis.

Anna Clewlow, Anchor Hanover’s Customer Involvement Manager, says:

In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever for older people to prioritise their mental and physical wellbeing. With the launch of BeActive, we’re encouraging people to adopt positive changes into their daily routines, and get moving. The wide variety of activities available means that everyone will be able to find something that suits them, whether that be an energetic exercise routine, or informative wellbeing advice. We hope that our residents and the wider public will embrace the programme and enjoy its far-reaching benefits.

Terry Keen (74), an Anchor Hanover resident, qualified fitness instructor and contributor to the BeActive programme, says:

We need to ensure that older people like me, many of whom have been self-isolating for a long time, remain active and can exercise in a way that suits our needs. The BeActive content is both fun and informative, the exercises are adaptable to different fitness levels and can be done at any time from the comfort of your living room, or even your armchair. I want older people across the country to know they’re not alone and am encouraging them to get involved!

To find out more about BeActive and view all of the podcasts and videos, click here.