Did you know, active, involved older adults with close intergenerational connections consistently report much less depression, better physical health, and higher degrees of life satisfaction? They tend to be happier with their present life and more hopeful for the future.

And, we at Silverfit Charity, think this is just great!

This is why we have teamed up with TSB to launch a new challenge, ‘Silverfit 10 Challenge’ – with the aim to pair people in person or virtually, from different generations to walk, run or jog a collective 10,000 miles during the month of August.

“The Silverfit mission is to combat social isolation and promote happier, healthier ageing through physical activity,” says Silverfit Founder Edwina Brocklesby. “The Silverfit 10 Challenge not only supports this mission, but it allows us to do so during a time when our usual community meetups are on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Whether teams walk 10,000 steps each week, jog 10km, or walk 10 times over the course of the month, this challenge is a way to encourage more people to reap the benefits of intergenerational fitness with enough flexibility that anyone can get involved.”

How to Participate in the #Silverfit10Challenge:

To participate in the challenge, teams consisting of one younger person (8-25) and one older person (45+) will walk, run or jog a distance related to the number 10 – be it 10 miles or 100 between the pair. Sign ups are open until August 31st.

Participation in the challenge is free through Eventbrite here. You will also get access to two #Silverfit10Challenge t-shirts to wear during the challenge.

What to do when you’re signed up:

Teams will be encouraged to set their own challenges and try to gain sponsorship donations for reaching their targets. We encourage you to create your own Just Giving fundraising page to link through to our main campaign page here, or individuals may donate to our campaign page on your behalf, be sure to ask them to mention your name in their donation message! Funds raised will go to Silverfit and also 25% will go to NHS Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals’ Charity Children’s Ward.

Socially share your successes:

If you have access to Instagram, share are your distances with us using the hashtag #Silverfit10Challenge to be included in daily and weekly totals. The totals will be published across Silverfit social channels to show progress towards a collective goal of 10,000 miles, and also on the Silverfit website alongside a leaderboard of top-ranking teams in a variety of categories, including greatest distance covered and greatest number of walks.

We hope you enjoy this fun, intergenerational challenge, and look forward to checking in on you along the way via our social channels

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FAQs:

1. Can I post all my progress in one batch later? Posting when I go out is difficult or I’d rather not clog up my feed.

a. Yes! You can post your progress at a later date, but unfortunately this does mean your contributions won’t be included in our progress charts until you upload them. If you can post your distances when you do them

2. What are the prizes awarded for?

a. Prizes are to be awarded for 4 categories – greatest total distance, greatest number of walks, most funds raised and best dressed!

3. Do I have to wear the T-shirt when I go out?

a. Not at all! We would love for you to wear our shirt and post updates in it; however, we understand not everyone is comfortable with this. If you are happy to wear a t-shirt, please refer to this webpage for sizing.

4. Is there a minimum amount I need to raise?

a. There is no minimum fundraising requirement past the £10 entry fee. We do of course appreciate any further sponsorships or fundraising you can manage though!

5. Do I need to be walking with my partner?

a. No – we understand that under the difficult current circumstances many people will not be able to physically get together with their partner. Maintaining social distancing and protecting yourselves and others is the main priority!

6. Do both group members need to participate equally?

a. No – We would like each of you to challenge yourself to a level that works for you. If you feel comfortable doing more than your partner this is completely fine!

7. My grandchild is under 18, can they participate?

a. Any participant under 18 MUST have their guardian’s permission to take part in any group.

8. Do I need to post photos of myself?

a. We would love if you can post photos of yourself when you are out, but you only need to let us know your distances covered and group number.

9. When is the Signup deadline?

a. Signup is open from 10th to 24th of July, or until we reach 250 teams – whichever comes first.