Silverfit and TSB launch Silverfit 10 Challenge to promote intergenerational fitness - press release by Miranda Markham
According to recent research, when younger and older people interact and share experiences, it can help reduce the risk of depression, cognitive decline and dementia in over 65s. That’s why Silverfit and TSB have teamed up to launch the Silverfit 10 Challenge, a new challenge that aims to pair people from different generations with a goal of walking, running or jogging a collective 10,000 miles during the months of August and September.
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. Teams will be encouraged to set their own challenges and attempt to gain sponsors for reaching them, though this is not mandatory. Funds raised will go to Silverfit, a charity founded by Eddie Brocklesby, the oldest British woman to have completed an Ironman triathlon, with 25% going to Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals’ Charity Children’s Ward.
“The Silverfit mission is to combat social isolation and promote happier, healthier ageing through physical activity,” says 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 challenge, this is a way to encourage more people to reap the benefits of intergenerational fitness with enough flexibility that anyone can get involved.”
Teams will share their participation on Instagram with the hashtag #Silverfit10Challenge and submit updates on how they’re doing along the way. The totals will be published across Silverfit social channels to show progress towards a collective goal of 10,000 miles. Totals will also be published 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.
Pete Markey, CMO Chief Marketing Officer TSB Bank said, “We want to help local people and the communities they live in to thrive. We’re proud to be supporting the Silverfit 10 challenge as we know that mental and physical health is more important than ever for those communities.”
Benefits of Intergenerational Fitness
By the end of 2020, a quarter of people living in Europe will be over 65, leading to an increased risk of depression, cognitive decline and even suicide. Intergenerational activities – those that involve a younger and older person sharing experiences – are proven to help combat these conditions.
- Intergenerational programmes promote active ageing, enhanced confidence, self esteem and social skills which contribute to overall health and emotional wellbeing
- Younger people motivate older people to participate in more physical activity which contributes to decreased risk of falls, improved mental health and disease prevention
- Intergenerational activities can help combat dementia by reducing isolation and increasing activity
How to Participate in the #Silverfit10Challenge
Teams can sign up for the challenge until August 31st via EventBrite. Participation in the challenge is free and comes with two #Silverfit10Challenge t-shirts to wear during the challenge.
For more information, visit https://www.silverfit.org.uk or to set up an interview with Eddie, contact Miranda Markham –[email protected]
Notes to editors
About Silverfit
Silverfit is an exciting, rapidly expanding charity, led by older people, for older people. We exist to inspire and enable everyone to get the benefits that a healthy lifestyle can provide – whatever their age, social background, ability, financial situation or previous experience of being active. Our aim is to promote happier, healthier ageing through physical activity and social connectivity. Our `sandwich` formula of socialising /exercise/socialising for older people is unique; increasing activity levels and helping people make new friends, feel more confident and enjoy life as they age. We are an ever-expanding family - offering fun, friendship and support at times of need.
Silverfit runs weekly, low cost group activity sessions for older people to promote healthier, happier ageing, particularly in areas of socio-economic deprivation where the greatest difference can be made. During the sessions we offer a wide range of activities to the over-45s including; Cheerleading, Bollywood Fitness, Walking Football, Nordic Walking, badminton, dance, cycling, Pilates, Tai Chi and Yoga. Silverfit offers 42 sessions at 15 venues across London, but currently only 9/34 boroughs.
About Eddie Brocklesby
Dr Edwina (aka Eddie) Brocklesby is the CE/founder of Silverfit Charity and is the oldest British woman to have completed an Ironman triathlon at the age of 74. She has spent the last twenty years taking part in marathons, triathlons and Ironman races across the globe, has represented GB in many European and World triathlon and duathlon championships, cycled in a 4 women relay of over 3000 miles across America and completed five further Ironman triathlons.
Edwina founded Silverfit in 2013, a charity devoted to increasing physical activity and social inclusion for older people – having fun. It has gone from strength to strength and is now a success in 17 venues across 9 London boroughs, with over 500 attending sessions every week, and a high retention rate she puts down to the socialising element.
In April 2018 Brocklesby became a published author with the release of her autobiography, Irongran. Leading to a wide range of coverage on TV, Radio, and in national and local newspapers and multiple magazines.
Born in 1943 Edwina was a social worker for 50 years, educated at the University of Nottingham with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and then the University of Leicester with a PhD relating to Adoption and Contact in 2009. Edwina is a mother of three and grandmother of four and in the recent New Year’s Honours list she received the British Empire Medal for services to the Health and Wellbeing of older people.
