Love to Move and the Wiltshire Senior Games Are Transforming Later Life

As the UK’s population continues to age, communities are increasingly looking for ways to help older adults stay active, connected and independent. In Wiltshire, an inspiring partnership between the British Gymnastics Foundation’s Love to Move programme and the Wiltshire Senior Games is demonstrating just how powerful movement can be in supporting healthy ageing.

Love to Move: Movement, Music and Connection

Love to Move is our seated exercise programme designed specifically for older adults, including those living with dementia, Parkinson’s disease and other cognitive impairments, the programme combines movement, music and social interaction in a fun and engaging way.

What makes Love to Move unique is its use of bilaterally asymmetrical movement patterns, carefully designed to stimulate different areas of the brain. Developed and tested over two years in care homes and community settings, the programme has been shown to support improvements in:

  • Memory and cognitive function
  • Speech and communication
  • Strength, flexibility and mobility
  • Confidence and independence
  • Emotional wellbeing
  • Social connection

Transforming Lives Through Movement

The impact of Love to Move extends far beyond physical activity. Independent research conducted by organisations including Age UK, The Evaluator and the University of Bradford has demonstrated significant benefits for participants.

“This is the only activity she will happily leave the house for.”

Since its launch, we have trained more than 1,200 deliverers, reached over 24,000 older adults and generated more than £51 million in Social Return on Investment.

  • 93% say it helps them manage their physical health
  • 77% report improvements in their mental wellbeing
  • 97% have formed new friendships
  • 82% feel more connected to their community

Wiltshire Senior Games: Supporting Healthy Ageing Across the County

Wiltshire is becoming a leading example of how communities can support healthy ageing on a large scale. With the number of residents aged over 85 expected to increase significantly over the coming decades, local partners have prioritised initiatives that promote wellbeing, independence and social connection. For many participants, the programme provides not only movement, but friendship, routine and a sense of belonging.

“Her confidence has greatly increased. She leaves in a happier, calmer state.”

Funded by Public Health Wiltshire, the Wiltshire Senior Games has brought fun, inclusive physical activity into more than 120 care homes, nursing homes and assisted living settings across the county. Love to Move has become a key part of the programme, providing accessible movement sessions that can be enjoyed by people of all abilities.

The success of the initiative has been recognised nationally, with Senior Games Coordinator Jane Sims receiving a BBC Radio Wiltshire Make a Difference Award for her outstanding work supporting older people across the county.

Jane Sims

Creating a Lasting Legacy

One of the most inspiring aspects of the Wiltshire Senior Games is its commitment to sustainability. More than 70 care home staff have now been trained to continue delivering activities within their own settings, ensuring residents can benefit long into the future.

More recently, 72-year-old Dee Cheng, a resident at an independent living facility in Chippenham, completed her Love to Move training and is now employed to lead sessions in her local community. Her journey demonstrates how the programme not only supports participants but also creates new opportunities for older adults to remain active and engaged contributors within their communities.

Dee and Jane

Why It Works

The success of Love to Move and the Wiltshire Senior Games lies in their ability to bring people together. By combining movement, music, laughter and social interaction, sessions create an environment where participants feel valued, included and supported. Benefits reported across the programme include:

  • Improved strength, balance and mobility
  • Increased confidence and independence
  • Better mood and emotional wellbeing
  • Reduced risk of deconditioning
  • Greater social connection
  • Stronger links between local communities and care settings

Looking Ahead

As the need to support healthy ageing continues to grow, programmes like Love to Move are demonstrating that movement can play a vital role in helping people live healthier, happier and more connected lives. The British Gymnastics Foundation remains committed to expanding access to Love to Move, ensuring more older adults across the UK can experience the benefits of movement, friendship and fun.

The success of the Wiltshire Senior Games shows what is possible when organisations work together with a shared goal: helping people to stay active, independent and connected at every stage of life.

Whether you’re an organisation interested in bringing Love to Move to your community, would like to train as a Love to Move deliverer, or are looking for a local session for a loved one, we’d love to hear from you. Email: [email protected]

Find out more about Love to Move

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