The former newsreader and presenter came to the United
Generations event at the MK Dons stadium and, sitting on an
exercise bike from the Lovat Fields Village gym, talked to
residents and staff, including ExtraCare's Chief Executive Nick
Abbey.
"The importance of staying fit and healthy is that it allows you
to go on living an independent lifestyle," she explained.
Ms Rippon also gave a speech to guests at the event, explaining
how she has stayed so fit and healthy. She said that she starts
each day by stretching, and demonstrated that she can still touch
her toes, at nearly 67.
"There's not a day in my life when I don't begin with
stretches," she said. "I am fortunately very supple because I do
exercises every day of my life. You will find that doing this
simple thing will make your body stronger.
"Everybody should try and do some exercise during the day,
because your body is like a machine. It's a marvellous, magnificent
machine, and any machine will seize up if it's not used, or fed
badly. The most important thing in life is learning to look after
your body. You need to think of it as a much-loved, cleaned up
vintage car."
She suggested that older people take time out to exercise by
walking, dancing, stretching, or even doing housework. She also
told guests to keep their minds sharp by doing suduko, crosswords,
or debating.
Before she left, Ms Rippon invited everyone to dance and led the
group in a cha-cha-cha.
Staff, residents and volunteers also manned stands at the event,
and the future residents of Shenley Wood Village performed several
songs, led by Helen Waite, Commissioning Team, Activities.
In addition to The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, Milton Keynes
Council Trading Standards, the Council's Adult Social Care Team, MK
Dons Sport and Education Trust, and local volunteer groups were
also giving out information. The event was also sponsored by Costa
Coffee.
See more pictures on Flickr.
Were you at the event? Let us know what you thought on Facebook!
For further information, please contact:
Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk