10,000 miles to happier, healthier ageing

Silverfit and TSB launch Silverfit 10 Challenge to promote intergenerational fitness

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 costs £10 per team. This fee grants teams’ access to the challenge as well as two #Silverfit10Challenge t-shirts.