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How to make the most of your one chance to exercise outside

The government has announced strict new measures for tackling coronavirus. At Platinum Skies, we have been closely following advice from Public Health England (PHE), the NHS and the government for all our retirement living sites and communities. To tackle the spread of coronavirus, Boris Johnson announced on Monday night that we’re only permitted to leave the…

Why spring cleaning is good for your mental health

It’ll release endorphins – the happy hormone. Spring is on its way, with lighter mornings and brighter skies, and daylight saving (when we turn the clocks forward one hour) beginning on Sunday March 29. Around about now, thoughts turn to spring cleaning – especially as we are all spending a lot more time at home.…

Looking for a good book? Here’s what to read next

These are the nominations for the top prize at the British Book Awards. If you’ve suddenly found yourself with a bit more time on your hands, now’s perfect for sinking your teeth into a new book. There’s so much choice it’s often hard to know where to begin, which is why prizes like The British Book…

British Museum: Doors are closed but more people are visiting online

The most online visitors are now from Italy, it said. The British Museum said it has seen a surge in online visitors after closing its doors. There has been a spike in interest in the museum’s online content and virtual tours, it said, since it shut because of the coronavirus pandemic. The number of visitors…

Three fitness challenges to try at home

Self-isolation and social distancing can mean it’s easy to stop working out entirely, but your body and mind will hugely benefit from exercise. If you’re stuck inside, either due to self-isolation or working from home because of coronavirus, maintaining your active retirement lifestyle can be tricky. However, exercise might just be more important than ever.…

Nationwide Building Society opens branches early for elderly and vulnerable

The society is trialling new branch opening times during the coronavirus outbreak to help the elderly and vulnerable people manage their money. Britain’s biggest building society is trialling new branch opening times during the coronavirus outbreak, to help the elderly and vulnerable manage their money with a dedicated hour each morning. From March 18, more…

Ten Mother’s Day gifts for home comfort queens

A gift she can enjoy at home is bound to be a hit. Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to make your mum feel special with a thoughtful gift – but while chocolates and flowers are a fail-safe traditional choice, how about surprising her with a home treat? From accessories to make her rooms sparkle…

RECIPE: Banana Bread

The idea that most people will be affected by mental health issues at least once in their life has never seemed more prevalent. While it’s a conversation that still feels relatively new, awareness of mental ill health is growing, and in turn the condition is becoming less stigmatised.  It’s a topic heavily debated on social…

Six of the healthiest foods in the world

Get to know these health-promoting powerhouses. Learning to cook and prepare healthy foods doesn’t just taste great, it’s also the key to warding off disease, staying trim and keeping your heart healthy. At Platinum Skies, we make nutritional care one of our priorities. That being said, not all healthy foods are made equal, and while…

Five minutes with Amanda Barrie: Love, work and ageing well

Corrie’s Alma Barlow – actor Amanda Barrie – reveals how being in her Eighties isn’t stopping her living life to the full. Former Coronation Street and Bad Girls star Amanda Barrie may be 81, but she’s having the time of her life. She’s recently appeared on The Baby Boomers’ Guide To Growing Old, BBC’s fly-on-the-wall…

Five foods to reduce your risk of stroke

As a new study is published, we reveal the diet changes that could help slash your stroke risk. We already know our lifestyles play an important role in our risk of suffering a stroke – and now a major new study suggests eating certain foods could play a significant part. The study – one of…

Bake Off judge Prue Leith reflects on turning 80

The celebrity cook joined the show when it moved to Channel 4 in 2017. The Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith had admitted to a “slight feeling of panic” at turning 80. The broadcaster and restaurateur marks the milestone on Tuesday and will celebrate with a cake made by chefs at her self-titled culinary…