To keep everyone moving whatever their age.
At Zest we use music and movement to help enhance mobility and boost wellbeing at home and in social and residential care settings. Our online videos are easy to use; every exercise is expertly designed to be completed seated and safely by everybody. Every move is clearly explained and demonstrated by our dance specialists, who bring decades of experience to making movement fun. So, while each video is designed to counter mobility issues that typically affect an older age group, classes are joyous and social for everyone.
Zest has developed video content to be shared in care homes, at home or in a social care setting, including:
Everything we create is designed to enhance health, wellbeing and social connections. We believe music has the power to lift mood and connect us and we have curated a diverse mix of music for all to enjoy. We work with musicians and composers from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and our circle of creative music partners to bring you beautifully produced music to move to.
“Zest is all about getting people to move a little bit more and be
physically and socially active as much as possible.”
Zest Active Arts founder, Clare Parker
Founded by dancer and educator Clare Parker, as a way of using screens to get people moving more every day, Zest is a partnership project by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Wellmoor (Moretonhampstead Development Trust)) and Villages in Action. Zest was developed with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding as part of the Healthy Ageing Challenge, which is used to ‘help people remain active, productive, independent and socially connected across generations for as long as possible’. All in line with the Zest mission:
To utilise the arts to help people become more physically, socially, and creatively active.
Our ambition is to offer an expert service to enhance the mobility of every older person and care home resident. And we want to spread a little happiness along the way. The words that best communicate our ethos are:
Happiness is at the core of our work and, above all, joy matters.
We are committed to quality and strive to be the best in all we do.
We unlock the potential in people to enact positive change.
We work in partnership with creatives, technologists, and care communities to co-create our products and services.
Are your exercises suitable for everybody
We know that older people have varying levels of mobility and fitness, and so we have created a wide range of seated exercises that can easily be modified to suit individual abilities. We include gentler choices for those with limited mobility, incorporating low-impact workouts, balance exercises and strength training. That way, users can choose the movements that are suitable and safe for their current level of fitness. We also suggest ways to modify exercises or offer alternatives where we think that will be beneficial. Many of our videos can also be adapted for dementia settings – if in doubt contact us to ask how: info@zestactivearts.org.
The NHS recommends older adults do some type of physical activity every day to improve their health and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. If it is not possible to do this due to a chronic condition, they should be as active as their ability and conditions allow. For those who have not exercised for some time, have concerns or medical conditions, a GP or healthcare professional can provide guidance.
What support or assistance is available for users and carers?
We provide four training modules to help support carers and care home staff to access our content safely and effectively. In addition, our On The Move videos are all led by specialists who offer tips throughout. We also provide in-person training and are happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Simply email us at info@zestactivearts.org.
How do I subscribe?
We offer three subscription models. You’ll find all the details here. If you have any more queries, contact us, info@zestactivearts.org.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra exists to bring music into people's lives. In addition to its busy touring schedule of symphonic concerts throughout the South West, the Orchestra delivers an extensive programme of participatory music activity for people of all ages with a focus on inclusion, creative learning and community, and enhancing health & wellbeing through music.
Wellmoor (part of Moretonhampstead Development Trust) is a health & wellbeing charity based in Devon, offering community support initiatives that support people of all ages to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
Villages in Action is a charity that invites people to re-imagine how and why our towns and villages in Devon engage with arts and culture on their doorsteps. We open up the way our rural communities enjoy and grow new creative opportunities, including those who are currently marginalised or excluded.
Founder, movement specialist
Traning lead, movement specialist
Customer relations
Project consultant
Project lead (BSO)
Project manager
Human computer interaction
Creative programmer
Digital producer