An 87-year-old from Henley has been sharing how she keeps fit as new data shows more than half of over-65s feel more active now than ever before.

Brenda Wright, who lives at the McCarthy Stone retirement development Albert Court, has always enjoyed exercise and believes it is an important part of maintaining a lust for life.

She said: "I’ve always enjoyed doing exercise and have done everything from swimming and tennis to netball.

"I now love to go on long walks and Albert Court is in the perfect location for that, as we’re only about 300 yards away from the riverbank."

Brenda Wright (centre) during a 'Sit-Fit' class at Albert LodgeBrenda Wright (centre) during a 'Sit-Fit' class at Albert Lodge (Image: McCarthy Stone) McCarthy Stone's study also found walking was retirees' most loved pastime, with almost a quarter saying it is their favourite thing to do in their free time.

Ms Wright also attends the weekly 'Sit-Fit' class at Albert Court, which was introduced a year ago, and which she said is “such a fun and friendly activity".

These classes on a Tuesday afternoon have helped her to maintain other hobbies, such as walking.

She said: "As a group, we all feel as if we get a really good workout from the classes.

"Not only can I feel the difference in my muscles, but I also feel more energetic.

"I’m quite lucky really as I have quite a lot of energy anyway and I’m relatively mobile which means I’m still able to pop to the shops.

"I’m one of the younger members of the group, as there are a few members in their 90s.

"But we don’t let our age stop us - we all get stuck in, waving our arms about, using the resistance bands, and throwing balls to one another.

"It’s a very friendly and cheerful environment, so we don’t mind if we look a bit silly in front of one another."

The classes at Albert Court were devised by Berkshire-based personal trainer Ben Broadhead, who initially introduced them at another McCarthy Stone development.

He said: "I was attracted to work with an older demographic as I understood how much exercise can help with their quality of life, independence, and mobility.

"Strength exercises can help manage a range of physical conditions, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, as well as joint pain.

"They also have a functional purpose, for example, bicep curls help build strength in the upper arms which can make tasks like carrying shopping or lifting easier."

Ms Wright also believes it is important to keep busy and maintain social interaction in older age, saying "your mind and body can slowly start to deteriorate" otherwise.