Wallacea Living is a new kind of luxury Integrated Retirement Community (IRC), with wellbeing at its heart and all you need to make later life, the time of your life.
Our residents enjoy personal wellbeing plans, support with exercise and nutrition, alongside a monthly plan of ever changing social events from tai-chi and day hikes, to pottery classes and history lectures.
Curious about luxury retirement homes in London? You can move into our Marylebone community from early next year, 2026. Call our friendly team for a chat on 020 3960 1000 or send us an email at enquiries@wallacealiving.com.
At Wallacea Living, wellbeing is thoughtfully woven into everyday life. It supports physical vitality, emotional balance, social connection, purpose-driven living, and a strong sense of community.
Among the many initiatives designed to enrich later life, movement is a key pillar, and supporting this philosophy at Wallacea Living is Pieta Keene. A specialist in working with adults, Pieta brings decades of experience in mindful movement, pain management, and adaptive exercise to the daily lives of owners.
Pieta’s Pilates sessions are not only tailored to support strength, balance, and mobility in later life - they also offer owners a moment of calm connection and the joy of shared experience. We caught up with her to discuss the importance of movement in maintenance - and why Pilates stands out as one of the most powerful tools for ageing well.
What initially led you to explore Pilates, and how did it evolve into your area of expertise?
In my twenties I was a circus performer, and Pilates was something I practised to prevent injuries. Later, when I had children and left performing, I realised I still needed Pilates - not for performance, but to stay strong and well in everyday life. I qualified as an instructor when my youngest was a baby, he’s now 14. I also hold a master’s degree in Pain Management, and I have been teaching movement of some kind since I started training as a gymnastics instructor at 14.
What inspired you to focus your practice on later life living and integrated retirement communities like Wallacea Living?
My father had a stroke in 2018, and that really shifted my focus. I qualified as a stroke rehab trainer and completed further training in exercise for adults in their later years. It struck me that they are an underserved demographic when it comes to movement, which is unfair and unnecessary. As I watch my parents age, I see first-hand the importance of strength, balance and daily movement for their health and happiness.
For someone who hasn’t tried it before, how would you define Pilates?
At its core, Pilates is about mindful movement, but what makes it different is the breathwork, the body awareness and the emphasis on moving slowly and consciously. That’s especially powerful as we get older.
“Pilates invites you to listen to your body, not just notice it when it hurts. That kind of awareness is powerful. It encourages people to tune in when their bodies whisper, rather than waiting until they shout. At Wallacea Living, that quiet moment of internal connection will be followed by a cup of tea and a chat, so there’s a sense of social wellbeing too.”
Why is Pilates so beneficial for older people in particular?
As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and balance can decline. Pilates addresses both. I’ve seen regular clients experience less joint pain from osteoarthritis and a noticeable improvement in their range of movement. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness those shifts.
Most people associate Pilates with core strength. What else does it support in later life?
Yes, the core is important, but there’s also a sense of mental calm that comes with connecting movement to breath. We gently mobilise the spine in all directions, and we always finish class feeling taller, lighter and more at ease in our bodies.
That emotional or mental side of movement - how do you see that play out in your classes at Wallacea?
Pilates invites you to listen to your body, not just notice it when it hurts. That kind of awareness is powerful. It encourages people to tune in when their bodies whisper, rather than waiting until they shout. And at Wallacea Living, that quiet moment of internal connection will be followed by a cup of tea and a chat, so there’s a sense of social wellbeing too.
How do you adapt your sessions for people with different mobility levels or health concerns?
I always start by asking what someone wants to focus on that day. Because our classes are small, I can offer variations, so everyone works at a level that challenges them – but that never overwhelms. Sometimes, everyone’s doing a slightly different version of the same movement, which is beautiful to see.
What would you say to someone who thinks they’re “too old” or “too stiff” to try Pilates?
Just come for ten minutes. That’s it. You don’t have to do the whole class. Some movement is always better than none. And at Wallacea Living, this type of movement is never a chore - it’s part of a broader lifestyle, surrounded by comfort and care.
How do participants tend to feel after a session? What keeps them coming back?
Refreshed. Looser. A little taller. People notice their joints moving more freely, their breath flowing more easily. It’s not just a class - it’s a reset.
There is also growing awareness of the difference between lifespan and health span too. Living longer is one thing - living well is another. If you want to stay independent and vibrant, movement matters. Pilates fits beautifully into that picture of long-term, purposeful living.
And for someone starting Pilates later in life -what are the long-term benefits?
Pilates, or movement, should be considered akin to brushing your teeth - it’s body maintenance. It helps you stay mobile, strong, and centred. So that you can keep doing all the things you love, for as long as possible.
Wellbeing at Wallacea Living is holistic, intuitive and deeply personalised. Blending movement, connection, and comfort to help owners thrive in every stage of later life.
Curious? If you would like to try a class with Pieta, or find out more about the support our Wellbeing team provide for residents, call 020 3960 1000 or email enquiries@wallacealiving.com to arrange a private visit.
