Claudine Aherne

Claudine is the founder of Vida Wellness, helping older adults to stay fit and strong, keep their brains sharp, and stay healthy and happy at any age.

She is committed to sharing the message that:

- Much of what we consider to be normal ageing is a result of poor lifestyle choices

- Successful ageing means staying engaged and active

- Our lifestyle choices play a much bigger part in determining our health outcomes than our genetics

- Having a purpose or passion in life is crucial for ageing well

When Claudine founded Vida Wellness, she brought together her background in consumer marketing (with Unilever in the US and UK), her knowledge and experience as an exercise specialist, and her work in a high-profile local government role (transforming physical activity participation amongst over 50s in the London Borough of Wandsworth).

Claudine has organised, co-hosted and presented at three Active Ageing Seminars in London. She has presented at the International Coalition on Active Aging (ICAA) conference, at the Later Life Training inaugural conference in 2011 and has had a series of articles published in the Journal on Active Aging.

Claudine is a Functional Aging Specialist and a Level 4 Exercise Specialist (qualified with Later Life Training). She was selected to be a member of the instructor team for the Pro-ACT 65+ trial, has been involved in the development and delivery of the Age UK Fit as a Fiddle programme, training sheltered housing volunteers to promote physical activity, healthy eating and mental wellbeing amongst residents.

Vida Wellness publishes regular articles on lifestyle medicine, fitness, brain health and lifelong wellbeing. Their Strong Foundations classes (strength, balance and functional fitness for older adults) have been featured on BBC Radio 4.

Claudine is also a Volunteer Coordinator with Contact the Elderly – organising monthly tea parties for isolated older people.