Bupa Global Challenge 2011

In June thousands of Bupa people from across the world will take part in the Bupa Global Challenge. This will be our most ambitious global challenge ever and it's all about getting local communities moving, helping people lead longer, healthier, happier lives.

Each part of the Bupa business is getting moving in their own way. Whether it's dancing the foxtrot, walking in the woods or playing badminton, we'll be getting to know local communities, building relationships and having fun as we do it.

Bupa care homes in Australia, Spain, New Zealand and here in the UK will all join together to deliver Shall We Dance.

Shall We Dance will see more people getting both physically moving and mentally active than ever before.

A wide range of exciting dance related activities and events will be taking place in over 300 Bupa care homes in the UK from Monday 20 June to Sunday 26 June.

The Bupa Dance

A special dance, choreographed by one of Bupa’s top physiotherapists, Simon Fairthorne which includes different movements to suit people of all ages and capabilities, has been created and will be performed as part of Shall We Dance in over 300 UK care homes as well as in homes in Australia, New Zealand and Spain.

How you can get involved

Bupa care homes would like to welcome members of their local communities in to enjoy Shall We Dance events. Whether you would like to showcase your own dance talents or attend, please contact us on 0845 600 4622 or or email salesandmarketing@bupa.com to find out what your local Bupa home has planned.

Competition - have a go at the Bupa dance yourself

Upload a short video clip of you doing the Bupa dance to YouTube, send us the link in the form below, and we’ll post it to the Bupa UK Memories 'Shall We Dance' tab. All entries will be placed into a raffle with the chance to win a Nintendo Wii and a selection of dance games!

Print dance instructions (pdf)

Go to our facebook page

The importance of physical activity in older age

Bupa has commissioned a report into the importance of physical activity in older age. This report shows that there is considerable and emerging evidence of the benefits of dance as an exercise option for older people. These benefits can promote both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Anne Widdecombe and Anton du Beke launch Bupa's Global Challenge 2011

Former politician Ann Widdecombe and professional ballroom dancer Anton du Beke are stepping out to help thousands of older people in care homes waltz, tango or jive their way to better health.

Ann and Anton joined Bupa care home residents, their families and care workers at London’s National Theatre to launch ‘Shall We Dance’, an international initiative to encourage dancing among older people as a way of achieving a healthier old age.

TV dance star Erin Boag

steps out with residents of Northlands House in Southampton

Erin visited Northlands as part of Bupa’s Shall We Dance campaign which encourages older people to improve their physical and emotional wellbeing through dance.

She led a dance session at the home to highlight Bupa’s appeal for local dancers, dance troupes and dance teachers – of any style – to contact their local care home and share their passion for dance by performing for residents or teaching dance classes to people with a range of mobility issues.

Read about Erin's care homes tour

Watch Erin's visit to Carders Court