There are many benefits to leading an active lifestyle. We caught up with some of the Chelsea Pensioners to find out more about what activities they are involved in and how this benefits their health and wellbeing.

Five Chelsea Pensioners were presented with the new Nuclear Test Medals by the Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. 

Remembrance is an important time of year at the Royal Hospital. For those who have served in the Armed Forces it has a special significance, as they remember fallen comrades and the legions of those who lost their lives in previous conflicts.

Chelsea Pensioner Roy Palmer has become the Royal Hospital’s first Herald. Roy, who was town crier for Mablethorpe in Lincolnshire before he became a Chelsea Pensioner, says he was keen to fulfil a similar role for his new home.

Recent research backs up the anecdote that Chelsea Pensioners not only live considerably longer than their peers outside (by over five years, on average), but that their lifetimes once they come to the Royal Hospital are extending, year on year. This strongly suggests that the care and community here contribute to greater longevity – as well as improving quality of life. 

19 Chelsea Pensioners who served during WWII were awarded the Légion d'honneur by HE Slyvie Bermann, the Ambassador of France to the United Kingdom, in a special presentation before the parade

Pensioners attend Remembrance services at the Tower of London and at events across the country to mark Armistice Day.
The Chelsea Pensioners have unveiled their very own ceramic poppy display to commemorate the centenary of the Great War.
A group of Chelsea Pensioners have visited the Tower of London's poppy installation as the country marks 100 years since the start of the First World War.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea, home of the Chelsea Pensioners, has been selected as charity of the year by Sainsbury’s Local’s Gatliff Road store.

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Chelsea Pensioner, Tony, holds a large canvas he has painted of two Navy battleships at sea
The Healing Power of Art: Chelsea Pensioner, Tony, shares how art has helped him in later life and how the Royal Hospital is expanding art in the community

Since joining the Royal Hospital Chelsea in 2021, Tony has discovered a new passion – art. He shared more on how this creative outlet has benefitted his wellbeing. 

Guest veterans join the Chelsea Pensioners for a summer picnic in Ranelagh Gardens

Yesterday, we welcomed over 100 guests from the Armed Forces community to the Royal Hospital Chelsea for our Chelsea Pensioners Veterans’ Outreach picnic.