Dr Zoe Wyrko of Riverstone: Shaping wellbeing and ageing through innovation and empathy

You’ve had a distinguished NHS career and now lead wellbeing strategy at Riverstone. What inspired your transition into the retirement living sector?

I received an offer I couldn’t refuse! Riverstone asked me to join an advisory group initially because they’d seen me on Channel 4’s Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, and they then offered me a job. Initially I couldn’t get my head round such a change in direction (I was heading for a career in medical management), but then realised that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to shape wellbeing and ageing in a way that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of older adults. I left the NHS knowing that I could go back if I needed to, but fortunately I seem to have managed to make a go of things!

Your approach integrates healthy ageing research with person-centred care. What does that look like in practice at Riverstone?

At Riverstone, we translate evidence into everyday practice. Healthy ageing research informs our design, programming, and services, from promoting physical activity and cognitive stimulation to building social connection and emotional wellbeing. Person-centred care means we listen to residents’ stories, preferences, and goals, and co-create solutions that reflect their individuality. An example from this week is our new strength and mobility class specifically for golfers, which we know will bring people to exercise who wouldn’t ordinarily.

You’ve spoken about the women who mentored you early in your career. How do you now pay that forward through your work and your role at WiRL?

The women who mentored me early in my career gave me confidence, perspective, and a sense of belonging in spaces where I often felt like an outsider. They showed me the importance of a supportive network, and through WiRL, I aim to pay that forward by creating platforms for visibility, dialogue, and growth. Women leaders tend to fall into two categories, those who extend a helping hand to those around them, or those who pull the ladder up behind them – we only have space for the former. I want to advocate for inclusive leadership, and help shape strategy that amplifies women’s voices in retirement living.

What societal attitudes toward ageing do you believe still need to be challenged, and how can WiRL help lead that change?

Ageism remains deeply embedded in our culture, with getting older framed as decline, dependency, and disengagement, rather than as a phase rich with potential, wisdom, and contribution. WiRL can help shift this narrative by showcasing vibrant, diverse stories of later life and advocating for policies and practices that reflect the realities of modern ageing. Through thought leadership, education, and collaboration, we can challenge stereotypes and promote a more respectful view of ageing which honours lived experience and embraces possibility. WiRL has a role to play in addressing ageism within our workplaces as well as in the communities that we design, operate and support.

How do you see the intersection of healthcare and housing evolving in the coming years?

The future lies in integration. As populations age, the boundaries between healthcare and housing have to blur to create seamless, supportive environments. Unsuitable housing has a huge impact on health, and can be the reason an older person is admitted to a care home instead of being able to stay in their own home. IRCs are well-positioned to lead this change by offering proactive health and wellbeing support, responsive care, and partnerships with local health systems. It’s going to be a huge task though, as people who work in ‘health’ don’t become aware of housing until it’s a problem, for example a person not being able to go home from hospital. Also, the way that funding is allocated across health, housing and social care will need to change.

What are your hopes for the impact you and Katherine can make together on the WiRL board?

On a personal level, I can already see that I am going to learn a lot from Katherine, and that’s just from a single board meeting! She thinks in a different way than I do, which means she asks different types of questions to ones I would ever have considered. Together, I think we bring a complementary skillset to the already awesome board. I hope this could lead to WiRL being the catalyst for ensuring women in retirement living (whether working, living or both) are not just present but are seen, empowered, supported and celebrated!