New activities to help older people remain active and well

Older people are being encouraged to move more and take part in activities to improve their health and wellbeing.

Bury’s Active Ageing campaign runs from 22-28 September and aims to introduce people to a wide range of activities including ‘Fit ‘n’ 50+’ sessions, line dancing, health walks and gentle exercise in water.

Part of the initiative is to minimise a person’s risk of having a fall in their own home. Several departments at Bury Council, including public health, sports and physical activity service, and Support at Home, are combining their expertise to provide information to residents about the risks and organise activities which will help reduce them.

Councillor Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “One in three people aged 65 and over suffers a fall each year, and the financial cost alone of consequent fractures is estimated at £2 billion. Carrying out strength and balance exercises or activities two or more times a week greatly reduces people’s chances of having a fall.

“These sessions, though, also provide opportunities to socialise and have fun, and I encourage older people in Bury to look at our Wellbeing Timetable and see if they’d like to take part in any of the activities.”

Cllr Catherine Preston led by example and tried out some of the activities. She said: “I had great fun meeting residents taking part in a wide range of classes from the Wellbeing Timetable at Castle Leisure Centre. As the council’s older people’s champion and deputy cabinet member for health and wellbeing, I am delighted to be involved in such an important campaign. The Wellbeing timetable is carefully designed to suit all levels of mobility with a team of very experienced instructors who are committed to helping everyone enjoy improving their fitness levels.”

Activities will be held across the borough throughout the week. For the timetable, go to www.bury.gov.uk/wellbeing

ENDS

Press release issued: 20 September 2017.

Picture: Trying out the activities are (left) Cllr Catherine Preston and Lynn Kendell.