This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
exercise & ageing


There’s much to be said for pitching to retirees: they’re reliable, use cash and are available at off-peak times. Kath Hudson looks at some inspiring health initiatives for the older generation


active ageing


A


dult activity levels tend to drop from the age of 45 onwards across the UK. However, engaging older


populations is more important than ever, with evidence showing how physical activity can help prevent and manage a broad range of conditions associated with older age groups. Indeed, the recent CMO report – with its physical activity recommendations – included the importance of strength training among older people for ongoing health.


Tone’s Flexercise programme has been shown to help improve mobility, alertness and mood among older people


But is the health and fi tness industry


doing enough to engage with these groups? With the 50+ market spanning a huge range of ages, should it be further segmented – the over-80s, for example, becoming a new target audience? And do more outreach programmes need to be created to reach those people intimidated by gyms, or who can’t physically get to them? We take a look at a selection of health and fi tness initiatives for older people.


TONE As part of its remit to get local people active, Somerset-based social enterprise and charitable trust Tone has started taking fitness into old people’s homes


with an exercise programme, Flexercise, that’s been developed specifically for this purpose. Groups of around 12 people sit on chairs, in a circle, to do activities that include stretching exercises with Thera-Bands, as well as playing games of catch. “It keeps older people supple, helps


prevent mobility problems, works the joints and improves the mood. Most importantly, it’s fun,” says Louise Bulmer, Tone’s offi cer for Active Lifestyles – a scheme to promote healthy living and activity across the Taunton Deane area. Since April 2010, Tone has trained


19 people, in 14 centres, to carry out the classes; Bulmer estimates that the programme is now being offered in 40 residential homes across the county. Feedback has shown that participants enjoy greater mobility, enjoyment, improved mental alertness and mood, are more engaged with lifestyle, are more active on a daily basis and become more socially active with other members of the group. Tone is also running seated sports


sessions in community halls and at Somerset County Council’s Active Living centres, for players aged between 70 and 100. Seated badminton and football already have quite a following, and seated hockey is a new addition. Bulmer came up with the idea: “Football may not seem the most obvious choice for a


november/december 2011 © cybertrek 2011 Read Health Club Management online at healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital 49


PIC: ©WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ANDRESR


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84