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Community full menu:
Active for Life
Active Older People
Helen Heaton - October 2008
helen.heaton@kirklees.gov.uk
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| People walking |
Everyone can benefit from becoming a bit more active as part of their everyday life - you are never too old or unfit.
Most of us could be more active throughout the day and reap the rewards by how you feel and the way you look.
You can be active in and around your home as part of your everyday way of life in many practical ways - there are lots
of active things that you probably already do such as walking, gardening, DIY or doing chores. However doing these
activities with a little more energy or more often could make you feel healthier.
What can I do to become more active?
Active at Home is a programme about how to become a little more active where you live - things you can do reasonably
easily so you can make a difference to your own health. Click here to order your copy today.
Practice Activity and Leisure Scheme (PALS)
Try PALS - the exercise referral scheme. You can join PALS if your GP, Practice Nurse or any other health professional
feel that your health could benefit from becoming more active.
Walking and cycling
Get involved in walking or cycling - there are lots of tracks and trails in Kirklees together with groups who can
support you if you want to start becoming more active but would prefer to join a group.
OWLS
The great value daytime leisure for over 50s at Kirklees Active Leisure centres. Includes a programme of social and
sporting activities. Click here for your Free OWLS morning pass and come along and give it a go.
University of the Third Age (activities for older people)
Cleckheaton District: Mrs Verity, 20 Cliff Court, Liversedge, WF15 7PB. Tel: 01924 400512
Dewsbury District: Mrs Mallinson, tel: 01924 517135
Huddersfield & District: tel: 01484 225208
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Why become even a little more active?
We know that being active, particularly for older people, has many benefits.
Many feel that it helps them to stay independent and able to live easily in their own home without having to rely too
much on others to help with everyday living. Regular activity can help improve your strength and ability to do daily
tasks which in turn can help you to live your life in the way you would like to.
What are some of the other benefits?
Active older people are also more likely to:-
- Have fun and enjoy life
- Be healthier and have more of a sense of well-being
- Meet more people and make new friends
- Be able to control their weight
- Relax and sleep well
- Combat anxiety and depression
- Maintain independence and the ability to move easily
- Be less accident prone
- Lift, push and pull more easily
- Have good posture
Being active can also help people with specific health conditions to:-
- reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and high blood pressure.
- avoid pressure sores. By moving, changing your posture or standing up you can help your circulation and tone up your muscles.
- improve balance, co-ordination and the flexibility of joints which helps makes falls less likely.
- maintain bone strength and prevent further bone loss. Regular "weight-bearing" exercise such as walking stimulates the bones to stay strong and reduces the risk of bone fracture.
- keep your feet fit and healthy. You can encourage faster blood flow and keep the muscles healthy by doing different things from walking to exercising toes and ankles when sitting.
- prevent the onset of some types of diabetes.
- move about more easily and reduce pain of osteo-arthritis.
Are there any general tips on being active around the house?
- Rise from chairs/bed slowly and make sure that you have your balance before setting off anywhere.
- Try not to rush - do things in your own time.
- Avoid high heels and poor fitting shoes/slippers.
- Don't wear clothes which may trip you up.
- Make sure stairs are clear from objects and well lit.
- Don't leave rugs on the floor which you can trip over.
- Try not to leave obstructions around the house which you may fall over.
- When sitting try to have your feet raised - this may help to relieve swollen ankles and aching feet. Draw circles with your toes - this stimulates blood supply.
- When lifting bend your knees as much as possible and hold close to your body.
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| People cycling in the countryside |
Active Older People's Network
What is Active Older People's Network?
The Active Older People Network(AOPN) brings together a variety of organisations
and individuals who have an interest in identifying, providing, encouraging and
supporting older people to become more active.
It costs nothing to join the network, however a small charge may be made for participation
in certain activities, e.g. training, seminars etc.
What is the aim of the Active Older People's Network?
The aim of the Active Older People Network is to get more older people more
active more often with a view of improving health and well-being.
Who is the Active Older People's Network?
Anyone who is interested in promoting, delivering and supporting physical activity
for older people.
How do you become involved in the Active Older People's Network?
Contact:
Juliet Jackson
Kirklees Leisure and Recreation Services
Stadium Business and Leisure Complex
Stadium Way
Huddersfield
HD1 6PG.
Tel: 01484 234085
Email: juliet.jackson@kirklees.gov.uk
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Active for Life - Older people Service Request Form
If you would like more information on 'Active for Life - Older people' or would like to request a service please complete this form.
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