|
The Younger 4
Longer programme is designed to help meet a wide
range of needs among older people.
Physical Needs
Our main
focus is on keeping older people safe, strong and independent
through the performance of safe, simple but effective exercises.
The Younger 4 Longer exercise programme includes everything from
gentle chair based sessions which concentrate on mobility, strength
and balance, through to circuit training and exercise to music
sessions which are ideal for active and able older people who want
to improve and maintain their health and fitness.
The range and
variety of additional activities offered in the programme varies
depending on the venue and programme leader, but here are a few
examples.
Meeting Social Needs
Various
opportunities are provided for social interaction. The
highlight for many over the last three years have been the long
weekends away to the Isle of Wight and the chance to have a paddle
in the sea - something they had not done for many years!
Thirty four Y4L keep fitters are currently looking forward to their
4 day break to Hayling Island.
Eighty eight
year old Alan who has lived alone for over 10 years said, 'This was
the first time for over ten years that I've been away from my home
over night! Thank you so much"
Throughout
the year Y4L members have also enjoyed such things as pancake
parties, bring and share lunches, afternoon teas, the 'Spring into
Easter' Y4L dinners, Christmas parties and dinners.
They have
been welcomed to a Tea Dance, Curry Night, Quiz Night, Latin Night
and the Watoto Children's Choir concert held in Citygate Church.
Other Activities
Younger 4
Longer members have been delighted to take part in a range of
activities that support others. For example, they have
raised money to 'Toilet Twin', provide Biosand water filters, to
help relieve suffering around the world and to help AIDs orphans.
They have
knitted hats for premature babies, provided clothing for the
homeless
and have enjoyed filling shoe boxes with Christmas presents to be
sent overseas to children living in extreme poverty or in war torn
areas.
This group which
meet in St Michael's Church Verwood has
held two 'aerobathons' and raised £1,000 for a local Dementia Friendly
Community Association and another £850 for the Children's Society.
|
