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Attendance at community based
exercise sessions designed specifically for older people can help many different conditions and
situations, for example:
Heart Disease
Ruby
aged 71 years says, “I attended heart club for several years
but found the journey got too much. It is wonderful having a
class so close to home and I am really feeling the benefits – I am
fitter than I have been for a long while”
Heart Disease & Diabetes
Joan says "I have
been coming to the chair based class since it started on April
14th 2011. Since attending I have:
- started gardening again
- been able to get up out of the chair better
- been able to do more housework than I have for ages,
even mopping the floor
- gained the confidence to go out shopping on my own,
something I haven't done since my last heart attack"
High Blood Pressure
Roger says, "I
only went along to the classes to keep my sister company but
I'm so glad that I did. The nurse who runs the
classes invited me for a simple health check and, as I
believed myself to be a very fit and healthy sort of chap,
thought I'd pass with flying colours!
I was shocked when she checked
my blood pressure and found it to be dangerously high. She
was very good about it and wouldn't let me join in the class until I had
been checked out by my GP. I would never have thought about
going to get it
checked because I felt so fit and healthy - if she hadn't checked it who knows what would have happened - I
dread to
think!
It was several weeks before I
was able to return to the exercise classes for it took a while to get the blood
pressure down to an acceptable level."
Balance and Stability
Gordon aged 89 years says, “I wouldn’t miss it for the world
– my balance and leg strength have improved beyond
recognition”
Loneliness &
Isolation
Margaret says, "The best
thing about the Younger
4
Longer group is getting out and meeting people, it's the
highlight of my week.
I have done so many
things there that I would never have thought possible, going
on outings, meeting new friends, knitting hats and gloves
and things for poor children overseas and packing the little
shoe boxes with presents for them - I don't have any close
family of my own, so I'm pleased to be able to do it for
them instead.
I have never been
one for exercising, but I do join in the classes because
everyone tells me it's good for me, I do have to admit
though, even the exercises can be good fun!"
Social Isolation
Shirley aged 78 years says, “I feel so isolated where I live
and the classes are my weekly lifeline. I so look forward to
coming and catching up with all the gossip and seeing my new
friends- as well as doing the exercise of course!”
Fun and Enjoyment
Daphne
aged 80 years says, “The classes are so much fun - we have a
good sing and enjoy the social time as well as the doing the
exercise! We are having a Pancake Party next week!”
All Abilities Can Do It!
Betty
aged 82 says, “I really enjoy our lessons and although I get
a bit confused and can’t keep up with some of the others, I
have managed to work out when to ease off and I still feel
it is doing me so much good”
Good Place to Meet Friends
Gordon aged 75 years says “I went to the gym where I used to
live, but I much prefer coming to the class as it is good to
meet up with friends. It is surprising how much work we get
through and I can already feel the benefit”
Arthritis & Hip Replacement
 Sheila
writes, "I suffer from painful arthritis in many of my
joints, and receive great benefit from regular attendance,
twice a week, at the exercise classes. I am
convinced that I achieved greater mobility than would
otherwise be expected by participating in these classes.
The exercises are set to music and with genial, friendly
company; the atmosphere is most relaxing which helps to
encourage us all to exert ourselves with that necessary
extra effort.
Nearly five years ago I was
given a total hip replacement and I credit my swift recovery
being considerably helped by membership of the classes both
before and after my operation. Interestingly
many of the exercises already in our routine were those also
recommended by the physiotherapist in my post operative
care.
I look forward to my exercise
sessions each week where I enjoy the social contact and have
made many new friends."
Calf Pain
Anne says, "Thank you so
very much for setting up the Younger
4
Longer clubs. When I first started to attend the
exercise sessions 9 years ago, I found that I had to stop 3
or 4 times during the session to rest because of pains in my
calves. Now I can get through the whole session
without any pain.
We all really enjoy
the day trips too, especially the one to the Isle of Wight,
the ride on the ferry made it seem like a real holiday.
I have never been to the Island before and would never have
gone on my own, I can't wait for the next outing."
Following a Broken Leg
Betty
says, "I have been coming to
the 'Younger for Longer' exercise classes for about 8 years.
Last year, as the result of a fall I fractured my
femur.
I have returned to my exercise class and am finding the exercises
very beneficial. It is so important to
strengthen the muscles and get them working properly again -
I thoroughly recommend it. An added bonus is
exercising with other people, it is great fun and very good
therapy!"
Being a Little
Overweight
Gwen wrote, "Thank
you for your very enjoyable classes which, over the five
years I have been coming, have improved my fitness and
reduced my weight by a whole stone!
I find the classes
energising, stimulating and beneficial, I look forward to
many more years of exercising together,"
Blindness & Loss of Balance
 Daisy
says, "Just before my 90th birthday I fell and broke my
hip, but I made a good recovery and have returned to my exercise class.
Going back to the classes in our local village hall has been
a real help to regaining my confidence and mobility.
I've learned how to get up off the floor safely if I do fall
again and, even though I'm registered blind, I've been able
to get out and about on the buses again."
Following Heart
Surgery
June
said, "I have been a member of Younger
4
Longer for 9 years now. A few years ago I had to
have emergency open heart surgery over in Brighton.
Throughout my time in hospital I practiced the exercises that I
had been taught at the exercise classes. I know
it was doing that that helped me get through it all - I know
that doing the exercises that I had learned at the classes
helped me to get walking again and on to a speedy recovery.
After a
few months of convalescence I joined the sitting down
classes to begin with in order to regain my confidence and
was delighted to be able to return to the active class where
I was able to fully take part."
Following a
Broken Hip
Janet
says, "I tripped while playing badminton and
broke my hip. After recovering, I hadn't the
confidence to return to the sport but felt I needed the
exercise.
I joined the
Younger 4 Longer exercise classes and found the leg
exercises especially helpful to regaining the strength in my
leg. I find the other exercises are beneficial
for keeping fit generally."
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