The longer I run Seachange the more I become aware that being physically and mentally healthy, at any age, is vitally important.

Starting young can bring great benefits in later life. That is why we run exercise classes for all ages and abilities. The children in our Jurassic nursery regularly exercise with our older adults. We have a teen membership programme and set aside specific times to encourage them to attend.  

Most heartening of all to see are the many and varied seated exercise classes we offer. If someone used to go to pilates and now in later life with reduced mobility, there is no reason they cannot continue with a seated version. Chair based exercise increases flexibility and strength. Bone density and muscles weaken as we get older, so it is important to gently exercise to maintain strength. Learning a routine and the repetitive nature of exercise can also be good for those with dementia. The exercise helps with posture, coordination, and the alinement your spine. It also means faster healing of injuries and wounds, faster sickness recovery time, greater lung capacity and mobility. It can also reduce your risk of falling because it improves your posture and balance.  

Importantly exercise can also increase your self-esteem, sense of wellbeing, and reduce loneliness. This week we had two lovely, older ladies start one of our exercise classes for the first time. They both individually plucked up the courage to attend but both were clearly nervous. They got chatting before the class and supported each other in it. Afterwards they had a coffee and continued to chat intently. They have subsequently come to further seat-based exercise classes and their new friendship has flourished.  

Two people, one friendship and no one lonely. That will do for me for this week.