We were lucky enough earlier this month to attend the Brighton & Hove Active Ageing Alliance annual event. Some good news to start with; Brighton & Hove is the second most active City in the country! But of course there is always more we can do.
Long term health conditions
It’s understandable that people with health conditions may feel less inclined to participate in exercise. But health research from Moving Medicine shows that it’s safer for people, including those living with long-term conditions, to be physically active. If you are anxious about getting started please do refer yourself to the Healthy Lifestyles Team at the Council. Call them on 01273 294589. They will buddy you up with a health trainer who will assess you and provide a personalised plan for how best to get you active.
Age UK are supporting a campaign currently called We are Undefeatable, run by Sport England. It’s geared towards supporting people with long term health conditions becoming more active. Interestingly their baseline research data shows that many people turn to their NHS health professionals to give them the right information about keeping active. In fact they may not be best placed to help. It’s likely that the charity sector, together with other local partners are able to signpost people to appropriate support.
Walking
It was lovely to hear from Alistair Hignell CBE, ex England Rugby star and broadcaster, that living with MS and being in a wheelchair doesn’t stop him from getting out and about in Brighton. He rates the bus service as second to none, and says the seafront is a brilliant wheelchair friendly space and makes him feel really connected to the sea. He is particularly worried about getting men out and about, and in case you’re interested he runs a weekly meet up called Walk the Talk which offers a short walk along the seafront and then a chat over a cuppa at the end.
Health walks are a fabulous way to ensure active ageing, and every local authority will have a Health Walks programme. In Brighton & Hove we have a great choice of walks to suit all needs. Do get in touch and give it a go. You can call the Health Walks team on 01273 294589. Jean Latimer has been leading Health Walks for over 20 years. She says of course it’s the cup of tea and natter at the cafe after the walk which people really want!
Exercise classes
As good as walking is, Angelika Wydra, Healthy Lifestyles Ageing team, says that we also need to combine some strength and balance exercise too. So body balance, dance or yoga classes might be good to add in to our weekly routine. There are lots of free or very low cost classes available across Brighton & Hove. If you want more information about what’s on in your locality contact the Ageing Well Team on 0808 175 3234. The Ageing Well Festival takes place 27th September to 11th October and is the perfect opportunity to try a taster session of something that you fancy having a go at.
Here at Home & Company we try to keep our ear close to the ground about what’s on offer. Do give us a ring if you want to talk through the options. We are also able to help people with active ageing; our team are happy to accompany you on walks, and remember they come with their car so if you want to get out into the countryside we can take you. We also have yoga practitioners who can offer one to one sessions in your home. Do get in touch if you would like us to help.