We were delighted to visit one of the Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest Move More sessions this week. These fun and impactful seated exercise classes are bringing major health and social benefits to all those who attend.
Move More not only empowers and supports older adults to keep physically active and stay independent for longer but also provides invaluable social connections and a place to have fun and feel good! Looking after your health as you age is vital and physical activity is one of the best ways to improve mobility, brain function and quality of life.
Maureen has been going to the class in Matchborough, Redditch since October last year. She said: “I joined the class because I live alone after being widowed and knew I needed to get some exercise, but I also wanted to meet people. Right from my first session everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I find when I come on a Wednesday morning I am energised for the rest of the day and usually do another activity in the afternoon. If I didn’t have Move More I would probably slip into lethargy – it ticks all the boxes for me – I do feel fitter and more flexible because of the classes and I love coming!”
Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest received a Worcestershire County Council Public Health grant to support them to expand these sessions which are held weekly across North Worcestershire.
Councillor Ross, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Wellbeing took part in one of the sessions and said: “It’s a real workout I can tell you that! The instructor is fab and really makes you work every muscle group whilst focusing on strengthening the movements we all need in everyday life such as sitting and standing and hand grip. The atmosphere here is very welcoming and friendly and I can see this group have really gelled together – this is a fine example of a health and wellbeing grant improving both vital fitness levels in older people but also boosting social connectivity and combatting loneliness. A fantastic project.”
You can see the Move More session and hear from more attendees in the short video below:
Going forward we will continue to work with Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest to make a difference to the communities who will most benefit. If you wish to attend a Move More session you can find out more via the Age UK website: Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest | Activities and events
If you are a community group and wish to apply for a health and wellbeing grant seeking to increase residents’ physical activity to support health and wellbeing, please visit our website for more information: Physical Activity Wellbeing Grant | Worcestershire County Council
