Gymnastics expertise helps Farnham people living with dementia get active in Love to Move sessions
Published: 06/09/2021
Regular gentle chair-based exercise aimed at older people and those living with dementia is helping people in Farnham improve their activity levels and co-ordination, thanks to a programme developed by the British Gymnastics Association (BGA). The weekly sessions, called Love to Move, are provided by local home care provider Right at Home GF and its Managing Director is encouraging more older people to take part.
Love to Move sessions start with a gentle warm up and use music to encourage movement and rhythm. The sessions include hand movements, clapping and even partner work to vary the activities which are designed to improve cognitive function and co-ordination. The activities vary from week to week to build up participants’ abilities and keep the sessions fresh.
“Small improvements to people’s co-ordination can help them perform everyday tasks better, such as making a cup of tea or using the stairs safely. Our Love to Move sessions are a relaxed and enjoyable experience set to music. We see clients’ mobility improve over time which helps them enjoy life more and stay independent for longer. It has the added benefit of being a welcoming and sociable session which clients also tell us is important to them,” says Alastair Shanks, Managing Director of Right at Home GF.
Right at Home GF is keen for the know-how of experts at the British Gymnastics Association to maximise benefits to participants at its Love to Move sessions. “The BGA tutored our trainers, so our classes are grounded in their substantial experience. It’s fabulous that the expertise that helped our Olympic and Paralympic gymnasts win medals and turn somersaults in Tokyo is helping our older clients live independently and safely in Farnham through simple but carefully thought-out chair exercises,” says Mr Shanks.
Love to Move takes place from 12.30-1.30pm at the Farnham Memorial Hall, Babbs Mead. There is no need to book, just turn up. Places are £5 for participants but carers are free.
