Keeping Active in old age: Ideas and advice for seniors in the Maidenhead area
Published: 12/09/2023
Keeping active is important for both physical and mental wellbeing, and helps maintain a sense of independence.
There’s plenty of medical evidence showing the benefits of staying fit and healthy such as helping to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression or dementia, which are all conditions associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
Finding ideas to keep your loved ones moving and socialising can be a challenge. Activity can be simple low-level movements or getting out to take part in clubs and social events, daily walking, keeping up with household chores, gentle swimming, dancing or even seated exercises.
Luckily there’s plenty of classes and groups in and around Maidenhead, Windsor, Marlow and Henley. Here are a few suggestions and links to help keep you, or the elderly relatives you care for, active and engaged:
Befriending hubs
The community hubs and cafes take place regularly and provide a safe space where older people can socialise, meet friends and take part in activities such as quizzes, outings, board games, as well as have a cup of tea & a chat!
ADS runs a number of cafes in Maidenhead and Windsor area . More information with days and times is available on the Services Calendar page.
Elizabeth House Cookham a Day Centre where members come to share the company of others in a happy, fun and safe environment to benefit from and enjoy, to have freshly cooked lunch and to have the opportunity to enjoy stimulating physical and mental activities if they choose and be entertained by musicians and other live artists more information is available on their website.
Age Concern Windsor
The Spencer Denney Day Centre is open Wedensday to Friday from 9:30 until 14:30.
Unlike lunch clubs, our day service charges by the day and everything is included. It will provide some exercise, a home cooked meal and a choice of stimulating activities each day. Or view their website for more information.
Age Concern Marlow
Day Centre gives elderly folk the opportunity to meet socially once a week, and to be provided with a hot lunch (for a modest sum); free transport is also provided. Call Laura, their centre co-ordinator, during our office hours 9:00am to 1:00pm, Monday - Friday to book. Or look on their website for more information.
Bluebells Day Centre Henley on Thames
Bluebells Day Centre provides social engagement, activities and care for people suffering with Dementia and related disabilities. Bluebells also provides Respite Care so those who care for people with Dementia can have the time they need. they offer a range of activities including exercises for more information contact their website.
Chair based exercises
Right at Home run weekly chair-based gentle exercise classes specifically for older people (65+) to help stay fitter for longer. The hour long classes are open to male and female participants and are free of charge for those that are members at Elizabeth House every Friday.
The Singing for Pleasure choir provides and opportunity to sing, have fun and socialise. It takes place through out the week in different locations in East Berkshire.
Walking Groups
Walking is a good opportunity to make new friends and find out more about the wildlife and fauna of the parks and pathways whilst getting fitter. There are a number of walking groups in the Maidenhead area including the Maidenhead Ramblers who go out and explore the network of footpaths and bridleways in the area.
It’s important to remember that everybody is different, they enjoy different activities, and they have different levels of fitness and experience of doing exercise & physical activity. That’s why it’s important that you find something that works for you or your loved ones.
If you or someone you care for would like some assistance or advice on staying active and healthy, please get in touch with the friendly team at Right At Home Maidenhead.
