This blog is specific to healthy ageing in care home settings.
To start with here are some of the current updates in the care industry taken from Carehome.co.uk, which we think are important/interesting.
Musicians prescribed for care home residents with dementia:
Care home group creates snakes and ladders style board game to reduce falls:
Resistance training can ‘reduce and reverse’ elderly’s frailty says academic:
Let’s talk physical activity
Here at The Blair Academy, we are advocates for movement as it has many positive benefits. Physical activity can improve your muscle strength, memory and brain function and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Physical activity is key to healthy ageing.
Where can I start on my road to regular physical activity?
Chair-based activities: Chair based activities are great because they are inclusive and suitable for all abilities. You can do exercises from the comfort of your chair and still be gaining all the benefits such as strengthening your bones and muscles, improving heart health and the quality of your sleep. Some chair-based activities you could try are dance and yoga.
Dance and movement: Not only is dance and movement a great way to express but they also help to reverse ageing in the brain, reduce the onset of Dementia and improves your cardiovascular fitness. Dance does not discriminate and is a hobby that is inclusive and adaptable for everyone, whether you have danced before or not, put on your favourite song, and show off your best moves!
Bed stretches: First thing in the morning or before you go to sleep, try some gentle stretches in your bed. Stretching helps to keep your joints move through their full range of motion.
These are just a few ways that in a care home setting you can start your journey to healthy ageing through physical activity.
But…where???
Check for exercise/movement practitioners in your local area to encourage the residents to get involved with physical activity and try something new. You could look out for dance, yoga and stretching classes.
There are also many online virtual classes. Good places to start are, Age UK, Community Dance and of course, The Blair Academy.
What do I need for a virtual class???
Devise (laptop/computer/smart phone) so that you can watch and join in on the class.
WIFI so that you can connect to the devise.
Space for the residents to participate in the class safely.
There are also lots of free online exercises and movement classes, here are some of what we have on The Blair Academy YouTube page.
All you need for this workout is a pair of socks! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffsx4XWo4M4
Chair Glute workout
Your Movement is Therapy
When you move, it can help to improve your ability, alleviate the effects of illness, and promote positive well-being. This is exactly what Movement Therapy focuses on. This type of therapy can improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The link to physical activity is that can help reduce the feelings of anxiety and depression.
By bringing movement into care homes, it is not only giving the residents the exercise that they need but supporting their physical, mental, and emotional health. Movement will give back the independence and social setting that elderly people deserve. It also serves as a creative outlet to work through emotions and memories.
Movement is medicine, it is an opportunity for the residents to feel energised, try something new and feel “young” again. There are too many benefits to mention but participating in a fun activity has to be at the top of the list!
Dementia and Movement
It is estimated that over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia! Dance is here to help. Movement stimulates the brain and improves mood. Research has shown that movement is effective in stimulation social interaction with the patient so by bringing movement into your care setting, you are supporting their social development as well as fitness.
Here’s to happy and healthy ageing!
Thank you reading our blog, have a lovely and safe rest of your day!
Written by Sophie from The Blair Academy.