Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s weekly activity group for over 55s will be accessible to more people this year thanks to the support from Morrison Foundation, with the Rhinos Active Social sessions due to be offered in four locations across Leeds.
Rhinos Active Social, run by Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s health team, invites people from the Leeds community to enjoy a range of activities to help them stay active and social, engaging the over 60s age group in regular classes to improve their physical, mental and social well-being.
The first of the new sessions launched last week at Cardigan Centre in Leeds with three more locations due to be announced in 2017/18 meaning more people can access the groups in their local area.
Current research in the UK suggests that there's evidence that people who are active have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers and staying active is even more important in older age.
Alongside a decline in body function in older age, research has also shown that people over the age 60 report feelings of loneliness or feeling isolated, which can have impact of mental health as a common cause of depression.
Through Rhinos Active Social, Leeds Rhinos Foundation is looking to address these issues caused by loneliness and inactivity in over 55s by providing four weekly hubs in the community offering a social environment and a range of taster activities to encourage physical activity.
Laura Buckle, Health Improvement Officer for Leeds Rhinos Foundation said: “Thanks to support from Morrison’s Foundation we are looking forward to taking our Rhinos Active Social programme into the Leeds community to offer people over 60 the opportunity to socialise in an active environment with people of a similar age.
“Research shows us that group activities are particularly useful in helping older people out of loneliness and isolation, so we are hoping to engage with some good numbers starting with our first sessions at the Cardigan Centre where we have some great sessions planned for the coming weeks.”
Over two hours on Tuesday mornings the sessions include 30 minutes of tea and refreshments with an hour of light taster activity including Yoga, Chair based exercise, tai chi, boccia, ballroom dancing, walking netball and rugby along with the chance to hear from visiting organisations such as the Dogs Trust and Leeds Discovery Centre.
“Our sessions provide a friendly, casual atmosphere for attendees who simply want to enjoy socialising or keep fit, so if you’d like to join us please get in touch,” added Laura.
Rhinos Active Social runs every Tuesday 10:30am -12:30pm and costs just £2 per week. If you would like to register your interest for yourself, a friend or family member or for more information contact Laura.Buckle@leedsrhinosfoundation.org
The timetable for the coming period is as follows:
October 31st – Non-contact, walking rugby
November 7th – Chair based exercise
November 14th – Ping Pong