Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s elderly health management programme in partnership with Age UK Leeds will continue on Tuesdays mornings due to popular demand.
The programme, put together by Health and Wellbeing Coordinator for Age UK Leeds Sarah Prescott and Leeds Rhinos Foundation Health Improvement Officer Stephen Turrell was set up on the 16th February to provide a regular health related activity session for people aged over 65.
Initially set up for a six-week period, the programme has seen 15 attendees take part in the sessions weekly, enjoying everything from light exercise to health advice workshops based at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.
The group have been given the opportunity to sample different suitable exercises for elderly people over the age of 65 led by guest session leaders including Tai Chi, Chair Based Exercise and Boccia.
Along with providing advice on recommended physical activities, the programme has also offered health advice with special visits from Groundwork Leeds and the Green Doctor, who provided workshops on energy usage at home, keeping homes warm and prevention against falls over the winter period.
The programme has also covered nutrition requirements in old age with a special health walk session around Headingley followed by a workshop on making homemade fruit smoothies and a nutrition discussion.
The final session last week saw the group visit the Heart café in Headingley to enjoy a bingo afternoon with a cold buffet and tea and coffee to cap off the first six weeks of the programme.
Programme organiser Stephen Turrell said:
“We were really encouraged by the feedback from the group, many of which were regular attendees over the six weeks wanting to see the programme continue, so we are delighted to be able to provide a regular session at the stadium going forward with some new activities and workshops lined up for just £2 a session.”
Sessions run from 10:30am to 12:30am with refreshments provided on site.
For more information on the programme contact Stephen.Turrell@leedsrhinosfoundation.org