Fit as fiddles

Published 1 Sep 2010 08:00 0 Comments

See also:

AN EXERCISE programme for over-50s has been held to boost health and wellbeing.

Bracknell Forest Homes (BFH) housing association has worked with Age Concern Berkshire and Berkshire East Primary Care Trust to run the “Fit as a Fiddle” project.

Around 25 residents from sheltered housing schemes Farningham House in Crown Wood and Edmonds Court in Priestwood have taken part in the eight week tai chi course.

Val Taylor, who lives at Farningham House, said: “The tai chi classes are very interesting.

“I think we have all learned a lot about a very gentle form of exercise, quite different from what we are used to.

“It was very good for balance and certainly has a very calming effect on you.”

The exercise’s slow movements are intended to improve flexibility and also encourage participants to practice controlled breathing techniques, to aid relaxation.

In addition, the project aims to be a platform from which other health promotion initiatives can be launched, for example encouraging people to take up bowel screening.

BFH also hopes that the classes will have worked towards NHS agendas including fall prevention and helping people remain active and independent.

The housing association has been running other community development activities this summer throughout the borough, including a computer skills course for sheltered housing residents.

It has also been putting on activities for young people aged eight to 19, including organising fun days at Oakwood Youth Challenge outdoor pursuits centre between Bracknell and Wokingham.

For more information about BFH’s free events this month, contact community development manager Joanna Flaxman on 01344 382866.

See www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk for more information or to apply online.

This article appeared in Villager 26 Aug 10

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Follow @bracknellnews