Weekly In-Person Stronger for Longer exercise and fitness class for over 50s

Description

Participants were offered an initial 8 week class lasting 1 hour and subsequently because of the demand a follo- on 6 week class. It took place in the sports hall of the Sligo Sports Centre which proved to be a perfect venue due to its size airiness and layout.

The notification about the awards says it is open to individuals and the general public to nominate so I am doing so but since i was not the organiser I am unable to provide the full details requested. My answers regarding outcomes and challenges are my own perception.
As a participant in the class and in the Healthy Sligo consultation I found the positive reaction to the class extraordinary. The tutor was a wonderful motivator and communicator. He combined aerobic warm ups with flexibility and strength exercises in a way that was challenging and enjoyable but respected people’s limits.
Such was the interest that again on the conclusion of the second session people asked for the classes to continue but the venue is unavailable during the summer months. However the Sports Partnership also arranged instruction on using the Doorly Park outdoor gym equipment so as to offer an alternative activity to participants.

Aim of Initiative

To enable older people to exercise so as to maintain fitness and strength and avoid frailty in carrying out day to day tasks .
To offer an enjoyable activity in a safe environment
To help people maintain good physical health and mobility into older age

Who is it aimed at

Adults over 50

3 Steps critical to success

1. Funding as while participants paid a fee the initiative had to be priced at an affordable level
2. Sourcing a suitable venue
3. Hiring an instructor who had a good rapport with the target group and could challenge them without causing them to be stressed by what was expected of them

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Catering for the large numbers who applied for the activity. this was overcome by providing a second session
2. Achieving a gender balance on the programme. It was more popular with women participants
3. Meeting demand for continuity by the first group versus offering the programme to newer groups elsewhere in the county

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. A large number of participants learned the importance of maintaining various kinds of physical activity into older age
2. Participants experienced the joy of a shared group activity after a period of pandemic isolation
3. A cohort of older people are now registered with the SSRP and can be contacted about further health and wellness related activities