CSP: Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport
During the week of 26th September to 2nd October 2016, all localities across Leicester-Shire & Rutland delivered the 3rd annual ‘Feel Alive from 65’ campaign week, co-ordinated centrally by Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport (LRS). The aim of the campaign was to engage residents aged 65 and over in physical activity, and the importance of remaining active into later life. The campaign is delivered during Older Persons Month in Leicestershire and National Older Persons Day in October.
The focus of the campaign was based around two main events - the physical activity programme of events based in localities across Leicester-Shire & Rutland, and the Feel Alive from 65 Celebration Event which was hosted and sponsored by Imago Loughborough.
LRS have delivered a September campaign for the last 6 years, predominantly targeting ages 50+, however following feedback and consultation with localities and participants, as well as analysing data for need, the programme has evolved into a 65+ programme.
Physical Activity Programme
For the physical activity programme of events, locality Officers worked with a range of local partners to produce a varied programme of activity suitable for ages 65+ which included a mixture of promoting pre-existing activities in the locality, and as a platform to launch new activities during the week. The traditional popular sessions were included such as golf, walking, nordic walking, dance, tai chi and bowls, however this year saw the introduction of new activities, including walking football, gardening and park fitness sessions.
A booklet was produced which included details of all available sessions, which was then distributed countywide using local contacts and partners; 4,000 booklets in total were distributed.
All localities involved in the campaign completed an evaluation, highlighting local successes and required areas for improvement, which will be considered for the next Feel Alive from 65 campaign in September 2017. As part of the evaluation, Harborough District Council also provided a case study from one of their events that took place during the week, called ‘Get Up and Go’.
Get Up and Go
The event, hosted at the Council building in the centre of Market Harborough was aimed at those who deemed themselves less steady on their feet. An exercise session was provided, which was designed to demonstrate strengthening exercises which could be done at home from a seated and standing position, a guided health walk which was navigated around 3 open spaces in the town, a slipper exchange, where participants could be properly fitted with a pair of adjustable slippers and the opportunity to have a one-to-one chat with a local physiotherapist.
“From those I met, most were pleased to be able to talk to a physiotherapist about some specific issues they had and were perhaps waiting for physiotherapy for, several wondering if they were “wasting the NHS’ time” with their problem. Many of them had problems that would be assisted by attendance at a Falls Prevention Group and it was good to be able to triage these people out and invite them to the Active Harborough Teams’ next Falls Prevention Programme. It was also great using the Feel Alive from 65 booklet to use for other community based sessions. A resource much needed.”
Alison Avil - Local Physiotherapist
Attendees were each given a Feel Alive from 65 booklet. Martha Adams, 77, from Market Harborough was impressed by what was on offer;
“I can’t believe how many activities are happening locally that I didn’t know about. I am very interested in joining in with one of the walking groups”.
In total, 25 people attended the successful event, and the Active Harborough Team are planning another event in a different town in the district.
Outputs
In total, 223 sessions were delivered during the campaign week, with 2,183 individual participants engaging with at least one activity.
Feel Alive from 65 Celebration Event
Some of the most inspiring older people in the region were on show, as they came together for the Feel Alive From 65 Celebration Evening, on Thursday 27th October 2016. The event celebrated those who continue to stay physically active despite health conditions and age standing in their way. There were a number of awards presented throughout the evening, with local Team GB rower Jonny Walton on hand to congratulate all those who were nominated.
As well as celebrating those who have stayed physically active throughout their life, the evening also saw some remarkable stories told from those who have only recently got active. One of the stand out stories came from Barry Palmer, 65, from Oakham, whose incredible determination saw him lose 10st, seeing him recognised as the winner of the Referral Scheme Award. As well as losing 10st, Barry also managed to reduce his blood sugar levels meaning he is no longer diabetic and drastically improved his breathing scores.
The Oldest Athlete Award went to 95 year old Frank Booth, who attends his local Exercise Referral Scheme twice a week, as well as the strong and steady course where he has been working on improving his balance, strength and flexibility. His instructor commended him for working incredibly hard and inspiring others in the class do well.
Nominations came in from all over Leicester-Shire & Rutland and could be made online or via hard-copy form in the Feel Alive from 65 booklet, and came from a variety of sources, including leisure centres, care homes, local authority officers and family members.