Senior Citizens take their seats for fitness

Physical activity brings a wealth of benefits, no matter how old you are. And Newtown’s over-60s are learning that it’s never too late to start.

As part of a local Young at Heart scheme, the town’s Methodist Church Hall aimed to get resident seniors more active with a plan for weekly seated, low-intensity exercise sessions.

Organisers contacted the Sports Council and secured a Community Chest grant to replace outdated fitness equipment. The grant also meant participants received a generous subsidy, with each good health session costing just £1.

The Young at Heart sessions encourage the elderly to work at their own pace under the supervision of a qualified Occupational Therapist. As a result, participants are getting fit during class time and many are making the effort to keep up their seated exercises at home.

Young at Heart is now taking its recruitment into local churches, care homes and residential homes. So Newtown’s over-60’s might be sitting back - but they’re certainly not taking it easy!