A NEW group encouraging healthy living and exercise for the over-60s has been launched, thanks to a £30,000 grant.
There was a good crowd of people in St John’s church hall, in Hallowell Road, Northwood, on Friday last week, all keen to try some of the activities that will be run by Northwood Live at Home, a scheme to help older people who live independently remain active.
“We had a brilliant turnout. People enjoyed it and tried different things,” said Jo Wild, chairwoman of Northwood Live at Home.
“Securing the funding is brilliant – it will make such a difference.”
Nick Hurd, MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, sponsored the application to The Grocers’ Charity, the fundraising branch of The Grocers’ Company of which he is a member, and he joined service users at the launch.
Through Live at Home, older people can join exercise classes and enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.
The successful funding application read: “People have commented on how much easier they find it to get dressed in the morning because of their increased flexibility and their balance is so much improved, so hopefully there is a reduced risk of falls.
“If we can combine the exercises with an emphasis on healthy living, we can encourage people to consider cooking a healthy meal for themselves rather than filling themselves on sugar-laden cakes and biscuits.
“This will not only be better for their physical health but would also improve their mental health.”
The weekly sessions will be held at St John’s Court, in Murray Road, Northwood, on Thursday mornings. They attract mostly women at the moment, although men are also welcome and a growing number are signing up.
All Live at Home initiatives are available to anyone over 60 living in Northwood. Small fees apply.
The organisation is also in desperate need of more volunteer drivers, breakfast club helpers, day trip chaperones and befriending volunteers to offer company to people unable to leave their homes.
? To find out more, call the Live at Home manager on 01923 842 494.
