As a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for all ages and stages to lead more active, healthy lives, Edinburgh Leisure has launched a series of new classes aimed at older adults.
It’s Ageing Well Allotment programme is run by two experienced volunteers, with the view of getting inactive older adults active through gardening. Older adults can come along and enjoy the outdoors, grow fruit and vegetables in a social, supportive environment. No gardening experience is necessary.
The Ageing Allotment programme runs every Wednesday from 10am-1pm at Leith Links by St Mary’s Primary School.
Another new Ageing Well Buddy Swim programme has recently launched at Warrender Swim Centre, running at 10am all year round and has just welcomed its first participant, Anne.
These sessions encourage older adults, who perhaps lack confidence, to get back in the water. Their volunteers, David, Fiona & Gordon are there to meet and greet the participants and ensure they have the support they require, followed by that all-important chat and cup of tea afterwards.
This brings the number of Buddy swim sessions at venues to five with the hope of adding more in the future. Other sessions take place Glenogle Swim Centre(Tuesday, 10.00-11.00am); Warrender Swim Centre (Wednesday, 10.00-11.00am); Drumbrae Leisure Centre (Thursday, 10.30-11.30am); Royal Commonwealth Pool (Thursday,12.00-1.00pm); Ainslie Park Leisure Centre (Thursday, 1.00-2.00pm).
Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities Team has also launched a new Active Dance class at the Royal Commonwealth Pool on Thursdays, from 1.00-2.00pm. This new class adds to the offering for the inactive population and people living with long term health conditions that want to be active.
Active Dance is a fun and social way to be active. This low-level dance class is a great way to work the whole body helping maintain or improve coordination, balance and confidence without even realising it. These classes are ideal for anyone who feels it has been a long time since they were last active and are looking for a fun and gentle way to get started.
Anyone interested in joining in the Ageing Well Allotment programme, the Ageing Well Buddy Swim programme or Active Dance, should contact the Active Communities team – active@edinburghleisure.co.uk / 0131 458 2260
For more information on other classes aimed at older adults to age well, visit: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/be-active/ageing-well