Tag: physical exercise

Pensioners prove you are never too old to dance

A MULTICULTURAL care team in Edinburgh has had residents lining up to participate in traditional activities from nations around the world.

Pensioners at Cramond Residence, which is situated to the north of the city, have been enjoying country line dancing lessons with North American staff members.

Staff have been using their heritage and traditional activities from home as a way of enabling residents to experience a variety of new hobbies and cultures from the comfort of their own home – a favourite of which has become dancing.

Lisa Sohn, Lead Lifestyle Coordinator at the 74-bedroom plush home, said: “Residents and staff are always keen to develop a close relationship and learn new things about each other.

“That’s why lots of our staff members have volunteered to host a day full of activities dedicated to their home countries, which means everyone can learn more about that country and its food and traditions.

“All of the activities we put on encourage social interaction, so all of these different experiences give residents time to reminisce and chat about their own travel experiences, while also learning about each other and staff.

“The line dancing afternoon was a huge hit with lots of our residents, who are now very keen for us to add it as a permanent activity to our monthly planner!”

Previous months have included a presentation about India and samples of food by Vinay Naik and Sai Chand A Pinnoju, food service assistants at Cramond Residence. Other cultural events have included Spanish, Italian & German language classes accompanied by traditional foods from these countries, most recently, a pizza making masterclasses.

During lockdown, Lifestyle Coordinators led activities from The Residence Cinema, connecting via video with residents in their own private lounge or in their bedrooms via smart TVs to enable two-way communications.

Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care, with all residents enjoying a wide range of amenities and activities, delicious food and a tailored care programme.

The home offers residents an abundance of different amenities, including beautiful gardens, a library, a hair salon, a private fine-dining space, physiotherapy room and cinema, which also doubles as a large, multi-purpose space for a host of social events.

Places in the care home start from £1850 a week. To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Scots urged to stay active to boost winter immune systems

FAMILIES across the nation have been encouraged to lead an active lifestyle this Christmas by walking once a day.

Scotland’s walking charity, Paths for All have highlighted the importance of a daily walk to help maintain physical and mental well-being during the winter months.

The plea comes as the charity launches its Walk Once a Day this Winter campaign, and a new online content hub for all ages to benefit from.

The hub provides a variety of ideas, activities and information designed to motivate everyone to get outdoors and get moving including nature spotting, podcast recommendations, location advice, community and festive walks and creative walking.

The winter initiative will also offer incentives to those who pledge to walk once a day through December and January.

Dr Gregor Smith, Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, said: “Regular walking is a powerful tonic. It helps to boost our immune system and those of us able to should strive to get the benefit this winter.

“A 30-minute daily walk is one of the best ways to look after yourself and it’s something we can do from our own front door.

“During periods of physical distancing, isolation and uncertainty, many have expressed increased feelings of anxiety, stress or worry. Daily outdoor exercise, while adhering to guidelines, is an important way to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

“We would encourage those who are able to get outdoors this winter to do so, even if it is for a short walk to the shop or to school.”

Research shows that half a million older people regularly experience periods of isolation, going at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all.

Getting out for a daily walk allows interaction with neighbours, others in the community and can create a sense of connection and community belonging, even while social distancing.

Dr William Bird, founder of Intelligent Health and the Beat the Street game said: “Walk Once a Day this winter is such a simple but effective message.

“When I talk to patients on a day-to-day basis, most of them ask for advice on how to avoid getting COVID-19 or how they can improve their chances of fighting it if they do catch it.

“Walking is always one of the best things that people can do for their health, however during these times of COVID-19, it’s more vital than ever. When you go for a brisk walk, this stimulates the creation of ‘natural killer cells’ which are part of the immune system. They sit at the nasal cavity and are ready to mop up any virus including COVID-19 and kill it before it has a chance to replicate and get into the cells.

“Not only that, but walking in green space and nature has a positive impact on the brain also reduces stress and its negative impact on the immune system.”

UK-wide research by King’s College London during lockdown revealed 49% of people in the UK have felt more anxious or depressed than normal, with walking shown to be an effective method to prevent and manage mental health conditions.

Paths for All believes regular walking is key to leading a happy and healthy life – and it is important for people to continue enjoying short, local walks where it is safe and appropriate to do so, owing to the huge array of associated benefits.

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All said: “Walking has never held such importance to our physical, social and mental health, so it is great to see walking has become more popular over the last few months.

“Surveys have shown that Scots have increased their walking during this unprecedented time more than any other part of the UK and we would encourage everyone to keep it up as we move into the winter months.

“We believe by encouraging people to walk everyday they will experience many positive physical, social and mental health benefits and in turn we will move forward from this pandemic as a healthier, greener, safer and happier nation”.

Follow the campaign over on Paths for All social media channels #WalkOnceADay.

Paths for All launched a mood-boosting podcast designed using mindfulness techniques to help people look after their mental well-being whilst getting their daily exercise during Covid-19. 

Mind to Walk is freely available online on all popular podcast players or on Paths for All website at www.pathsforall.org.uk/mindtowalk

Paths for All’s focus is clear: it wants to get Scotland walking: everyone, every day, everywhere.

For more information on Paths for All and the Walk Once a Day this Winter campaign, visit: http://www.pathsforall.org.uk/walkonceaday

1) https://search.proquest.com/openview/a135652dfd323433cc441d41284f3a82/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2041038