Ask Dr Miriam

Q

I’m living in sheltered accommodation but I feel I’m not keeping myself fit. I wonder if it’s possible to have some exercise sessions in the care home.

A

What a good idea. But first you have to speak to your manager to see if some fitness sessions would be possible.

Together you could discuss organisations that might be able to offer information on classes like Later Life Training (laterlifetraining.co.uk) which will provide you with a list of trained exercise instructors. The Extend organisation arranges community-based exercise classes for older people. Regional contacts are listed on its website (extend. org.uk).

Your local National Osteoporosis Society (nos.org. uk) support group may also be able to provide details of classes in your area.

The Tai Chi Union for Great Britain (taichiunion.com) could also perhaps help you set up a Tai Chi session in your care home. Tai Chi is particularly good for older people because it’s been shown to prevent falls.