Exercise sessions for elderly win a grant to carry on

£500 for classes which help mind and body

Vital exercise classes for elderly people in Bearsted will be able to continue thanks to a £500 grant.

The weekly Exercise and Socialise sessions help older people to train their minds and bodies.

Latest research has even found such schemes could contribute to freeing up hospital beds and easing the symptoms of dementia.

Run by Age UK Maidstone, the classes take place at Madingford Hall in Egremont Road and are led by fitness instructor Cynthia Crane, 63. She said: “Older people come here for a social occasion and they also really enjoy the exercise. In the sessions, every muscle group is exercised and we end with tai chi. This leads to increased flexibility as well as strengthening arms and legs and improving balance – one of the main causes of falls and accidents.

“Regular exercise is vital for older people who want to maintain an independent lifestyle, as it not only makes daily tasks like reaching for things so much easier, but increases their confidence and improves mental wellbeing.” The exercises are designed to suit all abilities, with wheelchair users and people living with dementia among the regular members. The eldest is 90 years old.

Patricia Grimes, 79, has been going for nearly five years. She said: “I absolutely love the exercise – we have a fantastic teacher. When I first started coming here I had polymyalgia – I could hardly move at all. Now I’ve improved so much.

“So many of the people who come here have improved beyond recognition. We are so happy with the money we’ve been given to help us continue our classes.”

The grant was awarded by home support service Bluebird Care and will pay for the rent of the hall as well as advertising.

The sessions run every Tuesday at 2pm and cost £2.50.

‘So many of the people who come here have improved beyond recognition’