Older people encouraged to try something new
Perth’s Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) is launching a programme to help older people take up new hobbies and interests.
Research by the RVS found 67% of people over 60 in Scotland would like to try a new activity, but almost a third are concerned there are not enough opportunities in their community.
RVS came up with First Time for Everything, to encourage older people across Perth and Kinross to stay active and engaged.
The first activity planned for the First Time for Everything programme will be a chair-based exercise class from 2pm-4pm on Wednesday, May 24 at the RVS social club on Tay Street. This comes as the charity’s research found 25% of older people would be interested in trying an exercise class for the first time.
David McCullough, RVS’s chief executive, said: “Staying active and socialising are important at any age, but when you’re older, they are crucial to keeping fit and well. Ageing is no barrier to trying new activities which is why we are keen to encouraging older people to enjoy the benefits that participation in a range of interesting activities brings.
“There are significant numbers of older people who are not engaged in social activities and for whom loneliness and inactivity are a real problem. The First Time for Everything programme aims to improve quality of life for older people by providing a range of stimulating and enjoyable new social activities delivered by our volunteers and staff within local communities.”
Barbara MacPhee, the service manager in Perth for RVS, added: “We hope older people, their carers and families will come along to our First Time for Everything events in Perth where they can enjoy interesting activities, food and company in a friendly, welcoming environment. There will also be information available about services for older people in the local community.”
Other activities are being scheduled including Tai Chi. For more information, contact Perth RVS on taysidehub@ royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or call 01738 633975.