20-PAGE HEALTH SUPPLEMENT

BEING ACTIVE at 60 and beyond is important — although not so easy if one is in isolation. After the last census, a Jewish Policy Research report in 2015 discovered 16 per cent of Jewish population over age 60 assessed themselves as having “bad” or “very bad” health, rising to 20 per cent for over-70s and 24 per cent for over-80s. It noted that: “General health is inextricably linked to age; from their mid-70s onwards, the prevalence of bad and very bad general health among Jews rises steeply.”

So what does this mean for over60s in 2020? People are living longer due to medical advances, so once they reach 60, they will have many more “good years” left than did their own parents. This, coupled with a generation of grandparents much more physically able and engaged in their grandchildren’s lives, means they are significantly busier, with increased responsibilities compared to previous generations when close to retirement.

In the current climate, where most of the UK are (or soon will be) selfisolating, keeping active is even more important both for physical and mental wellbeing. This is where Maccabi GB’s Play On — Getting On Together programme comes in. Play On works with members of the Jewish community age 60-plus and puts on accessible activities and sports that will prove age is just a number. The aim is that, regardless of age, people take part in their NHS minimum recommendation of 30 minutes’ physical activity a day.

People who are active are at significantly lower risk of suffering from strokes, heart disease, type two diabetes, obesity and falling and are more likely to lead a more independent and physically able life for longer.

Play On is able to provide adaptable opportunities for physical activity, from the lowest level of activity to more vigorous — but in a supportive, friendly and non-pressurised environment, with professional facilitators. At the moment, in line with government guidelines, we recommend people:

Tune into Maccabi GB on Facebook at 11.30am for live chair-based exercises in the home and other ideas to keep active in and around the home.

Call friends and family regularly so the feeling of self-isolation is reduced.

If you must venture outside to the shops, wear gloves and keep to a minimum of 2m social distancing.

Play On works with two age groups, 60-plus and 85-plus. Part of the programme uses facilitators to deliver sporting reminiscence and physical activity sessions in the community, to combat depression, dementia and isolation, promote active engagement with others and support a healthier body and mind for as long as possible.