Council encourages Bristol’s older people to get active and Stay Steady

The council has launched plans to encourage older
people to be more active as part of its plans to roll out Staying Steady classes across the city.

The classes are aimed at helping older people improve their independence,
stay mobile and healthy whilst also offering a fun way to stay active and
socialise.

Currently there are estimated to be around 58,800 people living in Bristol
who are aged 65 or over and 55,000 (95%) are believed to be living
independently. Of this 16,000 (around 30 per cent) fall at least once a year,
rising to 50 per cent of those aged 80 or over. In 2015/16 there were 1,669 emergency
hospital admissions relating to fall related injuries in Bristol*.

To help reduce the risk and rate of falls, the council is encouraging older
people to sign up to Staying Steady classes which teach exercises which can
help to improve mobility and increase confidence.

Inspiration for the classes has come from successful programmes in other
parts of the country and locally where classes have been running at the Greenway
Centre for over two years already.

Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor with responsibility for communities
said:

“As we get older we know that many of the things that people take for
granted can get harder. Having seen classes running in the Greenway
Centre we’ve seen how they can have a real impact on people’s lives offering a
chance to socialise, stay healthy and independent for much longer.

“If you’re feeling unsteady when moving around, are worried about falling or
are less mobile than you’d like to be I would encourage you to come and try out
your local class in your local area. There will be four more venues for
these classes from April so watch this space.”

The classes are run by specially trained staff who can adapt the exercises
to suit the needs of the people in the class. All abilities can be catered for
including exercises which can be done standing or seated. Equipment like
resistance bands, balls and hoops are provided as part of the class.

Becky Bostock, Fitness Instructor at the Greenway Centre, said:

“We are
delighted by the success of the staying steady class so far, and thanks
to the new programme being rolled out, we are now able to add a third class to
our timetable. There is clear demand for these classes, highlighted by
Southmead’s recent community plan, which shows a local ageing
demographic. Feedback from the classes so far has been very positive,
with participants reporting less falls and newly gained confidence. They
especially enjoy the tea and coffee after the class and the opportunity to make
new friends.”

Anyone interested in taking part in Staying Steady can find information
online or at their local Staying Steady venue which includes: The Greenway
Centre, Brunel Fitness Centre, Easton Leisure Centre, Hengrove Park Leisure
Centre and The Park Centre.

The council is in touch with other organisations and people around the city
to make sure they’re aware of the programme and how they can get involved.