Physical Activity Strategy for Older People

 

Sheffield has a reputation of being a leader in its work around physical activity and is one of the first Cities in the country to produce a physical activity strategy dedicated to improving opportunities for older people titled, 'Keeping Active, Staying Healthy and Enjoying Life.'

 

Regular physical activity is particularly important for this age group because, as well as offering a number of health benefits, such as a reduction in the risk of developing Coronary Heart Disease or osteoporosis, physical activity can also extend years of independent living, reduce disability and improve quality of life.

 

This strategy recognises the importance of physical activity and encourages a range of opportunities to be developed for this age group to take in to account the diverse abilities and interests of Sheffield residents, including gentle exercise, more sporty activities, walking and dance!

 

Being active can mean walking around your local neighbourhood, washing the car, gardening, dancing or taking the grandchildren to the park.

 

The strategy is being delivered by a number of partners including:-

 

Several projects are now up and running as a result of this strategy including the Active Friends scheme. The scheme is a mentoring service that matches older people who need support and motivation to be more physically active with volunteers who are also older people.

Active Friends is currently operating in Gleadless and Arbourthorne, Darnall, the Hillsborough, Walkley and Nethorthorpe area panel area and Stocksbridge with plans to bring on board more areas in the near future.

Three Fliers are attached that give more information on Active Friends if you are:

 

 

For further information please contact Kelly Riley (Older People's Development Officer) on: 0114 2735787 or email: kelly.riley@sheffield.gov.uk.

 

 

Please find below 3 leaflets giving more detail around the Active Friends Project. These are currently only available in PDF format, if you require any help opening them or any further details please contact Kelly Riley on the phone number or email address above.