New exercise sessions offering opportunities to Live Longer Better
Exercise classes to improve strength and balance, help reduce falls and support the health and wellbeing of older adults have been taking place in the Winchester district – and another new class will start this month in Stanmore.
Winchester City Council launched sessions in its Sheltered Housing Schemes Eastacre, Normandy Court, Whitewings, Richard Moss House, King Harold Court and Hyde Lodge, in addition to seated yoga classes in Winchester Heights, Brendoncare, The Dower House and Westacre care homes.
Two new community sessions have also started at Weeke Community Centre and Chesil Lodge, and, working with Everyone Active, Winchester City Council also organised weekly community sessions at Wickham Community Centre and Whiteley Community Centre.
In partnership with Move Momentum, another subsidised weekly session for over-65s has been arranged to start from Monday 26 January at the Carroll Centre in Stanmore. The class will take place every Monday from 1.30pm – 2.30pm, and the first two sessions are free of charge.
All of these classes have been supported by a grant from Hampshire County Council’s Live Longer Better programme, which is led locally in partnership with Energise Me. More than 100 people have benefitted so far. Live Longer Better helps older people find ways to live life to the full and keep doing what they love by making positive changes to maintain or improve their health.
Amanda Watkinson, CEO at Move Momentum, said: “We are thrilled to bring our GEMS classes to the local community of Stanmore under the Live Longer Better programme. These sessions offer much more than just movement; they are designed to support memory, mobility, and mood while building a community that truly lifts people up. Our goal is to help everyone stay active, independent, and most importantly, stay dancing. We hope the over-65s community of Stanmore will come and join us for a boogie!”
Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities Cllr Kathleen Becker said: “We were delighted by our residents’ positive responses to previous Live Longer Better classes, and we’re very happy to have been able to expand them and reach more members of our community.
“One remarkable individual who has taken part in the classes is aged 101! Physical activity has been shown to be really effective in helping to support independence and achieving the best possible quality of life for older people. As we age, keeping active isn’t just about movement – it’s about maintaining independence, confidence and quality of life.
“We are very grateful to Hampshire County Council for the opportunity to have implemented Live Longer Better in this way.”
Please visit https://www.winchester.gov.uk/sport/live-longer-better or email cdrummond@winchester.gov.uk for more information.