FIFE'S leading provider of sports and leisure services is urging local people to take up its support to keep older adults active during lockdown in order to benefit from the health and wellbeing benefits of physical activity.

The move comes as the trust strengthens its free live-streamed fitness programme with the addition of classes designed for older adults and those living with long-term health conditions.

The specially-designed fitness sessions are streamed at 12 noon each weekday and are specifically for those who either need to keep active in order to be ready to get back to life after lockdown, or, for people who need additional support with a range of seated-exercise sessions.

I have been working with the trust for over a year as part of the health and wellbeing team, who deliver health classes to those living with long-term health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, dementia and COPD, and am asking Fifers to encourage people they know who may need support, to raise awareness and encourage participation.

The gains to older adults through physical activity are huge – by keeping active, we can build strength, improve balance and stability – all crucial as we get older in order to prevent injury as well as experience the overall health and wellbeing benefits of physical activity.

So I’m asking those who know an older person living in isolation, to raise awareness of the online sessions, even if it’s just to watch in the first instance and then gain the confidence to take part.

It is about delivering a range of online virtual fitness classes for hard-to-reach older adults who may need additional support to keep active.

MOIRA BELL,

Retired Physiotherapist.