NHS Western Isles’ Health Promotion Department was delighted to accept an invitation to attend the ‘Cairdean Cordail Ceann a Loch’ older people’s group on 10th October at Balallan Hall, Lochs.
Karen Peteranna, Health Improvement Practitioner, discussed the UK physical activity guidelines for adult and older adults and the benefits of physical activity. Being physically active can have many benefits to your health, improve your sleep, help maintain a healthy weight, manage stress and can improve quality of life.
Walking was promoted with the group as a simple way to increase physical activity; most people can join in, there is no cost to taking part and you don’t need special equipment. You can start off small and increase your pace and distance walked over time.
As well as walking, the importance of strength and balance exercises for adults and older adults was highlighted with the group. Undertaking exercises that improve your strength and balance on two days each week can help older adults stay active and independent in everyday life and reduce the risk of falls.
Karen also shared information on the ‘Walk on Hebrides’ Health Walks project and planned developments with this project across the islands, including the provision of Walk Leader training courses and the creation of new local Health Walks in communities across the Outer Hebrides.
A Health Walk is a free, short, social, local, low-level, led walk which can be anything from 10 minutes to 60 minutes long – depending on the ability of the group. A good way to end a Health Walk is with a cuppa and a blether!
If you would like more information on local Health Walks or strength and balance exercises and available resources please contact Karen Peteranna, Health Improvement Practitioner, tel. (01851) 762017 or email: karen.peteranna@nhs.net
You can view the UK physical activity guidelines for all ages at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-physical-activity-guidelines
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