Exercise classes help elderly prevent falls

THERE'S no Lycra or leggings here and no booming music either.

Instead, jumpers, skirts and casual trousers are the preferred gear.

And an ordinary chair, plus a green stretchy band, are all that's necessary to take part.

Walking sticks are put aside and the elderly participants join in a gentle warm up, led by instructor Aileen Murrae.

The atmosphere is easy-going.

There's humorous banter and much laughter, particularly with the 'Barbara Windsor' move which stretches the chest muscles.

The exercise class is held every Tuesday morning at the sheltered housing complex.

It's clearly a fun event and the social high point of the week for many but there's a serious theme beneath it all.

The exercises are aimed at strengthening muscles and improving balance so that, hopefully, they won't suffer from a serious fall.

It's something which happens to many older people as they become less mobile.

In the last 12 months alone 729 people over the age of 65 were admitted to the North Devon District Hospital following a fall.

Nationally, falls lead to the deaths of an estimated 1,000 elderly people very year.

However, research has shown that even gentle exercise can have a huge effect on stability and strength.

The class at Magdalene Lawn is one of many set up around the area by the local Falls Prevention Team as part of a one year's project funded by Devon Primary Care Trust and Social Services.

The idea was, once they were up and running, to train up other people to carry on the good work afterwards.

Aileen Murrae, scheme co-ordinator for North Devon Homes and one of four fitness instructors at Magdalene Lawn, said there had been a "huge difference" in people's capabilities since the class started in June.

At the outset everyone thought the prospect of getting out of a chair unaided was like "climbing Everest".

Now, having built up to it gradually, they can do it "with ease", she said.

Other things are easier — like unlocking gates with keys — something they found difficult before the classes started because their wrists were neither flexible nor strong enough.

One man also put his quick recovery from an operation down to the benefits of the exercises classes.

The moves incorporate resistance work with an elastic band, stretching and marching.

It doesn't matter if they cannot do them perfectly, it is the attempt that counts.

Aileen said: "They don't have to do it right as long as they are aiming at it.

"We tell people not to force things, as well.

"Everybody can get some benefit.

"Nearly all the exercises help with balance and help to prevent falls which is a major problem as we get older."

Kate Edwards, scheme co-ordinator for North Devon Homes — which owns Magdalene Lawn — described the exercise class as "brilliant".

She added: "I feel it is really important to make people aware of the good work that is being done and to try to encourage more people to take part."

The class is open to everyone although most of the group are over 55 and tenants of North Devon Homes.

Kate added: "We have so many people there and they are all full of enthusiasm.

"It builds their confidence and after a few sessions they say how much it has really helped them.

"It is also a brilliant social activity.

"It is free and tea and coffee are available afterwards."

Jan Cooke, assistant practitioner working on the Falls Prevention Team, said: "Our exercise programme is aimed at strengthening the muscles you need for walking and standing up.

"It is really aimed at elderly people and particularly those who might have had a fall already.

"We are working from a Help the Aged video and book and all the exercises have research, showing that they do work."

North Devon Homes has enthusiastically supported the initiative and, as well as the class at Magdalene Lawn, runs others at its properties in Barnstaple and the surrounding areas.

Molly Finch, 89, who has lived at Magdalene Lawn for just over three years and walks with the aid of a stick, said she felt "looser and not so stiff" as a result of the exercise classes.

Laura Johnson, 75, of Loverings Court, who had a hip replacement four years ago and then fell and fractured her pelvis in two places, reported that she can "walk a bit better now" following the exercise sessions.

Doris Prideaux, 88, of Pathfield Lawn, has been attending the classes since they started and felt they exercised muscles "you don't normally use".

Eileen Morgan, 71, of Castle Quay Court, who previously could not get out of a chair on her own, can now do so, something she thought she would never be able to do again.

Her ambition is to improve her balance "so that I shan't have to hang on to people now and again".

Mamie Cassidy, 74, also of Castle Quay Court, could walk around previously but with difficulty.

She added: "Now it is fine. I feel as if I am walking on air when I leave here."