Keeping Fit From Our Chairs

By Jane Picken

Care home residents on Tyneside are finding a way to keep fit despite being in wheelchairs or having restricted mobility. Health reporter Jane Picken finds out more about armchair aerobics

As upbeat music resonates through the reception area of Wheatfield Court Care Home, residents cheerily wave glittery pom- poms over their heads, creating a sea of shiny colour.

They may be sitting down throughout the class but just a little bit of gentle exercise makes a lot of difference to residents at the home, in Westerhope, Newcastle.

Wheatfield Court cares for older people who have a range of mobility problems, and all are given the chance to take part in quirky and fun classes known as armchair aerobics.

The benefits for those taking part are vast, from improving muscle strength and increasing joint mobility to helping with concentration and memory.

Class devotee Ethel Crozier, originally from Burradon, credits armchair aerobics for helping maintain strength in her legs, which often feel weak, as well as improving general fitness.

The classes are essential to keep Ethel on good form and allow her to be up and about at around 6am every day.

“Initially the classes looked interesting so I thought I would give them a go, but I’ve noticed a big difference,” said retired chiropodist Ethel, 74, who has been at Wheatfield for around one year.

“I feel like I can get out of bed sharper in the mornings and I think my general fitness has improved.”

To make the classes more lively, instructor Carole Leonard brings in large sponge balls, which can be thrown between class members or squeezed between the ankles or thighs to help strengthen muscles.

Every session starts with simple relaxation techniques to warm up which vary every time, but generally start with moving or stretching the neck, shoulders, arms and knees.

“Once we’ve done the warm-up we go into the routine where we’ll use the props to practice gripping movements and using the arms,” said Carole, who is in charge of the home’s activities.

“The props make it more interesting but they can really help residents with limited movement. A lot of residents have arthritis or have had strokes, so mobility can be a problem.

“This can really make a difference because it gets the joints and muscles working, improving movement, because otherwise they would not get used especially if the resident is in a wheelchair and doesn’t use their legs.”

Residents are never too old to take part. At 92, Alice Railton, originally from Mount Pleasant, Gateshead, still manages to make it along to the classes.

The great-grandmother-of-five suffers from chronic asthma and panic attacks, but has found the classes good for relaxation.

“I certainly feel more calm after doing a class and I enjoy using all of the props,” said Alice, from the comfort of her cosy private room at Wheatfield.

“One thing I’ve noticed is that before I couldn’t lift my right leg very well but now I’m starting to lift it just a little bit more.

“And because I have panic attacks from time to time it’s important for me to be able to relax, because the more I tense up then more difficult my breathing becomes which doesn’t help with the asthma. I was always active when I was younger and used to go dancing.”

Alice’s daughter, avid yoga enthusiast Joyce Thompson, from Fenham, is also a fan of the classes.

“It’s one of the best things you can do in the home to keeping the muscles moving,” said retired credit agent Joyce, 69. “They help to relax the body and the mind, which is really important.

“Mum used to be very stiff because she was so tense with being anxious and the aerobics classes seem to be helping with this.”

The 60-bed home, which also has a continuing care unit with 15 beds for residents with poor health, is constantly aiming to keep residents entertained.

Armchair aerobics is just one of the activities residents at Wheatfield can take part in, and the full programme also includes cinema days – complete with hot dogs and ice cream, bingo, mini- breaks, enter-tainers and board games.

The aerobics sessions are now held around twice a week with diversional therapist Carole, after being initially organised by care home administrator Julie Forster.

“Some of the residents had attended armchair aerobics sessions at the Lemington Centre nearby,” explained Julie.

“But it wasn’t possible for us to take all the residents along so we decided to hold sessions here.”

NFor more information about Wheatfield Court, call (0191) 214 5104.

(c) 2007 Evening Chronicle – Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.