The Issue
In Berkshire, inactivity increases significantly amongst 75–84-year-olds (42.2%) to 85+-year-olds (75.7%) (Sport England Active Lives Survey 18/19). COVID-19 has exacerbated these issues, with one in four older people unable to walk as far as before and one in five feeling less steady on their feet (Age UK, The Impact of COVID-19 report, Oct 2020). Coupled with increased anxiety, loneliness, and cognitive decline (Age UK, The Impact of COVID-19 report, Oct 2020) it's likely that this audience need more support rebuilding activity levels again following the pandemic. Services that aim to improve the wellbeing of older people and increase healthy life expectancy reduce the need for health and social services.
Aims & Objectives
The reconditioning programme aims to improve the fitness, strength and mobility of older people identified by Age UK Berkshire and Reading Social Prescribers and referred to Get Berkshire Active.
This is achieved by offering individuals a series of in home one-to-one coaching sessions that are carefully tailored to meet the desired needs of the client to improve their strength, mobility and overall independence . Individuals are also given a series of strength and balance exercises to complete between one-to-one visits.
On completion of the Reconditioning Programme, clients, if they choose, can be rereferred to Age UK for information on their Out and About Service and other relevant services.
The programme delivery follows a planned pathway with identified stages.
Measuring Impact
• All clients to partake in a fitness assessment/movement ability check to collect baseline measures; the same movement ability exercises can be repeated during the final one-to-one visit to measure improvement. Self-reported measures are also included at registration and follow up.
• Participant reaction and engagement during the programme
• Behaviour changes to be reported. For example, are the participants actively seeking to add more gentle exercise into their daily routine?
• Short/Medium Term Goals. These are discussed at the start and throughout the intervention. Did the client achieve their desired result from the programme?
Added Value
This piece of work will be complemented by other relevant projects such as our Ever Active Reading project (community based provision targeting older adults), Active Medicine Programme (physical activity training for Frontline Workers and Volunteers) and Fall-Proof resources (free resources encouraging older adults to be active at home).
Kirsty Heath
Strategic Lead for Ageing Well
Kirsty is the Strategic Lead for Ageing Well at Get Berkshire Active. She leads on the development of GBA's Ageing Well theme, aiming to create the conditions for a healthy and independent later life. She is also lead liaison for Berkshire West Local Authorities. With over 15 years' experience within the sports sector, she holds a BA (Hons) in Sport, Health and Exercise, as well as an MSc in Sports Injury. Her previous roles were in local authority and the NHS, before joining GBA at its inception is 2011. Her sense of purpose has come from personally discovering the benefits of physical activity and she enjoys helping others to access them. In her spare time, she takes part in netball, fitness classes and loves being outdoors.
- Telephone
- 07394 564540
- kirsty.heath@getberkshireactive.org
Kate Wiggins
Active Ageing Officer
Kate is the Active Ageing Officer at Get Berkshire Active. She supports older and disabled adults through the delivery of fun seated exercise and wellbeing classes that are designed to improve strength, stamina, suppleness and skill to reduce the risk of falls and improve longevity. Plus, connecting them with likeminded people to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Having built 18 years' worth of experience, multiple diplomas and qualifications, her passion is in seeing the joy and improved quality of life that regular movement can bring to individuals. Outside of work she stays active by taking her dog for long walks in the woods, swimming and leading her group exercise classes.
- Telephone
- 07706 357 801
- kate.wiggins@getberkshireactive.org
