Teams of elderly people and their carers competed against each other in a unique Olympic games event held at Don Valley Stadium.
‘The Care Home Olympics’ was the first event of its kind in Sheffield providing a fantastic opportunity to show people how enjoyable physical activity can be, and to raise the profile of the good work taking place across Sheffield. The event was run by Sheffield City Council’s Activity Sheffield and ‘Partnerships for Older People Projects’ (POPPs).
The day commenced with a mass chair warm up to prepare the participants for the competitive activities including bowling, skittles, mini golf, target throwing, dominoes and an Olympics quiz. The event concluded with a spot of dancing, followed by the Lord Mayor presenting medals and prizes to the winning care homes.
The event was just one of many initiatives in Sheffield to encourage physical activity amongst the ageing population.
Through the ‘Care Home Olympics’ event, The People’s Movement are keen to show practical examples of how being physically active can help older people in their every day lives; for example increased flexibility – helping you to wash your hair more easily; and increased muscle strength – enabling you to get out of your chair.
The campaign supports the games event, which was developed to encourage care home staff and their residents to be more physically active.
Councillor Steve Ayris, Cabinet Member for Independent and Healthy Living, said: “It is really important that we all keep active, no matter how old we are. We know that physical activity, at an appropriate level, can bring health benefits to even the frailest of elderly people. It is also great for meeting people and socialising.”
[accessed 02/03/2009 websource http://www.thepeoplesmovement.co.uk/news_care_home.php?PHPSESSID=3dfca5c4fe0e7aad3f6fc195675936b0]
