New funding secured for Cumbria Yoga Foundation to support older adults improve health and wellbeing.
Cumbria Yoga Foundation continue our partnership with the Live Longer Better in Cumbria programme to support older adults with long term health conditions to be more active.
A second grant from the Reconditioning Fund enables Cumbria Yoga Foundation to provide free yoga sessions in Barrow, Carlisle, Maryport and Workington.
Free chair yoga sessions are delivered in partnership with Age UK – Barrow and District, The Centre West Cumbria in Maryport and Healthy Hopes in Workington.
All activity, whether physical, cognitive and emotional, is of vital importance in achieving optimal ageing. Optimal ageing is defined as closing the gap between actual level of ability and your best possible level of ability by preventing loss of fitness through activities that challenge body, brain and mind.
Adapted yoga has been shown to improve physical function and health-related quality of life in physically less active older adults.
According to the NHS website ‘yoga practice helps people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains…depression and stress.’ This project will enable anyone to feel the benefits of yoga practice by providing accessible options for all.
Research shows that by 2043 over 31% of adults in Cumbria will be aged over 65. According to a the Reimagining Ageing report, older people are having ‘their lives cut tragically short’ through a physical inactivity epidemic which threatens to bring a major social care crisis. Analysis from ukactive, DataHub and Sheffield Hallam University shows a potential saving of £7.6bn to the NHS and healthcare system if older people are supported to become more physically active.
Caroline Robinson, Chair and Founder of Cumbria Yoga Foundation said; “This project, whilst focusing on the physical aspects of yoga practice, will also bring people together in a safe, fun, friendly and caring environment.
We’re delighted to be partnering with brilliant organisations around the county who provide such important support in our community.”
Active Cumbria Development Officer and programme lead for Live Longer Better in Cumbria, Clare Paling, said; “It is fantastic to have Cumbria Yoga Foundation continue with us as a partner in the Live Longer Better in Cumbria revolution. There is so much great work taking place across Cumbria through networks of organisations and providers who are really embracing the principles and aims of the Live Longer Better programme and offering new and enhanced opportunities for older adults to be physically active.”
Vickie Martin, Head of Age UK Barrow and District said “This is fantastic news. We have seen the benefits physical exercise can have for our service users and we are really excited to work together with Cumbria Yoga Foundation to provide sessions that will support older people’s physical and mental wellbeing, it’s wonderful.”
Mike Hawkins, group Facilitator at Healthy Hopes said “The members who have used the sessions have benefited greatly in their mental and physical wellbeing. After initial reluctance from some members the feedback after each session is very positive and supportive and the continued funding for these sessions will be greatly appreciated by us all.”
To find out more about the sessions and Cumbria Yoga Foundation visit click here or contact info@cumbriayogafoundation.org.
To find out more about the aims of the Live Longer Better programme and the work Active Cumbria is doing to support older adults to be more active visit activecumbria.org/livelongerbetter
