Mr Motivator Joins 50+ Health Debate
 Over a third of over 55s say their strength has declined since the outbreak of COVID-19, according to new figures, whilst 37% say they are doing less physical activity than they were this time last year.
Mr Motivator and the Centre for Ageing Better have issued a joint call for broadcasters to do more to keep older people active, with regular televised activity slots aimed at over the 50s. Older adults watch more TV than any other age group, and so these classes would be able to reach those who are less likely to use the internet.
Derrick Evans, also known as Mr Motivator, performed live fitness sessions in the 1990s on GMTV. Now 68, he is calling for broadcasters to do more to support the health and fitness of people his age.
Government issues latest guidance on Care Home visiting
New guidance applies from 12 April 2021 and replaces previous guidance on care home visiting. It applies to care homes for both working age and for older adults.
The guidance recognises that visiting is a central part of care home life and is crucially important for maintaining the health, wellbeing and quality of life of residents. Visiting is also vital for family and friends to maintain contact and life-long relationships with their loved ones and contribute to their support and care.
Hulme creative writing group feature in short film
Power from the Tower, is a fascinating short film made by Joana Salles for an MA in Visual Anthropology. It retraces the daily life of Hopton Court older residents as they take part in creative writing sessions. The group established themselves in order to build a collective voice in their response to gentrification and the isolation of older people in Hulme.
£50,000 Awarded to Greater Manchester Age Friendly Projects
The Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation (GMCVO)-led programme Ambition for Ageing have invested £50,000 into small projects across Greater Manchester to prevent the social isolation of older people.
Four Manchester projects were awarded funds and are based in Gorton:
-
Gorton Visual Arts: art packages and support provided to older people including those referred by NHS Focused Care and Macmillan User Involvement.
-
Clowes Street Tenants and Residents Association: a local Christmas street activity to engage a diverse range of people from the area – many of whom don’t celebrate Christmas as part of their faith.
-
Ryder Brow Community Allotments: a sensory gardening project for older people.
-
Gorton Community Centre: exercise equipment and PPE for an older people's group.
Why not run a Manchester Community Cafe?
 Southway Housing are looking for a local Social/Community Enterprise, educational establishment, or charitable organisation, to lease the kitchen and run the community café at Gorton Mill House, a brand new development with 106 homes for people 55+ in a central location, close to Abbey Hey Primary School and Gorton Community Centre.
To enquire, call Cathy Ayrton on 0161 448 4200 or email AFapplications@southwayhousing.co.uk
 Those Boots Were Made For Walking
The Let’s Walk GM Walking Festival returns from 1 – 31 May 2021. The theme this year is about Getting Out This May and hopes to encourage you to get out and about every day in May (whilst following current Government Covid-19 guidelines). For example, you might want to explore one of Manchester's Green Trail walking routes.
Participants are being encouraged to share their stories with @GMWalks.
If you have any questions, you can contact info@gmwalks.co.uk.
 MICRA Webinar: Moving online: Digital dance programs for older adults and people with Parkinson’s
27 May, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Dance can provide physical and non-physical benefits for older adults, as well as those with age-related neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s. With the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions, dance classes, like many other activities, moved to online provision through videos and live interactive sessions. An international survey was conducted from June to November 2020 to explore older people’s experiences of accessing and using home-based dance resources and to identify the potential benefits and challenges of remote participation. This webinar will present the findings from the study and also discuss two dance initiatives that have been developed specifically for older adults (Silver Swans) and Parkinson’s (Dance for PD).
Register via Zoom and you’ll then receive a confirmation email with the details you can use to join on the day.
|
