Over 50s invited to free fitness class at our home

Social Steadies is a free weekly exercise class which takes place on Tuesdays from 11am to 12.30pm.

The group brings together residents from our care home and people aged 50+ from the local community to provide an opportunity to socialise while also improving balance through strength exercises.

According to Age UK, ageing well and living a “healthy, safe, and socially inclusive lifestyle” is easier when steps are taken to work on our physical and mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that improving strength and balance can play a significant role here.

Wendy Pottle made Water Mill House her home in July 2023. The 85-year-old is living with Alzheimer’s and is a regular member of the Social Steadies club.

“I always look forward to the class,” said Wendy, “and enjoy chatting to the others in the group.”

Bailey Lawrence, our deputy manager, said: “Social steadies is a fun way for Wendy to maintain her independence, while also meeting new faces from our community.

“It encourages Wendy to work on her strength and balance in a fun and lively environment, and we just love to see how engaged she is with the group.”

The exercise class is led by Elaine York, our wellbeing lead and a qualified personal trainer.

“The aim of the group is to have fun while getting stronger and improving balance, so there is always lots of laughter, plus some singing and dancing,” explained Elaine, who has more than 20 years of experience in holistic therapy.

“We use equipment such as bands and Pilates balls, but also water bottles as weights and their own body weight, so that our members from the local community can continue the exercises at home.

“All of the exercises can be done seated or standing, to accommodate everyone’s fitness level and health needs.

“After the workout, we all head to our bistro for a well-deserved cuppa and a chance to chat and get to know each other.”

From leading gentle exercise classes to delivering Namaste Care sessions, Elaine combines fitness, aromatherapy, massage and reflexology skills to help residents keep active and fulfilled.

Social Steadies started as a fortnightly group but has proven so popular that it is now weekly and can accommodate new members.

Sisters Daphne Tyler, aged 80, and Pauline Fiddler, 78, are regular attendees of the group, and their sister Patricia, 91, who also participates, is a resident at Water Mill House.

Daphne said: “I really enjoy the workout, and Pauline loves the music and always sings along. It’s a wonderful way of spending time with Patricia and helps all three of us to stay active.”

Fellow member Ling Au, aged 75, has seen a big improvement in her fitness since joining Social Steadies. She said: “The sessions are perfect for what I need, the exercises are helping with my fitness, posture, and balance.”

Sharon Coe, aged 68, enjoys the social side of the group, she said: “I enjoy the exercise, and it’s definitely helped my fitness, but it’s the chance to spend time with the others and socialise that makes it much more than just a keep-fit class.”

Our home has built strong links with the community. Bailey added: “It’s more than just an exercise class, it’s a social group that has helped to forge some wonderful connections and friendships.

“We support our residents to enjoy rich lives both in the home and in the wider community. Hosting Social Steadies allows us to give something back to our local community.

“Many of our ladies who attend have said their balance and core strength has greatly improved since they joined the group.

Water Mill House is a 65-bed care home providing residential, nursing, specialist dementia, and end of life care. We also provide convalescent care to adults with a range of support needs including rehab following a stroke or amputation, paralysis, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s.