OLDER people living in and around Penley are being offered a programme of free classes to helping improve strength and balance and reduce the risk of falls.
One third of people over 65 fall at least once a year, rising to 50 per cent for those over 80.
And from the age of 40 to 70, muscle mass decreases by approximately eight per cent per decade and after 70 years that rate increases to 15 per cent per decade.
To help combat this, the Rainbow Foundation, based at the Rainbow Centre in Penley, has launched the ‘Active Future’ classes.
Geraldine Vaughan, operational manager at the Rainbow Foundation, said: “Losing some muscle with age is unavoidable, but we can slow this process down and reduce its effects through exercise.
“It is also important that we realise that frailty is not a normal consequence of ageing.
“By taking some simple measures, people can stay healthy and maintain their independence as they age, starting with addressing their muscle health at an earlier age, which is why we have developed our Active Futures programme.
“Active Futures is a free course, offering a well-designed exercise programme involving strength, balance and functional exercises, the sessions will be at the right intensity for each individual and should also be enjoyable.
“The programme is held over 12 weeks, offering two group sessions a week.
“Sessions start with a physiotherapist led exercise session, followed by an opportunity to access lifestyle and wellbeing support from our social prescribers, and to socialise with the group over a drink.”
The Active Futures Project is being funded by Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board as the cost to the NHS of falls is estimated to be more than £2.3 billion per year.
The programme is running at four venues, Chirk Parish Hall, Plas Macoc swimming baths, Marchwiel Village Hall, and Penley Rainbow Centre.
To book a place call the Rainbow Foundation on 01948 830730 or email activefutures@therainbowfoundation.org.uk direct.