Last Sunday provided a welcome sunny day for taking a walk or getting into our neglected and waterlogged gardens.

I found that the day after I discovered stiff and sore muscles I had forgotten existed. I feel lucky to be able to garden and walk often and not really suffer as a result from too many aches and pains. I also find that it just makes me feel so much better as well, when I am more active. It is a well-known fact that one of the best things we can do for our mental health and wellbeing is to be active – it's a natural mood booster. Our bodies release feel-good hormones when we're active that can also reduce anxiety and stress, and help us sleep better.

As we age, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle becomes increasingly important. A primary concern for older adults is the risk of falls, which can have severe consequences on both physical and mental health. Strength training plays a pivotal role in reducing this risk by improving balance and stability. We lose a lot of muscle as we age and even gentle exercise with small weights can help stop that decline. If you have weaker muscles, you likely have a reduced range of motion and less flexibility. Regular strength training strengthens the muscles around the joints, providing better support and stability. These improvements result in a reduced risk of injury and better overall mobility.

The benefits of strength training for older adults are multi-faceted. From reducing the risk of falls to enhancing heart health, mobility, and self-esteem, the positive impacts are undeniable. Incorporating strength training into the routine of older adults is a proactive step towards ensuring a better quality of life in the golden years. Remember, age is no barrier to the transformative effects of strength training!

FaME (Falls and Management Exercise) is the name of an exercise programme offered by the NHS that has been shown to improve strength, stability and confidence in balance. The programme is delivered across the UK and funded locally because of its success. It is delivered by specialist qualified exercise instructors who understand the age-related changes that happen in the body and the medical concerns that you may have. The small group exercise classes are designed to improve your physical fitness, strength and balance. The exercises within the class are progressed slowly according to your abilities and within the same group people normally progress at different rates. The exercises are specifically developed to help you feel steadier on your feet and improve your confidence in getting around on your own. The classes are also great social events.

Sid Valley Help has a contract with the NHS to provide these classes in Sidmouth and we are about to offer our third cohort of participants. The course is full and we are waiting to hear if we can run more. However, there are many classes offered in the Sid Valley that are run to support older people to remain active.