Local residents quite literally jumped at the chance to be as young as they feel at a coffee morning organised by Sue from Age UK Sevenoaks and Tonbridge. Sue combines a coffee morning with strength and balance sessions for residents of Penshurst, Leigh, Cowden, Chiddingstone, Chiddingstone Causeway, Fordcombe and Dunton Green.
She explains, “As we get older we lose muscle and strength, and this leads to instability and that can lead to falls, so, these sessions are aimed at people that want to live more independently for longer and meet other people in the community". Sue gives top tips on falls prevention with practical exercises to improve balance and strength.
40% of West Kent's tenants are over retirement age and live in rural and sometimes remote villages. As people get older different things can impact on their health, both mentally and physically, including where they live. West Kent wants to make sure that its tenants have access to the services they need to help them live independently and happily. To do this, we work closely with external organisations to connect people, that may feel lonely, with their community and services that could benefit them, such as Age UK.
Pop-up Sue, as she is more fondly known, runs these free sessions every month in each village, "Everyone has got to know each other and there is always laughter when we get together with a good cup of tea,” she added.
For more information contact Age UK Sevenoaks and Tonbridge on 01732 454108 or visit their website.