The Benefits of Prehabilitation for Over 65s in North Tyneside
Published on 05 December 2024 05:39 PM
What is Prehabilitation?
Prehabilitation, the practice of preparing the body for potential future health challenges or medical procedures, is an increasingly important concept for individuals over 60. This proactive approach focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and overall fitness, helping to prevent injuries, improve recovery times, and increase independence. For older adults, engaging in prehabilitation can significantly reduce the risk of falls, enhance mobility, and support better management of chronic conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. By strengthening the body before a medical event or surgery, prehabilitation can make a significant difference in both the recovery process and long-term health outcomes.
For residents in North Tyneside, Age UK North Tyneside offers a fantastic opportunity to engage in prehabilitation through their Strength & Balance 12-week free exercise sessions. These sessions are specifically designed to help individuals over 65 build strength and improve balance, two critical factors in reducing the risk of falls and maintaining independence. With a tailored focus on the needs of older adults, the exercises target areas such as muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility, all of which are essential in preventing accidents and enhancing overall quality of life.
The Strength & Balance programme, offered at three accessible locations in North Tyneside, provides a supportive environment for older people to engage in regular physical activity. Under the guidance of a trained instructor, participants can safely increase their fitness levels and learn techniques to improve balance and reduce fall risks. These classes cater to all fitness levels, ensuring that even those with limited mobility or previous health concerns can benefit from the programme. The 12-week duration allows participants to build a solid foundation of physical fitness, making it easier for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle after the programme concludes.
Overall, the Strength & Balance sessions offered by Age UK North Tyneside play a vital role in the community’s health and well-being. Prehabilitation is an essential tool for helping older adults stay active, independent, and resilient. By participating in these free, community-based sessions, residents can improve their physical health, prevent future health complications, and enjoy a better quality of life for years to come. Age UK North Tyneside’s commitment to enhancing the health of older adults through initiatives like these is an invaluable resource for residents in the area. Participants are provided with free session materials and have access to tutorial videos to enable them to continue the exercises at home.
Access to these free sessions is available either via a GP or health professional referral, or a self-referral can be made to Age UK North Tyneside Tel: 0191 2808484 or customerservices@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk
Please note eligibility criteria do apply.
On 15th August 2024, we celebrated the completion of our 100th Strength & Balance course.