Weekly armchair exercise sessions are helping elderly residents at a sheltered housing scheme in Tooting, south London, stay fit and healthy.
Roshni House, run by ASRA Greater London Housing Association, has joined with the Wandsworth Primary Care Trust to run classes every Tuesday morning.
Rekha Tank, ASRA’s Scheme Manager said: “The classes have proved really popular at Roshni House. We have up to 15 residents taking part every week.
“The chair based exercises help the residents to deal with medical conditions like arthritis and diabetes, improve circulation and mobility, and are easy enough for anyone to have a go at. Residents have lots of fun and really look forward to the class.”
The original 10-week course is being extended due to the high interest shown.
The classes, funded by Wandsworth PCT, are run by its fitness specialist Florence Banes Bennett.
The exercise class is running in conjunction with Roshni House’s own Healthy Eating sessions, which encourage residents to try new recipes and swap sugary, salty and fatty foods for fresh fruit and vegetables. The main aim for these activities is to help residents lead a happy and healthy life.
Manna Santokhee, ASRA’s Head of Care added: “ASRA encourages residents to lead a healthy, full lifestyle. Working collaboratively with Wandsworth Primary Care Trust enables us to provide ample opportunities for activities, socialising and exercise.”
Roshni House provides 23 self-contained flats for older people with support needs, along with a communal room and gardens. It offers security and peace of mind, allowing residents to live actively and independently, but with the option of companionship and the support of the scheme manager when needed.
Other activities, workshops and social functions are also organised throughout the year.
ASRA is part of the LHA-ASRA housing and regeneration group.