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Active body, healthy mind and social connection

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As well as stronger bodies, physical activities create stronger social connections and stronger cognitive function.   Supporting a person to remain active is supporting them to maintaining their independence.    

Physical activities can include the obvious; walking, light weight and resistance programmes, even water-based activity such as aqua aerobics and lane walking.  Some people may prefer to participate in dancing classes, gardening clubs, tai chi or yoga. 

Social activities that support cognitive function can range from group discussions on topics of interest, seminars, and lectures.  Others enjoy card and board games.  Bridge clubs and mah-jong have experienced a resurgence in popularity of late.   

There is no need limit your activity to what you have done before.  Accessing services such as the SHINE Activity programme, allow you to try new things in a safe and supportive environment.   Take chair yoga as an example.

Seated or chair yoga sessions provide stretching for stiff muscles and a mindfulness experience – which contributes positively to good mental health.  At SHINE the sessions are run in a group setting, encouraging social engagement over a shared activity.  One thing just naturally flows into another.

If you would like to know more about SHINE’s activity programme, please feel free to call us for a chat on 08 9253 5555

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