Local students and staff behind an impactful physiotherapy and exercise class have celebrated a year of helping the community live longer and healthier lives.

The Ageing Well workshops, led by Keele Physiotherapy students under the guidance of Clinic Director Katie Brown, have welcomed more than 80 older adults from the local area since launching last year, with more than 30 attending two or three times every week.

The initiative sees students delivering exercise classes for older adults in a circuit-style format, guiding groups through exercises designed to enhance strength, balance, coordination and flexibility, which are all key components of physical health that naturally decline with age.

Students have been monitoring things like grip strength, balance and squat performance for those who take part, with early results showing improved performance among those who attend the classes.

Katie Brown, Lecturer in the School of Allied Health Professions and Physiotherapy Clinic Director, said: "It is wonderful to see how the strength and confidence of our participants has built over the last year.

"They really get on with each other too, and the classes are warm, welcoming and fun. It's the highlight of my week and something I feel immensely proud to have set up. I have also seen the change in our students, with the classes giving them the confidence to lead and encourage participants."

Physiotherapy student Emmanuel Osei-Bonsu delivering one of the Ageing Well workshops at Keele (image via Keele)

Alongside the exercise classes themselves the workshops also include weekly talks on sessions including nutrition and ageing, sleep tips, and understanding conditions like osteoarthritis.

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These talks are researched, written, and delivered by the students, and designed to give participants practical knowledge to take control of their own health and wellbeing, as well as giving the students valuable experience of community and public engagement, as well as communication of healthcare messages.

The classes also have a strong social element, with participants all socialising and celebrating wins together throughout the classes.

Mavis Williams has regularly attended the classes over the past year, and said: "These classes are somewhere that we can go and exercise with friendly like-minded people without fear of being judged.

"It is also nice to meet new students and help them to gain confidence during class time dealing with the ageing population, and we all gain from meeting them and learning about their backgrounds and hopes for the future.

"We feel stronger and fitter for our efforts and really look forward to seeing the regulars supporting this wonderful class. The music is always fantastic, and Katie's enthusiasm is contagious."

The classes are run from Keele's Sports Centre four times a week, with spaces available. The talks are also free to attend, with no booking required, and take place on Wednesdays at 11am.

Upcoming events include:

• 6 May: Simple exercises for ageing well.
• 13 May: Digital/online support workshop

To book a place or learn more about the classes, or to find out more about upcoming talks in the series, call 01782 733368 or email [email protected].

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