A double whammy of exercise programmes that have proven to be a real tonic for older people in South Lanarkshire have come into sharp focus in a new film.

The projects, which included strength and balance classes and an innovative walking initiative, were launched by Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire (VASLan) as part of the national Reshaping Care for Older People (RCOP) programme.

And Sandra Renicks, Locality Officer of VASLan – who appears in the film – explained that encouraging people to become more active has made a massive difference to many of the participants’ lives.

“The aim of these programmes was for older people to increase their activity to a stage where they feel fitter, healthier and more confident.

“The benefits of regular exercise are well known and are especially important in helping older people maintain health, wellbeing and independence.”

VASLan trained community volunteers in strength and balance techniques, such as knee, hip and leg strengthening exercises, walking and gentle stretches. The trained volunteers have now taken what they learned to their own community groups across Lanarkshire.

The Strolling Steady walking initiative saw around 100 recruits across South Lanarkshire issued with free start up packs, including a pedometer, so they could clock up their steps in and around their own homes.

Sandra added: “The classes have been great in equipping those at the heart of communities with key knowledge.

“Strolling Steady has also made a massive difference and we saw many participants who completed the programme becoming really energised and inspired.

“We’ve had one older person, for example, rediscover her love of dancing and join a local dance class which, apart from the health and wellbeing benefits, has opened up a new social circle. 

“Examples like this demonstrate that these activities can also help combat older people falling into the isolation trap.”

The RCOP programme has aimed to support growing numbers of older people live independent and positive lives by providing more support in community settings by combining the expertise of organisations like NHS Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire Council and the independent and the voluntary sector.

The spirit of partnership is being extended to the entire adult population as a new Act requires health and social care to integrate their services.

Partners, like the voluntary sector and unpaid carers, will continue to play a crucial role.

Harry Stevenson, Chief Officer for the South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “This is one of a number of innovative partnership initiatives aimed at supporting more people at home in South Lanarkshire.

“Excellent work like this demonstrates that we are fully focussed on making a real difference to the lives of people throughout area.”

Fact file:

• See how these projects have made a difference to the lives of older people in South Lanarkshire by watching the film, displayed here: http://www.vaslan.org.uk/news

• Although these projects have now finished, VASLan’s Locator tool, makes it quick and easy to find services and activities run by the voluntary sector in South Lanarkshire. Visit http://www.vaslan.org.uk/locator/ or contact 01698 300390

• For more information on the integration of health and social care – and to read the latest integration newsletter  – visit: http://goo.gl/VR5jaC