Special programme at Everybody's Gym in Spalding to keep over 60s active

Age is no barrier for a group of pensioners who are staying fitter and healthier for longer by keeping active.

A quicker recovery from cancer, improve flexibility and the easing of injuries are among the benefits from older clients at Everybody’s Gym in Spalding.

Owner of the Bedford Place gym Adam Jones has devised a programme which helps to maintain bone density and flexibility among his older clients.

Improving strength and balance is an important factor to a healthy older age and preventing things such as falls, which can lead to a lot of pain and distress.

According to UK Health Security Agency, 50% of people over the age of 80 will fall at least once a year with 30% of the over 60s recording a fall.

The authority, which replaced Public Health England, states that 1.8 million hospital bed days - costing £1.1billion - are due to hip fractures.

Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board has recently highlighted that improved activity levels can prevent issues such as hip fractures, dementia and diabetes.

One person who is living proof of the benefits of exercise is Wendy Martin, of Spalding.

The 77-year-old, who looks far younger than her years, has been going to the gym for some time - which stood her in good stead when battling throat cancer.

She said: “Two years ago I went through intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. All of the consultants I came into contact with said I got over everything so well is because I went to the gym.”

Wendy joined the gym five years ago following the death of her husband and due to a desire to keep active.

Since then she has enjoyed the social side of going to the gym three to four times a week.

Wendy said: “I have made a lot of good friends here and I feel really well.

“I would definitely recommend coming to the gym without hesitation.”

Another regular Gill Jones (68), who is no longer plagued with a shoulder injury after joining.

Gill, whose son Adam owns the gym, said: “When I was at work I would be doing a lot of lifting and had a bad shoulder for years but that has completely disappeared as I have been doing a lot of weight training.

“My bad knee has also gone.”

The Deeping St Nicholas resident is also seeing other benefits of keeping active - by losing two-and-a-half stone.

She said: “As you get older it is important to keep moving along with your balance and core strength so you don’t fall over.

“A lot of problems come after a fall such as confidence loss.

“I think it is important to keep moving.”

Another gym regular is Bernice Scott (71), who joined when she first moved to the area.She said that it had benefited her not only physically but also provided an opportunity to make new friends.

A few of the older ladies who use the gym have formed a group and do a number of activities

together.

Adam was inspired to put together the programme, which can take 45 to 60 minutes which includes cardio vascular work, to help his older clients.

He said: “If you are older and do take a fall if you are fitter then you have more of a chance of recovering from that.

“There are a lot of conditions you can get as you get older but by retaining bone and muscle density can help to stave off those things.

“The best part of this job is know that you are helping people and making a difference.”

l For more information contact Adam on 01775 768500.