Sheffield prepares for Care Home Olympics

Teams of elderly people and their carers are set to compete against each other in a unique games event, at Don Valley Stadium on Thursday 19 June.

The event, called The Care Home Olympics, is the first of its kind in Sheffield, and probably the UK.  It will showcase how enjoyable physical activity can be for this age group and raise the profile of the good work happening in Sheffield.

Competitors will be testing each other’s mettle in bowling, skittles, mini golf, target throwing, dominoes and an Olympics quiz.  The event starts with a chair-based, mass warm-up and ends with dancing.

Councillor Steve Ayris, Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Independent and Healthy Living, said: "It is really important that we all keep active, no matter how old we are.

"We know that physical activity, at the right level, can bring health benefits to even the frailest of older people.  It is also great for meeting people and socialising.  We hope these Olympics inspire residents, carers, and families to increase their activity levels."

And three residents from Blenheim Court Nursing Home who are taking part on Thursday added their comments too: Elsie Proctor who is 92 said: “I'm looking forward to it!”, and 89 year old Phyllis Carver added, “I feel honoured to be part of this team.”

The Lord Mayor will present medals and prizes to the winning homes.

This event is just one of many initiatives in place in Sheffield to cater for an ageing population and encourage physical activity.

Physical activity is vital for people of any age in order for them to add years to their life, and life to their years!  And it’s never too late to start.  Practical examples of how being physically active can help in everyday life include: an activity like washing your hair is much easier to do if you’ve worked on increasing your flexibility; similarly, you can move around more easily if you’ve worked on increasing your muscle strength.  Being active will give you a better quality of life, improved health and wellbeing and it means you can live independently for longer.

It’s hoped the Games will encourage care home staff and their residents to be more physically active.  Staff from the care homes will have the opportunity to access equipment and training from staff qualified in a nationally recognised programme, which will enable them to include more physical activity in the everyday lives of the older people they care for.

The teams taking part are from Jasmin Court, Grange Crescent, Hallamshire Care Home, Silver Lodge, Woodbank House, Broomcroft House, Northfield Nursing Home, Pexton Grange Nursing Home, Moorend Place, Aaron View, Blenheim Court, Alpine Lodge, Chatsworth Grange, Aaron House, Dalwood View, Henleigh Hall, Sevenfields and three homes run by Sheffcare.

The event is sponsored by the British Heart Foundation and the National Centre for Physical Activity and Health at Loughborough University.