Wimbledon Guild and Merton Council launch “Merton Moves” today, a new campaign with partners to inspire older Merton residents to adopt a more physically active lifestyle.
Regular physical activity is key to healthy ageing and becomes even more important as we get older. The benefits associated with safe, physical activity in older adults, far outweigh any risks.
The good news is that it’s never too late to start. Merton Moves signposts to local clubs, classes and organisations offering an array of activities. The campaign also demonstrates how physical activity goes beyond a trip to the gym or organised sport.
There are lots of options that are free and easily incorporated into daily life, and Merton Moves includes diagrams for some simple but effective exercises you can do at home.
Wendy, Wimbledon Guild CEO, says:
Supporting healthy ageing is one of Wimbledon Guild’s core aims so we were delighted to be asked to work with the Council on the Merton Moves project. Through our own activities programme which we run for over 50s in Merton, we see first-hand the benefits of remaining physically active during the later years in life.
Councillor Rebecca Lanning, Cabinet member for Public Health at Merton Council said:
Over winter we all spend more time indoors and less time being active, and this winter we may do even less due to COVID-19 restrictions, but it doesn’t have to be this way. We are looking forward to working with Wimbledon Guild on Merton Moves, to provide easy to digest facts about the benefits of a physically active lifestyle, and myth bust some common misconceptions that can be barriers to people getting active.
Being active can help you feel younger, have more energy and sleep better. It’s also good for your mental health and has been shown to be the best way to keep your mind sharp if you’re over fifty. Being physically active can also help you maintain a healthier weight and reduce the risk of severe or fatal illness from COVID-19.
Exercise isn’t just good for your health; it can also be a great opportunity to make new friends and try new hobbies – especially if you’re nearing retirement or have retired and find yourself with more time on your hands.
One thing’s for certain – doing some physical activity is always better than doing nothing, so let’s get Merton moving!
Visit www.mertonmoves.co.uk for more information and look out for the Merton Moves campaign across social media and print. More resources will be added over the coming weeks so make sure you stay tuned!
ABOUT WIMBLEDON GUILD
Wimbledon Guild is a local charity that provides people in Merton with help and support in times of need. Under normal circumstances the charity operates from its base at Guild House on Worple Road, Wimbledon. Due to the coronavirus pandemic the charity is now running most services online, allowing it to continue its work to reduce social isolation and loneliness, help people who are experiencing difficulties and enable older people to be active and healthy.
The services Wimbledon Guild offer includes:
• Wellbeing support
• Talking therapies
• Grief support
• Small grants
• Clubs, classes, talks and trips
• HomeFood Café – currently running a HomeFood meal delivery service
• Befriending
• Volunteering
Wimbledon Guild rely heavily on donations and its work in the Merton community can only continue through the generosity of local people and businesses.
To find out more check out our Wimblecomm Spotlight interview with Phil, Marketing and Communications Manager at Wimbledon Guild which we published earlier this year; and our recent Throwback to Wimbledon Guild’s Virtual Waggy Walk Event.
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