Ageing Well: Adding Life To Years

Age Concern Manchester is continuing to develop this popular project which is aimed at promoting positive attitudes towards ageing. Our 'Big Lottery'-funded Ageing Well groups run in many areas of Manchester. It was originally stimulated by research that suggested that social activities could be as effective as fitness activities in increasing life-expectancy, and that enhanced social activities may help to increase the quality and length of life.

The Ageing Well groups aim to provide activities with a social emphasis for older people who do not use day centre facilities but would like and would benefit from wider social contact. The activities on offer are varied and include quizzes, art and craft, card games, gentle exercise, occasional trips and specific health information sessions – hopefully something to suit most tastes!

The project continues to support members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community through our innovative 'Out In The City' initiative.

Although the work is being co-ordinated by the Ageing Well Development Workers, we are looking for volunteers to get involved and possibly help lead. It would be great to have some support from people who enjoy sharing their knowledge and experience with others and who have skills in certain areas such as art and craft and gentle exercise or are just good at communicating with people.

If the opportunity of using your skills as a volunteer in this work interests you, please contact any of the Ageing Well Development Workers:

South Manchester:

• Richard Jones - 0161 437 0717 or richard.jones@silverservice.org.uk
• Kay Bamford - 0161 437 0717 or kay.bamford@silverservice.org.uk

Central Manchester & 'Out In The City'

North Manchester

• Diane Aronwich - 0161 205 3851 or diane.aronwich@silverservice.org.uk

It will hopefully be a rewarding experience for both the members of the Ageing Well groups and for volunteers.

Quotes from Ageing Well Club Members

• “Meeting people and learning something new – that’s the best thing for me”
• “It takes my mind off other things”
• “We come to this club because we don’t like to get rusty. We can come here and forget our worries”
• “We don’t feel old when we are doing this”
• “I haven’t laughed so much in years”


• “The residents and I feel that the service and classes delivered promote the independence of the residents and allows them to feel valued. The improvement in the residents’ confidence and quality of social life is immeasurable.”
  Sheltered Housing Scheme Manager.
• “This is a wonderful idea for older people establishments, it is really needed.”
  Retirement Housing Scheme Manager.

Exercising For Life

Everyone can benefit from exercise, whatever his or her age and no matter how unfit they feel at the moment. The best form of exercise is one that you really enjoy and can fit into your daily routine. This way, once you have started, you won’t be tempted to find an excuse for not keeping it up! Whether it’s walking swimming, cycling, a sport like golf, or even regular sessions at the local health club, physical activity helps keep your heart strong and healthy, and reduces the risk of heart attacks or strokes. It could also help you:

• Lose weight and improve your figure
• Relax, cope with stress and sleep well at night
• Give you energy to do the things you enjoy
• Help you look and feel younger