Winter movement with Ageing Well in Midlothian
Staying active as we get older is important, especially over the winter months when the temperature drops and our bodies can stiffen up. Regular movement can help prevent various health conditions and reduce our risk of falls. It will also help us do things in our daily lives more easily like housework, dressing, playing with grandchildren, walking to the shops.
Regular physical activity can help us relax, sleep better and boost our energy levels. Taking part in group activities can also reduce social isolation and help us feel connected.
Here Natasha from Ageing Well in Midlothian shares a bit about the activities they run and her top tips for winter wellbeing.
Ageing Well’s activities
Ageing Well offers a range of low cost activities for over 50s across Midlothian, mostly run by volunteers who share their passion for leading a healthy lifestyle in a fun and safe way.
Most volunteer led activities cost £2 and Instructor led activities cost £3 and include:
Activities include:
- Strength and balance classes
- Indoor bowling
- New age kurling
- Line dancing (Instructor led)
- Ballroom dancing (Instructor led)
- Tai Chi (Instructor led)
- Table tennis
- Pickleball and badminton
- Walking football
- Singing group
Find out more about Ageing Well activities here: Ageing Well – activities for over 50s | Midlothian Council.
The weekly Ageing Well programme also includes a variety of walking groups who meet weekly across the Midlothian area and a monthly Trekker walk. Walks are free!
If you attend an Ageing Well activity on a regular basis you will have the opportunity to apply for a Be Active Membership card which entitles you to discounts in leisure centre cafes across Midlothian, Hillend and various other discounts in local shops and opticians.
Learn about Be Active membership on the Midlothian Council page.
Try something new: Shibashi
A recent addition to the Ageing Well programme is Shibashi, a set of 18 gentle Tai Chi Qigong exercises that coordinate slow, flowing movements with breathing and concentration.
The name “Shibashi” means “eighteen postures” in Mandarin Chinese. These exercises are designed to promote health and wellbeing and can be practiced by people of all ages.
Shibashi has many benefits: it helps stimulate the lungs, promotes and helps lift depression, relieves anxiety and headaches, strengthens the kidneys, knees and legs, helps balance and improve blood pressure and strengthens the heart and lungs.
You can find Shibashi classes on a Tuesday from 1:00-1:45pm at the Penicuik Leisure Centre (call the Centre to book, 0196 866 4066) and on a Sunday from 10:15 -11:00am at Newbattle Campus (call the Centre to book 0131 561 6740).
Become an Ageing Well volunteer
Volunteering has a wide range of personal and health benefits and is a wonderful thing to be involved in as it helps to counteract the effects of stress, anxiety, and depression by providing social contact and a sense of purpose.
Volunteering provides a natural sense of accomplishment and pride, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem. It can also provide you with a new meaning and direction in life, bringing benefits for people who are retired. Why not make it your New Year’s resolution to become an Ageing Well Volunteer?
Contact our Ageing Well Coordinator Natasha McInninie to find out more: natasha.mcinninie@midlothian.gov.uk or 0782 535 6478.