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A NEW initiative in Oxford will focus on bolstering the health of residents over 60.
This age group has been at particular risk, both of contracting Covid-19 and of increased isolation and loneliness as a result of the lockdown measures.
The campaign, which was developed by Oxford City Council, will offer online exercise programmes and specialist routines for older people, including those who have health conditions and accessibility needs.
It marks Healthy Ageing Month, an initiative created by Oxford Brookes University, which began on November 2 and will last until the end of the month.
Councillor Pat Kennedy, who is Older People’s Champion for Oxford, commented on the new initiative: “It is vital that we support the health of older people all across the city, so that their needs and aspirations can be met, especially in the current lockdown.
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“Our new Go Outdoors website and the online Activity Hub offer new ways for people to connect.
“Staying mentally and physically active is really important for people’s health and wellbeing, and so is feeling connected to others.
“Many older residents just need the resources to do this themselves, however, we have also seen just how committed volunteers and neighbours are to supporting those who need more help.
“They have been doing food shops, offering befriending services and picking up prescriptions, often via Oxford’s locality hubs.”
To find out more about the council’s programme and to access the exercises visit www.oxford.gov.uk/activityhub
