SERVICE DETAILS
COVID-19 UPDATE...
We’re back, but with a few changes
We’re so happy to be back and delivering some of the Ageing Well activities we love. Like everyone, we’ve had to adapt for COVID-19. Things might be a little different and not all of our activities will be starting immediately, but our friendly team of staff and volunteers are here to welcome you back and help you stay active with us in a safe, but most of all enjoyable, environment.
Our walking programme and allotment are the first of our activities to return, please see https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/ageing-well-walks for details of our current walking programme including a useful walking level guide and see https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/assets/contentfiles/foi-publications/Allotment_2021.pdf for information on our allotment programme.
Normal service details...
The Ageing Well project promotes healthy lifestyles for older adults in Edinburgh who are inactive. This project is a partnership with NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Leisure and Pilmeny Development Project and is part of the UK Ageing Well network, which aims to increase the expectation of good health in later life.
Ageing Well Edinburgh has over 15 successful years of making a significant difference to the lives of those who regularly attend our activities. The emphasis is on meeting new people and making physical activity accessible and enjoyable.
Each week this multi-award winning project helps over 400 older people in Edinburgh stay active and healthy. Sessions take place in community venues throughout the city and are led by trained Ageing Well volunteers (who are older adults themselves).
Something for Everyone
Activities have been developed to cater for a wide range of tastes and abilities. Our current programme includes health walks, COPD health walks, dancing, chair-based exercise, singing, a swim buddy programme, cycling skills and Velo-city freebike loan, a photography group, an allotment project and indoor new age kurling. There’s a lot to choose from!
Walking
Walk your way to improved health and well being on an Ageing Well Health Walk. We have a range of walks – up to 30 minutes, 45 – 60 minutes and 90 minutes.
Chair-based Exercise
It’s surprising how much you can improve your health while sitting in a chair. As we get older we need to continue to exercise to increase our strength and flexibility. The exercises are easy, fun and suitable for all abilities.
Dancing
Put on your dancing shoes and set your own pace - a slow foxtrot is no more energetic than walking, while a salsa will really get your heart pumping. Great fun and a great way to meet people so it never becomes a bore or a chore.
Buddy Swimming
If you have ever wanted to increase your confidence in water, then our volunteers will meet you at the pool and join you in the water to help guide you.
Singing
Our singing group sessions are led by an experienced volunteer leader. Come along each week and join in the fun. No singing experience necessary!
Chair Based Yoga
When was the last time you tried something out for the first time? These exercises are aimed at improving strength and flexibility as well as mindfulness from both seated and standing positions, suitable for all abilities.
Photography
Capture your imagination from flowers to animals, sunrise to sunsets, architecture to landscapes. Our volunteers will help you find the right subject and advise on editing and enhancing your images. A small digital camera is all you need.
New Age Kurling
This is a form of the original curling game but instead of playing on ice, it has been adapted so the sport can be played indoors on any smooth, flat surface such as in a sports hall. A fun game for two people or more, suitable for all abilities and can be seated so no bending required.
Cycle Skills
Our qualified volunteer cycle leaders will help you to build your confidence and fitness to enjoy this great form of exercise and travel. Ageing Well can also provide bicycles and helmets. Please note that some previous cycling experience is necessary.
For further information on any of the activities, please see https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/be-active/ageing-well.
A Warm Welcome
You can expect a warm welcome from Ageing Well volunteers, plenty of fun, laughs and exercise throughout each session, often with refreshments and a blether afterwards.
The cost of attending varies depending on the activity but we do our best to keep costs to a minimum so it's as easy as possible for people to take part. Often the Ageing Well activities carry a low £1 voluntary contribution or there's no cost to the participant.
