1 October marked International Older People’s Day, a day created by the United Nations over 30 years ago to celebrate life as you age, encourage people to socialise and, most importantly, have fun!
East Sussex marks the day with celebrations and activities throughout the whole month, during the Ageing Well Festival, with a range of events planned by the East Sussex Seniors Forums.
Active Rother works with partners across the district to host a plethora of activities for older people.
What are the benefits of exercise for older adults?
According to the NHS, adults over 65 should aim to be physically active every day, even if it’s just light activity. Activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility should be done at least twice a week, and you should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity if you are able to (or a combination of both!).
Physical activity can help to improve your health and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Attending classes and clubs is also a great way to meet other like minded people in your area, be social, and make new friends!
Speak to a GP first if you have not exercised for some time, or if you have medical conditions or concerns. Make sure your activity and its intensity are appropriate for your fitness.
Activities in Rother
Read on to find out what’s going on near you this October (and beyond) through Active Rother and get involved with celebrating the Ageing Well Festival while you keep active, fit, and healthy!
Walking Football
A slow paced, non-contact version of the game, aimed at over 50s, designed to help keep an active lifestyle. Tuesdays at 9.30am, and Thursdays at 7pm. Bexhill Leisure Centre. £3. Contact mickdavies48@gmail.com for more information.
First Steps Into Walking Football
Enjoy football at a slower pace. This is especially suitable for those who put their boots away a while ago and aren’t particularly active but want to come along & give it a go, or want to come and help out. Including tea/coffee. Wednesdays at 9.30am at Bexhill Leisure Centre. £3.50. Contact bexhillcentreenquiries@freedom-leisure.co.uk or 01424 731171 for more information.
Walking Netball
A slower version of the traditional game. It’s netball but at a walking pace, so anyone can play regardless of age or fitness level. Come along and have fun! Mondays at 11.15am at Bexhill Leisure Centre. £2.50. Email: bexhillcentreenquiries@freedom-leisure.co.uk. Phone: 01424 731171.
Bexhill Walking Cricket Club
An opportunity to partake in a more sedate form of exercise to Walking Football. Also, for people who have had health problems to continue their rehabilitation at a gentle pace. Fridays at 9.30am at Bexhill Leisure Centre. £2. For more info, email: walcrinsol@gmail.com or call 07956667531.
Sidley Walking Cricket Club
Wednesdays at 2pm at Bexhill Leisure Centre. £2. For more info, email: walcrinsol@gmail.com or call 07956667531.
Active Friends – Meet and Move
Improve balance and coordination, increase stamina and overall fitness, and meet friends in a welcoming environment. Exercises include chair and standing Pilates and Yoga, Tai Chi/ Qi Gong and Mindfulness Meditation. Tuesdays at 10.30am at All Saints Church Hall, Sidley. Wednesdays at 2pm at Pebsham Community Hub. £2.50. For more info, contact Sally Taylor on sal_r_tay@yahoo.co.uk or 07739082538.
Exercise to Music – Low Level
Improve your fitness through exercising to music. Classes are adapted for age and ability. Mondays at 5pm at Freedom Church, Sidley. £2. Contact Dance-Ability at abilityaccess@hotmail.com or 07942493177.
Exercise to Music – Medium
Mondays at 6pm at Freedom Church, Sidley. £2. Contact Dance-Ability at abilityaccess@hotmail.com or 07942493177.
There are a range of Exercise to Music classes across Rother, check out the full details below:
| Exercise To Music – Medium Level
As above
|
As above | Mondays 6pm | Freedom Church, Sidley | £2.00 |
| Exercise To Music – Low Level
As above
|
As above | Thursdays 11.30am | The Poppy Club, Bexhill | £3.00 |
| Exercise To Music – Medium Level
As above
|
As above | Thursdays 12.30pm | The Poppy Club, Bexhill | £3.00 |
| Exercise To Music – Low Level
As above
|
As above | Saturdays 10.30am | St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bexhill | £2.00 |
| Exercise To Music – Medium Level
As above
|
As above | Saturdays 11.30am | St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bexhill | £2.00 |
Pickleball
All equipment is provided and all are welcome, from newbies upwards. Comfortable clothes and good footwear are recommended, and no pre-booking is required. Visit the Facebook page for Bexhill Pickleball. Sundays at 1.30pm and Wesdnesdays at 11am at Bexhill Leisure Centre. £3.95. Email: bexhillcentreenquiries@freedom-leisure.co.uk or call 01424 731171.
Ninfield Health Walk
A great way to meet people and make new friends, whilst enjoying a gentle walk (1 to 1.5 miles in length), taken at your own pace. Suitable for all ages and abilities, including those who are recovering from illness or injury. Thursdays at 11am from Sparke Pavilion, Ninfield. Free. Contact The Conservation Volunteers lorna.neville@tcv.org.uk or call 07740899559. Web: https://eastsussexhealthwalks@tcv.org.uk.
Ravenside Health Walk
Wednesdaus at 11am from Bexhill Leisure Pool. Free. Contact The Conservation Volunteers lorna.neville@tcv.org.uk or call 07740899559. Web: https://eastsussexhealthwalks@tcv.org.uk.
Bexhill Seafront Health Walk
Fridays at 11am from De La Warr Pavilion. Free. Contact The Conservation Volunteers lorna.neville@tcv.org.uk or call 07740899559. Web: https://eastsussexhealthwalks@tcv.org.uk.
Sidley Health Walk
Mondays at 11am from The New Inn, Sidley. Free. Contact The Conservation Volunteers lorna.neville@tcv.org.uk or call 07740899559. Web: https://eastsussexhealthwalks@tcv.org.uk.
Table Tennis
Friendly play and a great way to meet others. No need to book in advance, just show up! Monday from 12.30-3pm and Thursday from 9.30am-1pm at The Pelham in Sidley. £1.
Keep up to speed on all activities near you by regularly checking our activities listings page here, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter!