NEWS FROM RUSHCLIFFE 50+ FORUM

Gamston Community Hall was the venue for the Rushcliffe 50+ Forum’s sixth Annual General Meeting.The programme which followed the AGM had been influenced by the fact that the next week was to be the National Falls Week.
The first talk of the afternoon, titled “Falls, Trips and Slips,” was delivered by Kate Robertson, who is the Falls Clinical Specialist in Principia. Amazingly there are more than 400 reasons why seniors might fall over.
Those with osteoporosis who fall are likely to suffer broken bones – for people aged over 50 one in two females have osteoporosis and as many as one in five men. Some of the reasons for falls were highlighted, including, low blood pressure, poor balance (can be caused by bunged-up ears), medication, not looking, rushing.
Kate informed attendees that people who have a concern about falls may refer themselves to the community rehabilitation team based at Lings Bar Hospital (0115 8462470). Statistically, anyone who has had a fall is likely to have another fall. It was stressed that it is important to keep the bones and muscles strong by regular exercise and healthy eating.
Kate introduced Kris Gregory, who is Health and Fitness co-ordinator at Parkwood Leisure. Kris gave an outline of the activities that are available for 50+ groups, saying that anyone wishing to see what facilities and activities are available at a centre can have a guided tour by asking at the reception desk.
At the Rushcliffe Leisure Centre in West Bridgford, there are in excess of 50 sessions (Nifty Fifties), consisting of aerobics, body conditioning, fitness suite, table tennis and swimming. The cost is currently £3.80 for all or any of the activities.
There is an “Exercise for Health” scheme, which needs GP referral. As regards costs of the various activities there are concessionary rates for the over 60’s. There are two months left for a free swim for the over 60’s, funded by the Swimming Association.
A comedy playlet was staged by Jigsaw, a charitable organisation from Mansfield. Falls, Trips and Slips to avoid were conveyed to an attentive audience in a conversation between an accident-prone Maureen and her companion, ‘arold.
As is usual at the events organised by the Forum, there was plenty of information available from the stalls, which included:

• Deaf and Visual Impairment Team (Notts County Council)
• Disabilities Living Centre (Notts)
• Falls, Trips and Slips (Lings Bar)
• Home Alarm Service (Rushcliffe Borough Council)
• Principia / NHS Nottinghamshire County (Primary Care Trust)
• Parkwood Leisure

The Forum’s next event will be held on Friday 17th September from 2pm until 4.30pm at Edwalton Church Hall, Vicarage Green, Edwalton. Further details will be published in the Local News and on posters.