Ageing Well - activities for over 50s

Ageing Well

Physical activity helps prevent and manage a wide range of health conditions including:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart and lung conditions
  • Osteoporosis

Did you know that less than a third of people in Scotland aged over 55 are active enough for health?

The Ageing Well project aims to maintain and promote the physical and mental health, wellbeing and quality of life for people over 50 in Midlothian.

A partnership between NHS Lothian and Midlothian Council, the project works by:

  • Setting up new activities where there is a demand or a gap
  • Signposting you to activities in your local area
  • Helping you stay healthy and active for longer
  • Providing a wide range of volunteering opportunities

Ageing Well volunteers

Role

All volunteers will be encouraged to carry out some of the following tasks in their work with the project. You may already have these skills, or you can develop them over time.

Main tasks

  • Attend volunteer training sessions and meetings
  • To facilitate discussion into aspects of physical activity, and promote its benefits
  • To listen to older people to identify and understand potential barriers to having an active life. Sharing personal experience and offer encouragement and support to peers in their pursuit of positive lifestyle changes
  • Lead and assist with weekly activity groups in different areas in Midlothian, for example, train to become a walk leader, and become part of a health walk team or help run a weekly New Age Kurling group
  • Help with running annual events such as the Senior Olympics and Walk the Line
  • Help with functional fitness and information days throughout Midlothian

Commitment

Training phase - Initial training of approx 6 hours plus specialised training e.g. walk leader one day training course, run by Paths for All.

Volunteer commitment – minimum of one hour per week.

Expenses

Travelling and motor expenses will be reimbursed.

Training and support

You will get ongoing support from the project co-ordinator, and from current volunteers who are engaged in project activities. A buddy system will be provided initially.

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