Managing Osteoporosis through physical activity

By GreaterSport | 22 June 2020 | TAGS: inclusiveGM, physical activity, Case studies, Stockport, Stories, Inequalities, older adults

The Active Ageing Programme in Stockport, run by Life Leisure and Age UK Stockport helps support inactive over 65’s to become more active at times in their lives when circumstances can mean that remaining physically active can be particularly challenging. This is a story from a 74 year old woman with osteoporosis and how physical activity has helped her manage her condition.

The client self-referred onto the Active Ageing programme after being advised by her GP to look at increasing her physical activity levels. The client had been diagnosed with Osteoporosis and struggled to walk for long periods of time without having to sit down to take a break. The condition was impacting her ability to go shopping and do everyday tasks.

As well as her physical condition, the client is a Widow, her children work overseas and she reported feeling a bit isolated and wanted to make new social connections.

The team at the Active Ageing programme identified that the client had lost confidence in her ability to do tasks and was becoming accustom to spending most of her time indoors in front of the TV.

A peer mentor (volunteer) arranged a number of different sessions for the client to try out. These sessions included SMILE, Tai Chi and a short walking group. The peer mentor supported the client through the first few weeks and helped her to regain her confidence. The first session the client attended was SMILE, this was suggested as a good starting point due to its low impact and intensity. From here the client decided she would start to attend the walking group and quickly made some new social connections within the groups.

The client has been really happy with the progress she has made over just 12 weeks since starting the Active Ageing programme. She has increased her physical activity levels and has noticed the difference it has made in her ability to walk around for longer periods. She is trying a number of different sessions and particularly likes Tai Chi.

The groups have also resulted in her making new social connections which she is equally happy about. As a result of meeting someone at one of the sessions she was invited to join a coffee club, which she now attends weekly.

The client was signposted into “I Wish I’d Tried” sessions which are delivered by Life Leisure within community settings. The client made new social connections with individuals within the local community. She was also made aware of new social groups which she is now regularly attending.

The client has regained her confidence and her mental health has improved as result of this.

If you have a long term health condition and are wanting to start moving more, We Are Undefeatable is here to help.

Find out more about We Are Undefeatable here.