Castle Dene residents keep active with fun-filled armchair exercise sessions
Residents at Care South’s Castle Dene care home in Bournemouth have been keeping active and enjoying their favourite music during regular armchair exercise sessions led by Caroline from Ever Active.
Taking place every other Monday, the popular sessions bring residents and staff together for an enjoyable afternoon of gentle movement, familiar songs and plenty of laughter.
With music from the 1970s and 1980s often providing the soundtrack, the sessions offer residents a wonderful opportunity to maintain their mobility, enjoy gentle exercise and spend time with friends.
Getting moving to favourite songs
The sessions are led by Caroline from Ever Active, who encourages residents to get involved by choosing the music they would like to exercise to.
Songs from the 1970s and 1980s are particular favourites, with familiar tunes helping to create a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.
Once the music begins, Caroline guides residents through a range of gentle seated exercises designed to stretch and move different parts of the body.
From moving their arms and shoulders to stretching their legs, residents are encouraged to participate at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
The combination of familiar music and gentle movement makes the sessions especially enjoyable, with residents often singing along to their favourite songs while exercising.
Held after lunch, the sessions provide a lovely opportunity to get moving and enjoy some light physical activity during the afternoon.
Encouraging everyone to join in
Over time, the armchair exercise sessions have developed a familiar group of regular participants who look forward to Caroline’s fortnightly visits.
However, the fun is not limited to those who regularly attend.
Occasionally, other residents pop into the room to see what is happening, only to find themselves enjoying the music and deciding to stay for the session.
This relaxed and welcoming approach means that residents can join in whenever they feel comfortable, whether they want to take part in the exercises or simply enjoy the music and company.
Members of the Castle Dene team also enjoy getting involved, joining residents for the gentle workout and sharing in the laughter.
The sessions have become a lovely opportunity for residents and staff to spend time together while supporting one another to stay active.
Supporting mobility and wellbeing through gentle exercise
Maintaining mobility and physical activity is an important part of healthy ageing, and seated exercise provides an accessible way for older people to enjoy movement.
Gentle armchair exercises can help support joint flexibility, circulation, coordination and muscle strength, particularly for those who may find standing exercise more challenging.
The sessions also offer important social and emotional benefits.
Moving to familiar music can encourage positive memories, improve mood and create opportunities for residents to interact with one another.
By allowing residents to choose the songs, Caroline helps make each session personal and engaging, ensuring the music reflects their interests and preferences.
The exercises can be adapted to suit different levels of mobility, allowing residents to participate in ways that are enjoyable and comfortable for them.
Bringing fun and fitness together at Castle Dene
At Castle Dene, the dedicated activities team organises a varied programme of activities designed to support residents’ physical, emotional and social wellbeing.
From creative workshops and reminiscence sessions to live entertainment, community outings and gentle exercise, residents are encouraged to continue enjoying familiar hobbies while exploring new interests.
Regular visits from organisations such as Ever Active provide valuable opportunities for residents to stay active in a supportive and friendly environment.
The fortnightly armchair exercise sessions have become a much-loved part of life at Castle Dene, offering the perfect combination of movement, music and companionship.
Whether stretching along to a favourite song, sharing a laugh with friends or discovering the activity for the first time, everyone is encouraged to enjoy the experience at their own pace.
The sessions are a wonderful example of Care South’s ethos of Food, Fun and Friendship, showing that even gentle exercise can bring plenty of enjoyment, laughter and meaningful connections.
