Activity is the single most useful thing that individuals can do to maintain Health Organisation, 1997)

great way to keep your body active. e exercises can be done at your own pace at home, on your own or with friends. e exercises will help build your strength and exibility and may bring you many other bene ts, such as:-

CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF: and move about

Diabetes, Obesity, Osteoporosis, Heart disease/Cholesterol, High blood pressure, Arthritis and Caner.

STRENGTH AND

ENDURANCE i.e. improving your ability to carry, push and pull and lift

BALANCE i.e. improving your ability to move about with ease, improve reactions

AEROBIC FITNESS i.e. slightly improving your ability to sustain activities such as walking

Many research studies have reported the bene ts of physical activity for older adults and individuals with limited movement. Although you may not be able to go for a jog or even a walk there is still a lot you can do! Unfortunately, we sometimes stop exercising and spend endless hours sitting in our favourite armchair watching the TV or listening to the radio. Now you can sit in that chair and still have a physical work out. It’s true! even though I can hear Dougal Asking “Ah you’re pulling my Leg Ted!” “like the last time Ted! when you told me the money was only resting in your account” Back to what we are supposed to be talking about. Chair based exercises are a

IMPROVED self-esteem, Reduced depression, Reduced anxiety and stress, Improved overall well-being.

INCREASED joint mobility, Improved balance, Fall prevention, Increased reaction time, Improved ability to carry out activities of daily living.

Research shows that you need to do 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a day to gain many health bene ts. However, some of these bene ts will be experienced even by doing low intensity gentle exercise. ese chair exercises are aimed at improving your ability to carry out your daily activities and so focus on:

MOBILITY i.e. improving your ability to reach, grasp

Before you start any exercise programme it is recommended you talk to your doctor. It is good to ask them if they think such a programme is suitable for you.

AND REMEMBER: WHERE THERE IS PAIN AND STRAIN… THERE IS NO GAIN. EXERCISE SHOULD BE FUN AND ENJOYABLE! Avoid all jerky or sudden movements and rapid twisting or turning of any part of your body. Do not tilt your head backwards as it can cause dizziness and other problems. You should wait up to 2 hours after eating a meal, smoking or drinking alcohol before you exercise. Never exercise when you are injured or sick. If you get pains in your chest, dizziness or severe shortness of breath when you are exercising, stop immediately and contact your GP.

We at Twilight Community are currently expanding our services and outreach into the Communities. We have two quali ed Fitness therapist and we are currently planning a senior’s tness morning in the Twilight International Cultural House, 15A Hebron Business Park, Kilkenny.

If you, or the senior group you may be a member of, are interest in a morning of fun and activities. Why not give me a call for more details on another great Twilight Initiatives for the Senior members of our Communities. Call Murty Brennan on 086 3255840 or our Head o ce 056 7813105.

Chicken souvlaki

Prep: 45 mins

Cook: 40 mins plus at least 3 hrs marinating

Serves: 4