Doncaster home care provider urges people to get active to avoid lockdown side-effects

With restrictions easing from today there are greater opportunities to keep people active and reduce the risk of developing long-term health conditions.

Rob Moore director of Home Instead Doncaster, said: "We encourage our care givers to include physical activity wherever safe and possible, and that's good advice for people in general to counter some of the deconditioning effects we've seen as a result of the lockdown.

"With restrictions easing and spring finally here there are more opportunities to get outside than there have been for several months - I know I certainly feel better when it's a nice sunny day and I can get outside for a nice walk, even if it's just five minutes in the garden."

Rob fears lockdown restrictions and the fear of catching the coronavirus could have led to wider deterioration in health with a loss of muscle mass or cardio-respiratory fitness, reduction in bone density and increase in body fat all known risks of a lack of activity.

He said: "People were asked to stay indoors and we know the older generations were among those who strictly followed the guidelines, but we fear this has led to many being far less active than usual which can make people more susceptible to problems or worsen existing conditions.

"This can also have an impact on mental health, as people realise they are not quite as robust or fit as they were there can be a temptation to withdraw even more which is the last thing anyone wants for their loved ones."

Home Instead, a in-home care provider, will be launching Love To Move classes throughout Doncaster later this year.

This will use chair-based movement and social interaction activities to help get older people moving and functioning.

Rob added: "As we continue the roadmap out of lockdown I hope everyone in the area takes advantage to be as active as they can, but it is particularly important for our older generations who have been at greatest risk.”

For more information on the Love To Move classes phone 01302 369655 or email [email protected].

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.