80-year-old Audrey was referred to the chair yoga activity group in Heptonstall, West Yorkshire, by her daughter Sue. Audrey had not been very active during Covid and Sue wanted to find a gentle physical activity for her that would also give her the opportunity to socialise with other people. Sue, who first heard about Re-engage through Facebook, told us:
“The sessions have been really great for Mum. She thoroughly enjoys the chair yoga and the social get together too. Mum has done some yoga in the past so it’s nice for her to be able to go back to it.”
There are about 12 older people in Audrey’s chair yoga group and she has enjoyed getting to know others.
“I really enjoy catching up with members of the group after our chair yoga session. There’s always time for a biscuit and a cup of tea. I’ve made friends and we have good chats.
“The chair yoga is relaxing and it keeps me active. I do a bit of exercise at home too – simple stretches and marching on the spot. I set my alarm at 10.00 am and 4pm every day as a reminder.”
Originally from Liverpool, Audrey was married for 30 years before her husband died at the age of 57. She continued to work as a receptionist until the age of 63 when it became clear that her fortnightly visits to see her mother in Liverpool were no longer enough.
“Mum was always a positive person – I think I get my positivity from her. I find it harder to get outside in the winter and I can’t wait for the first daffodils to appear now.”
Audrey has been visiting her son, who lives in Indianapolis in the United States, every year for the past 12 years and she looks forward to the trip every year.
“My son tells me that if I stay fit, I’ll be able to keep visiting and that’s certainly an incentive. He always brings me back home again at the end of my visit and it’s so lovely to have my children back home again together.”
If you know someone who would benefit from joining a Re-engage face to face or online activity group in Wales, West Yorkshire, Birmingham or the South West you can find out more here.
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