Sisters Pauline and Patricia recently joined our West Heath activity group in Birmingham and are both delighted with the exercise and companionship.

Pauline, 79, drives the mile or so to the local community centre and collects 88-year-old Patricia on the way. Once there, they enjoy a couple of hours of chair yoga and socialising.

“It’s absolutely brilliant,” said Pauline. “My sister puts her heart and soul into it. It really is a great benefit to us and there is a tremendous community spirit. Patricia hardly gets out, so this is special for her.

“I’m lucky that I can still drive but it’s so helpful to have something local. The people in the group are very nice and Lisa, the instructor, is excellent.”

Pauline has been married to husband, Brian for 62 years, who is currently converting his garage to a gym.

“We both like to exercise,” she added. “We can’t all run marathons but it’s nice to have a gentle workout.

“I wouldn’t say I get lonely, but I like to socialise. I worked in a doctor’s surgery, so I’m used to being with people. I enjoy it.

“It’s good to be able to go to the activity group, especially during winter. That’s the time of year when we really need something like that because you tend not to go out so much when it’s dark and gloomy.”

Instructor Lisa Cox said: “The older people absolutely love the activity groups. Some of them might be anxious because they have a lot of time on their hands and so think a lot about things. But by the time they leave you can see their spirits have been lifted.”