News

Lark Hill Ladies Promote Healthy Lifestyle

24th February 2009

Four ladies who are moving to Nottingham's Lark Hill Retirement Village this summer have volunteered to train as 'well-being ambassadors', promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for future residents and village visitors.

Florrie Tunley, Elsie Connelly, Nancy Scott Ahmad and Eileen Burn are being trained to take blood pressure, measure height and weight or deliver stress-relieving therapies, assisting village well-being advisor Marie Cook, one of Lark Hill's registered nurses.

Village Charity, The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, has already completed 305 assessments on local older people, referring patients to GP's and specialists for a variety of health-related issues including blood pressure, falls prevention and advice on osteoporosis and medication.

But, says Marie, resident involvement (which is fully supervised) is the vital ingredient that encourages others to use the service.  She comments:
"There are still plenty of older people out there who 'tough it out' when it comes to health concerns, rather than seeking medical advice.  My ambassadors are real champions and I believe their positive peer pressure will persuade others to use the service."

Assessments include checks on blood pressure, diet, urine, cholesterol, blood glucose, height and weight, with advice given through follow up meetings and classes.

Florrie Tunley, 82, from Victoria Embankment, already keeps fit at the emerging village dance club and has no doubt about supporting the service:

"If I ate biscuits and crisps and did nothing all day, without exercise or checking my health, I'd be going nowhere. I'm a believer in this well-being idea and I want to spread the message and help others."

Elsie Connelly, 74, from Bilborough, used to work locally for The Red Cross and is keen to sharpen up her first aid skills. She comments:
"Getting older isn't an easy business and I've done my share of aches and pains.  We should all care and encourage each other to live healthy lives - you're never too old to help your friend or neighbour."

Also supporting the service is future resident Eileen Burn, from Cotgrave, who is re-vitalising her skills in Indian Head Massage. Other relaxation treatments will include hand waxing which provides pain relief for residents with arthritic hands.

Say's Marie:
"Our ambition is to catch serious conditions early and to help people think about their health in a positive way. The GP’s like the service we offer and are very supportive"

The Well-being Team is running well-being sessions for older people at the Village now, and during National Healthy Heart Month in February. 

For more information phone Marie at the Village on 0115 940 6349.