Active Age - Keeping Lanarkshire’s Seniors Strong, Steady and Connected

The Active Age Programme is continuing to grow, now delivering engaging activity sessions in 10 care homes across North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire.

The programme has also celebrated the restart of sessions at Morningside Care Home, bringing regular movement and social activity back to residents in Wishaw.

Activities are now being delivered in care homes across Rutherglen, Wishaw, East Kilbride, Uddingston, Hamilton and Coatbridge, ensuring more residents than ever can benefit from structured, enjoyable physical activity in care homes.

Delivered by a dedicated team of five trained staff members, each session is carefully planned to ensure residents move safely and confidently. The team adapts activities to suit all abilities, helping to improve mobility, balance and coordination, while also creating a fun, inclusive atmosphere where everyone can take part.

From light chair-based exercises to interactive games and music-led movement, the sessions are designed not only to support physical health, but also to encourage social interaction, laughter and shared experiences.

Exercise in care homes offers wide-ranging benefits — physically, mentally and socially. When sessions are adapted to residents’ abilities and delivered safely, they can make a significant difference to overall wellbeing.

Physical Benefits:

• Improves strength and muscle tone – helping residents maintain independence for daily tasks.

• Enhances balance and coordination – reducing the risk of falls.

• Supports joint flexibility and mobility – easing stiffness and discomfort.

• Promotes heart health and circulation – supporting overall cardiovascular function.

• Maintains bone density – helping reduce the risk of fractures.

• Improves sleep quality – regular activity can lead to better rest.

  
  

Mental & Emotional Benefits:

• Boosts mood – physical activity releases endorphins, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

• Supports cognitive function – movement and coordination activities can help maintain memory and concentration.

• Builds confidence – achieving small physical goals increases self-esteem.

• Provides structure and routine – giving residents something positive to look forward to.

  
  

Social Benefits

• Reduces isolation and loneliness – group sessions create shared experiences.

• Encourages communication and laughter – especially with music, games and themed activities.

• Strengthens sense of community – residents feel part of something together.

  
  

Quality of Life Benefits:

• Maintains independence for longer

• Encourages positive engagement with staff and peers

• Creates enjoyment and purpose in the day

  
  

In a care home setting, exercise is not just about movement — it’s about maintaining dignity, connection, confidence and quality of life. When delivered safely and inclusively, it becomes a powerful tool for healthy ageing.

As the Active Age Programme continues to expand its reach across Lanarkshire, its mission remains clear: helping older adults stay active, connected and engaged — one session at a time.