Find activities to help you stay strong, stay steady and stay independent this April

As we get older our muscle strength and balance decreases and this increases our risk of having a life-changing fall. In fact, one in 3 people over 65 will have a life-changing fall this year.

The good news is that you can reduce this risk with just 10 to 20 minutes of strength and balance activity at least twice a week.

In Brighton & Hove we are running a 5-day programme of taster activity sessions throughout the city open to anyone aged 50+.

• Check and book taster activity sessions in Brighton & Hove

The sessions are free or low cost and take place both through video or in-person at a variety of locations.

This special programme of group strength and balance activities is being staged in the city to help people stay independent and age well.

‘Stay Strong, Stay Steady, Stay Independent’

The community event, ‘Stay Strong, Stay Steady, Stay Independent’, features a variety of taster sessions open to people aged 50+ and runs for 5 days throughout the city from Monday 25 April to Friday 29 April. It is presented by Brighton & Hove City Council’s Public Health Team and partner organisations across the city.

The week will showcase low cost, organised instructor-led sessions in several city venues (some online) with a choice of drop in and bookable events.

You'll have the chance to try out dance, chair-based Pilates, walking, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises, Yoga, Boccia and Zumba and Swoove (dance aerobics).

The sessions aim to help people improve their strength and balance as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Stay active to age well

Alistair Hill, Brighton & Hove City Council Director of Public Health, said: “Our ambition is that Brighton & Hove is a place where everyone can age well and is supported to live independently in their homes and communities for as long as they wish.

“We all know how important it is to keep active as we age but there is now growing awareness of the importance of doing regular physical activity that improves our strength and balance.

“Our Stay Strong, Stay Steady, Stay Independent programme will showcase all the opportunities and support out there in our city to improve your strength and balance.

"If you’re not sure where to begin, then please come along to our launch event on Monday 25 April at the King Alfred Leisure Centre. Here you can get some expert advice, try out some activities, and find out what’s happening near you.’’  

Strength and balance taster sessions

We’re opening the week with a launch event on Monday 25 April at the King Alfred Leisure Centre (ballroom entrance). You can drop in any time between 10am and 1pm. 

There will be lots of information about active aging plus free mini consultations on strength and balance, provided by the Healthy Lifestyles Team and Freedom Leisure.

We're also offering a free Funkfit class with JP Omari at 12 noon. You can just turn up but to guarantee a consultation and Funkfit class place please contact the Healthy Lifestyles team on the details below. 

Year-round activities

If you find something you enjoy and want to continue with, there are lots of easy and affordable activities you can take part in across the city which are available throughout the year.

Book year-round activities

To book these activities throughout the year Look at the Ageing Well website or call 01273 322947 to find your thing and try a class for free.

You can also access support for Active Ageing, stopping smoking, managing your weight, or cutting down on your alcohol from the Healthy Lifestyles Team. Call 01273 294589, or email: healthylifestyles@brighton-hove.gov.uk