Families and friends are being urged to help older adults live longer better by gifting health themed presents this Christmas.
Active Cumbria’s ‘12 days of Christmas’ campaign focuses on gifts to help to improve the strength, skills, stamina, and suppleness of older loved ones.
Suggestions include items that will help to reduce the risk of frailty and other long term health conditions, by boosting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
The campaign forms part of the Live Longer Better in Cumbria programme which supports older adults and those with long term health conditions to be more active.
Gift suggestions include - an electric toothbrush, an activity tracker or fitness watch, a set of resistance bands, a pair of trainers, a yoga mat, a book of crosswords or puzzles, a portable mini-bike, a gratitude journal or daily reflection diary, a gym membership, personal training session or dance classes.
Clare Paling, Active Cumbria Development Officer and Live Longer Better in Cumbria programme lead said;
“If we use a search engine to ask ‘What to buy a sixty-five year old for Christmas’ the results are rather predictable – slippers, alcohol, chocolates.
“Our campaign provides ideas to help families and friends give presents which can help the older adults we care about to recondition, rejuvenate and reduce their risk of dementia too.
“Whilst gift giving is nice, particularly at the time of year, one of the biggest gifts we can give is time – time to go for a walk or do an activity together.
“This year we’re encouraging everyone to give gifts that enable the older adults in our lives to Live Longer Better.”
Find the full ’12 days of Christmas’ gift guide at www.activecumbria.org