RESIDENTS at a care home in Chard forgot about their age and took part in the first of a new series of exercise classes being held at Oak Lodge.

As well as staff and residents, mayor of Chard Dave Bulmer and town councillors Jenny Orchard and Dave Orchard also took part.

Three of the members of staff at the Oak Lodge care home, Lordsleaze Lane have trained as Oomph! instructors and led the exercise class on Friday from 3pm until 4pm.

Among them was senior care activities co-ordinator Gemma Jones.

She said: “We’re very excited to be on board with Oomph! It’s such a fresh and exciting new initiative for us to be involved with.

“The launch party was a great success and we received really good feedback from everyone who took part and comments from the residents have been really positive. All of the staff are excited to see the benefits that regular Oomph! sessions will achieve.

“It was also a chance for everyone to speak to the instructors about the benefits of the sessions which we hope to do three mornings a week with our residents.

“The World Health Organisation recommends 150 minutes of physical activity on at least three separate occasions per week for older adults with poor mobility.

Mrs Jones added: “Regular exercise not only helps people maintain their movement and mobility but also helps them to regain it. Exercise sessions can help to combat loneliness and can encourage socialisation and interaction between residents. Oomph! is also proven to reduce depression, reduce the risk of falls and help dementia management.

“The participants are reminded to only do what they can and go at their own speed. The props such as the scarves and pom poms add to the fun.

“We’d like to thank everyone who came and got involved with the launch session and helped make it such a success. We would also like to invite elderly members of the community to join us at Oak Lodge and take part in the Oomph! sessions.”

For more, contact the home on 01460 67258 and speak to Gemma Jones.