Seniors go for gold at East Ayrshire’s Care Home Games
Our Senior Care Home Games made a triumphant return this month, with over 60 East Ayrshire care home residents competing in sporting events at Ayrshire Athletics Arena.
Residents took part in archery, football, volleyball, boccia bowls, curling and basketball before being entertained with music and dance from the talented East Ayrshire Young Carers.
Established by our Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and Scottish Care, the annual event has grown in popularity and is highly anticipated each year by care home staff and residents alike. This year’s event was also a collaboration with Ayrshire 360.
The event received support from many local organisations and services, including Ayrshire College, The Killie Community, Scottish Archery, Kilmarnock Barebow Archery, East Ayrshire Advocacy Services, The NEST Wellbeing Group, East Ayrshire Council’s SL33 and health and social care staff – all of whom came together to deliver a fantastic day of activities, entertainment and social interaction for care home residents.
As well as celebrating the spirit and contributions of older people, this fun-filled event also highlighted the health and wellbeing benefits of staying active as we age.
Lianne McInally, AHP Senior Manager, explained these benefits in greater detail:
“If we become less active, there are several risks we might encounter as we age. For example, inactivity can increase our rate of physical and cognitive decline, potentially leading to falls and stays in hospital, and having less independence or becoming socially isolated.
“We want everyone to enjoy being active, and our Care Home Games demonstrate the many ways you can continue to participate in activities, whether that’s an organised sport or accessing equipment, or thinking about ways to build gentle exercise or movement into our daily routines.
“The oldest resident who took part was aged 102 – a testament to the fact that you can be active at any age!”
After friendly (but fierce!) competition, participants enjoyed afternoon tea and musical entertainment from East Ayrshire Young Carers, before Depute Provost John McGhee presented everyone with a medal and announced the winning care home.
Councillor Clare Maitland, East Ayrshire Council’s spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said this year’s event had been another huge success:
“I am so proud of each and every one of our care home residents, who all come together with a positive approach to getting involved. We must also mention our colleagues and partner organisations, all of whom rallied round to create a truly supportive event.
“A hearty congratulations go to Glebe Care Home, whose performance topped the leaderboard this year.”
Many thanks also to photography student, Matthew Gibson, for these fantastic photos! Keep scrolling to see even more great snaps from the day.
