Leader of the Council, Michael White

Leader of Havering Council, Michael White encouraging residents to get active

Lee-Ann Richards, Reporter Sunday, March 17, 2013
3:00 PM

Older residents are set to have more opportunities to get active as part of a new scheme.

Leader of the Council, Michael White launched the scheme on Wednesday March 13, called Active Living to give residents the chance to socialise, take part in fitness activities and volunteer.

He said: “I really feel that we should use older people as a resource.

“They can really help to make a difference in their communities and active living is a way of getting them to do that.”

A big part of the programme will be the new Havering Circle, a membership scheme that offers its members the chance to enjoy their interests with others, learning something new, lead a healthy lifestyle and to socialise.

Another strand of the scheme includes opportunities for people to volunteer and get involved in the community.

The programme is a partnership between Havering Council and other organisations like Age Concern Havering, HAVCO and Havering Museum.

Evidence shows that staying active as we grow older has significant health and well-being benefits.

People who are socially active are said to have a 50 per cent less chance of developing dementia and have a significantly reduced chance of having high blood pressure.

Cllr White said: “One thing that really concerns me is lots of people stay in their homes and they don’t meet anyone.

“That is a very lonely life, but this will break down the barriers so they are able to get out and socialise.”

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