The BBC has teamed up with Sport England and the thinktank Demos to broadcast a series of 10×10 minute daily workouts for older audiences.
The short exercise sessions are called 10 Today and can be heard on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra every weekday morning between 5am and 10am.
They will be repeated every 15 minutes, with a new session added each day over two weeks. They are also available to download as podcasts from BBC Sounds.
The 10 Today exercise classes are aimed at older listeners (70 and over) to boost wellbeing, mobility and balance during what may be a difficult and lonely time for people who are in self-isolation.
Among the presenters is Terry Keen, aged 73, who created the series and is a qualified fitness instructor.
Terry said: “During self-isolation, I’m embracing the chance to stay active. As an older person myself I know that it’s so important to keep moving, with the mobility and strength to take part in things, as opposed to just looking on. I hope we can inspire others to move more and simply feel better during this time.”
The radio keep fit session are inspired by Japan’s Radio Taiso which broadcasts popular national daily exercise programmes specially tailored to older listeners.
NOW READ: The Lions Barbers create mental health app for hairdressers
There are 7.4m people aged over 70 in England. With people mostly confined to their own home following the latest government advice and the challenge of loneliness while self-isolating, there has never been a more important time to encourage older people to remain active and boost their mood, mobility and wellbeing at home.
Heidi Dawson, controller of BBC Radio 5 Live and Sports Extra, said: “It is great that at BBC Radio 5 Live we can help bring these bite size exercise sessions to people everywhere.
“They can be accessed really easily, whether people want to tune in live each morning or listen back when it suits them on BBC Sounds. I hope it gives lots of people a boost to their days.”
Tim Hollingsworth, chief executive of Sport England said: “As we all commit to stay home, save lives and protect the NHS – being active, and the mental and physical boost it can bring has never been more important.
“This is especially true for older people, many who will also be managing the loneliness of being separated from children and grandchildren at this time.10 Today is a convenient, accessible and fun way for older people to move and stretch while at home.”
For the latest headlines from the City of London and beyond, follow City Matters on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
