Elderly residents in West Lothian showcased their ‘can-do attitude’ at the annual sports day, demonstrating that age is no barrier to staying active and having fun. Over 90 residents from 11 care homes in the region gathered for the tenth annual ‘Canalympics.’ The event took place at Xcite Craigswood, an initiative by the Xcite Ageing Well team aimed at promoting healthy ageing through social and accessible activities that benefit physical and mental wellbeing.
The Canalympics event featured various activities such as bean bag toss, penalty shootouts, hook-a-duck, and even sock pairing, encouraging the elderly participants to engage in friendly competition and enjoy the camaraderie. The event was organized in collaboration with the West Lothian Care Activity Network, comprising West Lothian’s Community Leisure Trust, West Lothian Leisure, West Lothian Council, and the NHS, all working together to support the health and wellbeing of care home residents.
Volunteers from Tesco Community Champions provided refreshments, while The Larder, a local social enterprise, supplied fresh scones and volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the event. Medals and trophies were sponsored by the charity ‘Smile – Adventure with Dementia,’ which advocates for the significance of staying active in later years. With West Lothian projected to experience a significant increase in its elderly population over the next 25 years, initiatives like the Canalympics play a crucial role in promoting physical activity among older individuals.
Ben Lamb, CEO of West Lothian Leisure, which operates various leisure facilities across the county, highlighted the positive impact of initiatives like the Canalympics in enhancing the lives of participants. He emphasized the importance of staying active for overall health and wellbeing, noting the substantial social, economic, and environmental contributions made by activities such as these to the community. The success of the annual sports day underscores the benefits of engaging in physical activities for the elderly, from boosting immunity to improving mental health and quality of life.
The Canalympics event not only brought joy and entertainment to the elderly residents of West Lothian but also served as a testament to the power of community collaboration in promoting healthy ageing. As the region prepares for a significant demographic shift in its population, efforts to keep the elderly active and engaged are more crucial than ever. The success of the event is a testament to the positive impact of such initiatives on the overall wellbeing of individuals and communities.