Residents in care home in Newtownards 'fighting fit' thanks to weekly boxing classes
Clanmil Housing has introduced a weekly boxing exercise class for the elderly residents at some of their care homes, led by former champion boxer and coach of champions Joe Harvey.
Last updated 26th Feb 2024
Clanmil Housing has introduced a weekly boxing exercise class for the elderly residents at some of their care homes, led by former champion boxer and coach of champions Joe Harvey.
The class has proven popular with residents, most of whom are over the age of 70 and many of them have conditions such as dementia. As well as helping build up strength and fitness with the use of boxing gloves, pads and resistance bands, the class has also seen some of the quieter residents become more confident and sociable.
Brendan Morrisey is the Assistant director of housing and communities at Clanmill. He spoke exclusively to CoolFM/Downtown about the benefits of the classes: "As people are aging it's really important, we help people age well. At Clanmill, that's a really important part of our services. Moving into an independent living scheme like this is a daunting experience. It's a brand-new setting, people are moving into a new home, and it can be a stressful experience for some people. Classes like this help people make friends and interact with neighbours."
He went on to say: "Loneliness and social isolation can affect people of any age group, but it’s more prevalent with older people. The main benefits have been seeing people come out of their apartments and getting together to socialise and interact with each other. I've seen their confidence grow, they're sleeping better, eating better, and they feel better within themselves."
Joe Harvey is the professional boxer who's been coaching the residents at Cook Court in Newtownards for the last six weeks. He told us he has wanted to do this for years, ever since he saw his grandmother in a care home: "Many years ago I used to visit a care home that my grandmother was in. I used to sit and look at her and she was deteriorating. I always wanted to do something, I said to myself, surely there's something we can do to give back to these people who've gave so much to our society in their life."
After being asked how different it is to coach the elderly, rather than young bidding boxers, he said: "Age doesn't matter to anyone - we've 94/96-year-olds taking part, it doesn't matter. Each week we step it up to a different level, today alone there was over 300 punches."
He went on to say: "Words can’t describe the way I feel about it. The way they're growing in self-confidence , their mobility, their attitude, they joke, they banter... they just love it."
The classes have been great for encouraging residents to socialise with their neighbours and improving their strength and endurance.
Brian William Clay has been living in Cook Court for 6 years. He told us what he enjoys most about the boxing classes: "Just being able to enjoy the company and of course, the exercise! Nowadays I'm not very good at exercise on my feet because I've got a gammy leg, but armchair exercise is great!"
Another resident, Millie Johnston, said: "You have a laugh, but you have good exercise with it, and it keeps you fit. The music makes it a wee bit easier... it's brilliant fun and we all love it.”