Dragons’ Den ideas to keep fit and healthy

OLDHAM residents faced a TV “Dragons’ Den” style panel to pitch ideas they believe will improve the health and wellbeing of older people in the community.

As part of National Older People’s Day, members of the Forum4Age group put forward suggestions that could benefit older residents.

The “Dragons”, based at Gallery Oldham, included representatives from Oldham Council and Age Concern.

Liz Lloyd, from Royton, proved to have a winning idea to tackle drop-out rates for people taking part in fall prevention classes.

Liz, who admitted to being on the wrong side of 65, said: “As an Age Concern volunteer, I’d noticed older people who took part in chair-based exercises would stop going after six months.

“This was because the Ring and Ride scheme which took them to the classes and back home would stop after six months.

“I suggested moving the exercise classes to the sheltered accommodation where residents lived to ensure they could easily access and continue with the sessions.”

Mrs Lloyd was one of two winners who will see their ideas or suggestions put into practice.