Local activities for the active elderly? Post Reply

[Spannar]

My father in law who is an active 80+ year old has recently moved to the area. He's loving being in London and is definitely making the most of public transport to see some of the sights, but it would be lovely if he could meet some other active older people to spend some time with during the week when we are at work. Does anyone know of any local activities/groups for the active elderly? He's based in the Wandsworth/Battersea area.

[northsidemum]

Westminster Boating Base (which is based in Pimlico & easily accessible by public transport) has a group called upperdeckers for older people which meets on a Monday (although you should probably check that they run through the winter, as some of their activities don't).

The website says:We provide a programme of kayaking and powerboating. You will be able to go kayaking on one session and powerboating on the other assuming there is space.Activities operate on a first-come-first-served basis but we try to accommodate as many as possible and it hasn't been too problematic so far!For some it's as much about the social occasion as the watersports so come along, have a cuppa and a chat and see what goes on. Maybe you'll be persuaded to give the watersports a try, but do come and visit us. 

 

[Londonmum1]

CrossFit shapesmiths do a 55+ exercise class. It’s right near Clapham junction station. Let me know if you want more details.

[3peasinapod]

I’m a mum living in Balham and have recently started work on an initiative to connect older people in the area with their neighbours (of all ages) for skill sharing and general companionship. I would love to chat to your dad to see if he would like to get involved and meet some people living nearby. We are called The Wiser Collective and you can read about us here http://balham-news.dailyprss.co.uk/mobi ... etail11571 or look us up on social media.

Because of this project, I’ve got to know about quite a few local groups for older people living locally:

The Furzedwon Project (in Furzedown/Tooting) is a fabulously busy place with a weekly programme of classes and groups covering all sorts of interests and activities - very low cost to join. http://www.furzedownproject.org

Neighbourhood Network SW17 is another group of local residents who meet each Wednesday and organise various activities. Last year they created the Balham-Tooting trail - a historic walking route with accompanying podcast that is free to download. They also list some other groups on their website http://www.neighbourhoodnetworksw17.org ... ty-groups/

South London Cares covers a broader area and runs a very active programme of events and activities connecting older people with their (often younger) neighbours. https://southlondoncares.org.uk/home

Does your dad fancy giving yoga a go? My mum is in her 70s and attends a ‘gentler pace’ class in Balham designed for older people. Men and women go and it’s quite a sociable group. I could introduce your dad to my mum for starters! https://www.yoga-forever.com

It’s great having your parents/grandparents move to London - my mum did it 10 years ago and has such a busy, active life here. She loves it and I hope your dad will too. Let me know if you’d like to chat more!

[rubyonrails]

I'd also try some of the local church groups...

[talkingtothewall]

If he can get to Wimbledon, the Wimbledon Guild has an excellent programme of activities for older people.  Have a look at their website to see if there's anything that takes his fancy.

[Balhammumoftwo]

100% recommend the CrossFit Shapesmiths 55+ Masters class. My 70yr old mother tried it out the other week and loved it. She's never done CrossFit before, but they scale or adapt everything to everybody's ability. I go there myself and it's a fabulous community. They want to build a community for the Masters itself and as part of the larger community there too, which I love the idea of. They have a few regular members already with a range of ages up into their 80s. Who says 'elderly' have to only socialise with other 'elderly'. Hope your father settles in, it's a great area!

[meeshter]

He could try the U3A they have groups all over the country. My parents are members in Cumbria but they have a group in Wandsworth. It’s set up an run by retired people and they have lots of classes and groups which are generally free or very cheap.

https://u3asites.org.uk/wandsworth/welcome

[3littlemonkeys]

I saw a page in a local magazine today - Outings for Older South Londoners - www.oosl.org.uk. Apparently they are a small S. London charity organising social events and outings for people over 55.  Steve Perry is the project coordinator 020 8769 1564 . outsings@oosl.org.uk