Aberystwyth University held a one-day event to promote health and well-being for older adults.

Organised and led by Dr Marco Arkesteijn and David Langford from the Well-being and Health Assessment Research Unit, the event aimed to raise awareness of health and physical exercise among the over 60s and to give older adults an idea of how their physical fitness compares to their peers.

The results should help to highlight their strengths and weaknesses.

Measurements of strength, balance, flexibility, body composition and aerobic fitness, blood pressure and memory were taken and assessed.

There were also representatives from the Royal Osteoporosis Society, Podiatry and Porth y Gymuned Ceredigion Community Gateway.

Students gained valuable experience from the event by conducting the assessments and interacting with the participants.

The event was a huge success and was over subscribed.

Marco and David said “We had an overwhelming response from older adults who came from all over Ceredigion to engage in the day’s event.

“Many older adults are not aware that muscle mass and strength deteriorates during our later years and is known to be associated with disability in later life.  

“Therefore, remaining physically active and including strength and balance training and avoiding sedentary behaviour can prevent ill health in later life."

The students who gave up their time to assist were Aberystwyth University students from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, from the Cardiff Medical School undertaking part of their community and rural education programme in Ceredigion, as well as local 6th form school pupils.