OLDER people across Cheshire are being encouraged to start 2010 with a healthier lifestyle by taking advantage of the many activities organised by Age Concern East Cheshire.

The charity has a well established programme of healthier lifestyle activities designed for the over 50s right across East Cheshire.

The activities include 24 keep fit and seven tai chi classes.

In Knutsford, keep fit classes take place in the Methodist Church Hall on Tuesdays from 10.15am, with Tai Chi classes taking place on Mondays at 9.45am in the Civic Centre.

Tai chi is also on offer at Pickmere Village Hall on Tuesdays at 2.30pm with Mobberley Community Centre holding keep fit classes on Thursday’s at 10am.

There are seven ‘Walking for Health’ groups including one in Holmes Chapel – first and third Tuesday of the month – who enjoy regular gentle health walks of two to three miles.

A programme of longer walks of three to five miles is also proving popular at locations throughout East Cheshire for those who are looking for something a bit more challenging.

All exercise class tutors are specially trained to deliver expert guidance on the right amount of physical activity for the person concerned. The classes are fun and at just one hour long it should be easy to keep to a weekly routine.

The walks are lead by trained walk leaders and give walkers a chance to get out into the beautiful countryside, in friendly company, going at a pace to suit all participants.

There are also regular scrabble, card-making, art classes and book groups as well as computer learning classes to provide mental and social stimulation.

Victoria Clarke, Age Concern East Cheshire’s Healthy lifestyles manager, said: “Engaging in exercise at any age is important, but is even more vital as we get older. Sadly, some older people can feel more isolated; we want to help them stay healthy and make new friends.”

A full programme of activities can be found on Age Concern East Cheshire’s website:ageconcerneast cheshire.org.uk or for more information call 01625 612958.