Hickathrift House care home, in Marshland St James, Wisbech, has introduced something a bit different to its activity schedule – with residents from 70 to 101 years old now taking part in armchair yoga.

The armchair yoga sessions are run by qualified yoga instructor Hayley, from Hayley’s Rose Retreat. She’s been visiting Hickathrift House care home for the past six months helping to promote physical wellbeing and mindfulness.

Hayley is a yoga teacher, reiki practitioner, laughing yoga leader, sound therapy practitioner and a dance awake facilitator who hosts bi-weekly yoga sessions at Hickathrift House care home

Norah, a 101 year old resident at Hickathrift House, has fallen in love with this gentle form of exercise. Norah, said, “I’m so glad I’ve been to Hayley’s class with everyone.

"I’ve always been very active and I just feel so refreshed after the yoga session. It’s my new favourite activity and I can’t wait to join again next time.”

It is well documented that staying active in later life helps us both physically and mentally, allowing us to continue doing the things we love for longer.

Activities lead, Kat Colangelo, said, “Yoga is ideal as it can easily be adapted to suit all skill levels since the poses can simply be customised to meet a residents’ needs As Norah showed, it’s never too late to start!”

General manager, Paula Colman, said: “Residents really look forward to having qualified instructors teach exercise classes at Hickathrift House and one of their favourites is the armchair yoga classes by Hayley.

"It’s great to see so many residents getting involved and the benefits these exercise classes have. We’ve hosted a range of physical wellbeing activities."