CARE home residents in the area got pedalling to take part in their own virtual 'Tour de France'
Residents involved in the Care To Move Programme, run by Inspiring healthy lifestyles on behalf of the council, pedalled the distance from Wigan to Paris in the three weeks of the Tour De France.
By taking part in virtual rides over the three weeks of the Tour De France residents from homes clocked up more than 650km on the pedals.
The Care to Move Programme, which aims to bring activity into care homes to help keep residents active and creative, offers the virtual cycling programme which includes sets of pedals and virtual bicycle rides for residents to pedal along to using their feet or hands to turn the pedals.
Among those who took part in the challenge were residents at The Oaks Care Home in Hindley Green (pictured).
The pedals offer low impart physical activity for the residents which supports strength and mobility. The virtual rides include filmed routes around Wigan, Southport and Morecombe promenade are available on YouTube pre-recorded and live streamed through a private Facebook group.
Rob Street, Care To Move co-ordinator for inspiring healthy lifestyles said: “We have 52 care homes involved in our Care To Move Programme and the virtual cycling offer has really seen them engage with the programme on a new level.
“We regularly set challenges to keep homes inspired and it has been great to see residents get involved in this Tour De France challenge and make the most of the pedals and virtual rides. I look forward to setting the next challenge and seeing the results.”
During lockdown pedals have also been handed out to residents by Inspiring healthy lifestyles staff to help those considered to be at high risk of falls to help maintain their mobility and activity levels.
Jenny Yates, Age Well Service manager for the council, added: “The Care to Move Programme has seen great engagement from homes across the borough and has brought active and creative initiatives into homes and care settings.
“It is important, now more than ever what we are able to take what we can of the world into care homes to bring activity to those that cannot go outside themselves. I look forward to seeing this programme develop in partnership with Inspiring healthy lifestyles”.
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