Care home ‘Olympians’ complete Senior Games programme

Care home residents across the Borough received awards yesterday (18 March) for taking part in a special programme designed to improve their health and wellbeing.

The second annual Senior Games took place over 12 weeks between early September to late December last year, and saw care home residents throw javelins, play golf, knock over tin cans and dance to music.

The programme was managed by Swindon Borough Council’s Public Health Team, and run in partnership with Great Western Hospital’s NHS Foundation Trust and Wiltshire and Swindon Sport (WASP), who funded the programme. The Senior Games programme is open to all care home residents, including those living with dementia.

It sees participants’ physical fitness and mobility measured across the 12 weeks, with the aim of improving their mobility, and it is hoped residents will have fewer falls and be less likely to require a hospital admission.

Organised, hosted and funded by WASP, the Swindon Senior Games Festival 2025 was a celebration event which saw awards presented by students from Nova Hreod Academy.

Participants took part in additional sport competitions of Javelin, Tin Can Alley, Target Throw and Golf Putting, followed by the awards presentation.

In total 102 residents across eight care homes took part. It is estimated that for those that took part, their risk of a falling fell from 62.5 per cent at the start of the games to 40 per cent by the end.

Two residents in one home were able to lose their walking aids for good by the end of the 12 weeks and one participant was able to wash herself for the first time in several years.

A big congratulations to Princess Lodge Care Home who won the games and received a trophy from the students at Nova Hreod Academy and Councillor Ray Ballman, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult’s Social Care.

Kath, who is 89 years old and lives in Princess Lodge Care Home, said: “I did everything when I was younger, like golf, tennis, dancing and all sorts of other things but I haven’t been able to keep active since being in a care home. I feel people judge me because of my age. But now, I have the chance to do sport again, which I really enjoy.”

Ashley, who is 90 years old and lives in Orchard Care Home, said: “Everyone enjoys the sessions and they always get a good turnout. I always enjoy the games. Since completing the Senior Games, I now have the confidence to walk around the home without my walking frame, which I wasn’t able to do before.”

Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, who also attended the event, said: “We are committed to building a fairer Swindon for all of our residents, including those in care homes. That’s why we are proud to be part of the Senior Games programme, which is making a real difference to residents who may have previously struggled with inactivity.

“As more people live longer across the Borough, it’s important that our aging population continues to be independent and that they enjoy life, which this important programme helps them to achieve. It’s wonderful to see everyone who has taken part improve their health and wellbeing over the twelve weeks.”

Dominique Oughton, Wiltshire & Swindon Sport (WASP) Operations Manager, said: “We were thrilled to host the second Senior Games at Nova Hreod Academy, a celebration of active living and community spirit.

“The event highlights our commitment to providing opportunities for older adults to stay engaged, healthy, and connected through sport and physical activity. It's a wonderful chance for care home residents to come together, enjoy friendly competition, and experience the joy of staying active at any age."

Becci Arthur, Integrated Pathway Lead for Falls and Bone Health at the Great Western Hospital, said: “It's been a genuine pleasure to work alongside the team and 102 older adults in Swindon, exercising in the Senior Games programme each week.

“We have realised the aims of increasing daily physical activity time and reducing deconditioning and falls risk whilst improving the strength, balance and functional independence of the individuals that have taken part.

“Many of these residents do not have easy access to physical activity opportunities, so it’s also provided significant social opportunities – helping residents to talk to new people, make friends and reduce loneliness.”