101-year-old woman from Marshland St James discovers passion for yoga thanks to new group
An 101-year-old woman living in a West Norfolk care home has recently discovered her new-found passion for yoga.
Norah, who lives at Hickathrift House care home in Marshland St James, started the armchair yoga sessions and says that after being active for all of her life, doing yoga has helped her.
The classes are being run in the care home by qualified instructor Hayley, of Hayley’s Rose Retreat, who has been visiting Hickathrift House throughout the past six months to promote physical wellness and mindfulness.
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.”
The care home decided to introduce a slightly different activity to the residents’ schedule and now regularly have the yoga sessions.
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.
Activities lead at Hickathrift House 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 resident’s needs.
“As Norah showed, it’s never too late to start!”
General manager Paula Colman added: “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 from exercise classes, to games and dancing for all to enjoy.
“Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.”
Hickathrift House care home provides residential care, dementia care and respite care.
