10 Today: Pioneering solution to physical inactivity during self-isolation

To help older people stay active at home during the coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak, Anchor Hanover, Sport England and Demos are offering a pioneering solution, available to all older people for free. 

10 Today is a set of 10, 10-minute, audio workouts designed to get older people stretching and moving at home. Each involves engaging and easy to follow routines that are accessible and safe, can be done at any time, whether standing up or sitting down, and are adaptable to different fitness levels. 10 Today has been inspired by Radio Taiso in Japan, an established and evidence based daily exercise broadcast on Japanese radio. 10 Today has been produced and led by older people for older people, and is broadcast on the radio and online.

There are 7.4m people aged 70+ in England. With people mostly confined to their own home following the latest government advice, and the challenge of loneliness while self-isolating, there has never been a more important and relevant time to encourage and inspire older people to remain active and boost their mood, mobility and wellbeing, while at home.

Terry Keen, aged 73 – himself a qualified fitness instructor, and a resident at Anchor Hanover’s Willow Glade retirement scheme in Surrey – created and fronts the 10 Today programme. Over 1,750 older people took part in the 10 Today pilot which launched in May 2019, reporting a range of benefits including improved mood and sleep patterns, better balance, fewer aches, pains, and improved joint problems.

The 10 Today workouts are available to watch free online here.

Jane Ashcroft CBE, Chief Executive of Anchor Hanover, says: “In these challenging times, the wellbeing of older people across the country remains an absolute priority. We must play our part in engaging with older people in a meaningful way, and ensuring they are able to exercise in a way that suits their needs. We want older people across the country to know they are not alone, and we’re encouraging them to embrace the significant benefits of 10 Today.”

Terry Keen, 73, is an Anchor Hanover resident and qualified fitness instructor, and designed the 10 Today programme. He says: “During self-isolation, I’m embracing the chance to stay active. As an older person myself I know that it's so important to keep moving, with the mobility and strength to take part in things, as opposed to just looking on. I hope we can inspire others to move more and simply feel better during this time!”

Please note these photos and videos of people standing in close proximity to one another were created in early 2019, before the new coronavirus (COVID-19) first emerged. Remember to check government advice if you think you have any symptoms linked to coronavirus.