New 10 Today report finds ‘increased mental wellbeing’ in older people

A new impact report by Demos has outlined the positive effects that Anchor Hanover’s 10 today exercise programme has had on the UK public.

10 Today is a set of fun 10-minute, audio and video workouts designed to easily fit into the day to help get older people stretching and moving at home. It was designed by and for older people to help them keep physically active, boost their wellbeing, and maintain mobility and balance. Each routine provides engaging and easy to follow exercises. 

During the first UK lockdown, we wanted 10 Today to reach as many older people as possible. With people mostly confined to their own home following government advice, and the challenge of loneliness while self-isolating, there was never 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. 

To evaluate the 10 Today pilot, Demos, an independent, educational charity, conducted qualitative focus groups and interviews with participants asking them about the impact of the initiative. Qualitative methods proved a fruitful way for participants to explain what they thought of the programme, what they liked and didn’t like, and the personal impact for them of taking part. All participants reported an increase in their level of physical activity as a result of 10 Today. They also experienced wider positive effects including: improved mental wellbeing, increased confidence and improved strength and balance.

One participant and Anchor Hanover resident, Claire, said:

I didn’t do very much exercise before I started doing 10 Today. Well I wasn’t doing any at that time, so when I started it was like stepping back into old shoes. The exercises aren’t too stressful, it’s enough to give you a nice little workout. You just feel you’re doing your best, and it doesn’t have to be perfect.

The Demos evaluation of the pilot also highlighted the six things that made the 10 Today content so successful: being achievable, accessible, adaptable, simple, relatable and fun. There were very few suggestions for improvements; several participants just asked for more routines! 

Head over to the Demos website to read the impact report in full and visit our dedicated 10 Today section to learn even more about the programme.