A chair-based exercise revolution is sweeping Hampshire after Age Concern Hampshire secured £180,000 in National Lottery funding to expand its Living Well in Later Life programme. The charity has launched Love to Move sessions—structured, music-driven routines designed to improve mobility, memory and social bonds among older residents. The first wave of classes began this week in the New Forest and South Hampshire, with trained facilitators delivering sessions that blend gentle movement with cognitive challenges.

Jemma Saunders, community engagement officer at Age Concern Hampshire, completed specialist training with the British Gymnastics Foundation to lead the sessions. She described the programme as transformative: “We’re not just teaching chair-based exercises—we’re creating communities where laughter, friendship and belonging take centre stage. Participants improve their coordination and recall without even realising they’re working out.” Saunders, who holds accreditation to run the classes, said the programme’s success hinged on its inclusivity and adaptability for all mobility levels.

Participants report tangible benefits. One 78-year-old attendee at the Lymington session said her balance had improved within two weeks, while another in Totton highlighted the joy of making new friends. Brogan Rehill, head of strategy at Age Concern Hampshire, said the initiative addressed two critical gaps: social isolation and cognitive decline. “These sessions prove that wellbeing doesn’t require strenuous activity—just consistency and community,” Rehill said.

The Living Well in Later Life programme now includes Love to Move across all nine Age Concern Hampshire Social Groups and Care and Wellbeing Centres. Each session runs for 45 minutes, set to familiar tunes that guide movement patterns. The charity has trained 12 facilitators, with plans to add 18 more by March. Early data shows a 30% increase in attendance at centres offering the classes compared to traditional exercise groups.

Age Concern Hampshire’s move comes as dementia rates in the UK rise, with experts linking physical activity to slower cognitive decline. The charity’s Living Well in Later Life programme also includes strength, balance and mental wellbeing activities, but Love to Move stands out for its dual focus on body and mind. Rehill said the programme’s success could influence broader adoption across the UK.

Participants are encouraged to attend twice weekly, with no upper age limit. The sessions are designed to be fully adaptable, allowing those with limited mobility to participate at their own pace. Age Concern Hampshire plans to expand Love to Move to Portsmouth and Southampton by June, pending additional funding. The charity is also exploring partnerships with local care homes to bring the programme to residents.

The initiative has drawn praise from local councils. Hampshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care called the programme “a lifeline for older residents,” noting its potential to reduce hospital admissions linked to falls and cognitive decline. Age Concern Hampshire is now seeking volunteers to help scale the project, with a target of reaching 500 participants by December 2025.