Care professional Graham takes his client,
Hari swimming at Nuffield Health
in Farnham Surrey
Care professional with Home Instead Farnborough, Graham, is a member of his local Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Gym in Farnham Surrey, he noticed at one of his swimming sessions that the pool had a hoist to enable less physically abled people to enter the pool. This gave Graham a brilliant idea. His client, Hari who lives in Aldershot, had a stroke following which his family were keen for Hari to get some exercise to help with his recovery and improve his quality of life. They had considered a tread mill but Graham suggested they try swimming.
Hari, a former Gurkha had been very physically active prior to his stroke so the sense of freedom that swimming gave him was enormous and Hari was soon up to 20 length of the pool. The best part as far as Graham is concerned is that Hari enjoys it.
Hari was born in 1945 in Nepal. He served in the British Army in Malaya (Malaysia), and while in the army earned a diploma in heavy mechanical engineering and trained as a qualified boxer. He obtained his first university degree from India. Since 1968 Hari Karki has lived in England. After obtaining a diploma in hotel and catering management, he started his own restaurant business in Aldershot, Hampshire, Johnnie Gurkha's, and ran it well for over twenty-seven years. He was the first Nepali to do so, in 1977-78. In this, his first book, Hari Karki recounts his formative years in Nepal, making life-changing decisions while a teenager, through to running his own very successful restaurant in England. You can get a copy of the book on Amazon.
Swimming is highly beneficial for older adults for several key reasons. Firstly, it provides a low-impact form of exercise that is gentle on the joints, reducing the risk of injury while still offering a comprehensive workout. This makes it particularly suitable for those with arthritis or mobility issues.
Secondly, swimming enhances cardiovascular health by improving heart function and circulation, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. The resistance of the water also helps to build muscle strength and endurance without putting excessive strain on the body.
Swimming helps to support mental well-being by alleviating stress and anxiety, often leading to improved mood and better sleep patterns. The social aspect of swimming in community pools or classes can also foster social connections, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting a sense of community.
Finally, swimming can improve flexibility and balance, contributing to better overall physical function and reducing the risk of falls. It offers a holistic approach to health in the elderly, combining physical fitness, mental wellness, and social engagement, making it an ideal activity for older adults.