ONE cup of tea. So much to think about…
Get up. Get dressed. Walk downstairs. Make tea. Carry tea. Sit down. Drink tea. Get up again. Simple? Not always.
Residents are being encouraged to try the ‘Tea Test’, a quick, fun and easy way to assess how steady they are, and whether they might need a bit of extra help.
To try it simply:
· Start upstairs (if you have them),
· Walk (downstairs) to your kitchen,
· Try to stand on one leg for a short time whilst the kettle boils,
· Make a cup of tea or coffee,
· Carry it over to a chair,
· Sit down (drink it if you like!)
· And then get back up again.
People with co-ordination and flexibility issues often struggle to get up quickly, button shirts or pull clothes over their head, walk up and down stairs, stand on one leg – which we have to do when we walk – and walk while carrying items.
The Tea Test covers many of these areas so that residents can assess how long it takes them to complete the tasks, how easy it was and whether they could benefit from improving their coordination, flexibility, mobility and balance.
The Tea Test also aims to make residents aware of the Strong and Steady classes taking place around the borough which are designed to help people stay living independently for longer.
Strong and Steady sessions are supported by Public Health England and are specifically designed to help people who have problems with strength and balance and who consider themselves to be at risk of falling.
Councillor Julian Grubb, whose portfolio covers health and wellbeing, said: “The process of making a cup of tea seems simple and is something many of us take for granted.
“However, for many adults this process can be really difficult or take a long time, especially if they struggle with mobility or balance.
“The Strong and Steady classes can help anyone wanting to improve their mobility whether they are struggling due to age or for a medical reason.”
Strong and Steady sessions run at five different locations across the borough and cost just £3.50 per one hour session.
To book yourself or someone you know a place call Hayley Gwilliam on 01527 881404.
