Golden Games

Golden Games is an activity programme that combines traditional games with physical activity. It encourages participants to move more through simple and fun group or individual activities.

It aims to:

1. Increase physical activity, which will:

• Help people feel and function better and regain confidence;
• Prevent or delay the onset of dementia, disability and frailty.

2. Increase healthy life expectancy and increase independence.

3. Reduce the need for health and social care.

Golden Games is our older adults offer, defined as those aged 65+.

However, Golden Games can be accessed by any setting which aims to support its participants to move more. This may include:

• Care settings
• Residential homes
• Sheltered accommodations
• Charities
• Disability groups
• Workplaces
• Local community and voluntary groups.

Golden Games is an accessible and inclusive programme that can be easily adapted to the needs of all participants.

• Active Monopoly - Invest in activity and build a portfolio of strength and balance!
• Activity Bingo - A game of bingo with an active twist.
• Dance for Days playlists - A blast from the past ... boogie and jive to a compilation of golden hits.
• Activity Tracker - An individual resource to keep you on track.
• Versus Arthritis Let's Move with Leon DVD and Keep Moving booklet - 12 weeks of 30 minute 'follow along' movement sessions.
• Falls Proof stickers - Support with making moving more a habit.
• Giant Tic Tac Toe - An active variation of the classic pen and paper game.
• Core Sliders - A simple way to level up any seated or standing activity!
• Ring Toss set - Throw, catch, aim and score.
• Pétanque - A favourite traditional game focusing on balance, strength and coordination.
• Inflatable ball & pump - This one always brings out the competitive edge!
• Bean bag throw - How accurate is your throw?
• Resistance bands - Different strength bands to improve strength and flexibility.
• Stress balls - Designed to reflect daily activities like getting dressed and standing up from a chair.
• Invitation cards - Invite individuals to take part in a Golden Games session - this personal touch goes a long way to motivate someone to move a little more.
• Golden Games bookmarks - Share this bookmark with Golden Games participants and help encourage individuals to get active in ways right for them.

What is the pledge?

The Golden Games pledge is an opportunity to 'pledge' your commitment to the wellbeing of your residents and participants. It is an opportunity for you to take ownership of delivering regular fun and inclusive physical activity to your participants and residents, and to share your activity journey with us. Over a period of 6 months, it requires you to:

• Regularly deliver Golden Games sessions
• Identify a dedicated person to coordinate the delivery of Golden Games
• Update us every couple of months with how you are getting on

Who is it for?

The pledge is optional, but all organisations that sign up to Golden Games are strongly encouraged to commit to the Golden Games pledge.

What are the benefits?

After 6 months, if all 3 areas have been consistently achieved, then your group / organisation will receive:

• Recognition on the Active Together website;
• Golden Games Let's Get Moving certificate;
• Golden Games pledge badge to display and include on your own website / literature

Accreditation can be achieved after 6 months of first receiving a Golden Games bag. Golden Games accreditation is valid for 12 months, at which point it can be renewed if the 3 requirements are still being met.

• Epinal Way Care Centre - achieved 07.12.23,
• Voluntary Action South Leicester - Community Wellbeing Harborough Group - achieved 13.12.23,
• Oadby and Wigston Hub Club - achieved 03.02.24,

who have successfully achieved Golden Games accreditation.

Thank you for your commitment to providing fun and inclusive physical activity for all.

Golden Carers have produced some free music playlists, including hits from the 40s, 50s and 60s.

Dance, move and shake in whatever way you enjoy to these favourite tunes.

Why not try and create an exercise routine to certain songs and remembering the routine for next time?

Golden Games includes a set of core sliders, great for balance, flexibility and strength. If you do not have a set of core sliders to hand, you can follow along to Mary's 'Duster Day' video which uses dusters instead! Getting active is sometimes about getting creative with your surroundings, and Mary's video is a perfect example of this.

We are currently reviewing our Golden Games stock. If you are interested in receiving a Golden Games bag, we would love to hear from you. Please contact:

Jess Hazell - j.hazell@active-together.org

You're performing the exercises, sport and activity suggested and linked from this guide and the Golden Games Guide Activity Pack at your own risk. Whilst taking part in physical activity and sport, participants should ensure they take part at a level which is appropriate to them and their health, and are responsible for ensuring they check the credentials and health and safety requirements for each activity. It is recommended that participants follow the Chief Medical Officers' Guidelines for physical activity. Participants will choose to utilise these links and take part in activities at their own risk. If you're unsure about your ability, it might be wise to start gradually and build up. Please feel free to refer to our Physical Activity Guidelines when determining the level of activity appropriate to you. Make sure you warm up and cool down to prevent injury, and make sure you keep hydrated. Stop the exercises immediately if you feel faint or unwell, and if you still feel dizzy or unwell have a rest. Next time try something less strenuous, building up your activity gradually.