An 88-year old Great Yarmouth care home resident has found a new lease of life by joining the gym.

Michael Childs became a resident of Black Swan’s Park House care home in March 2020 in a bid to reduce the risk of isolation during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

An active individual, Mr Childs takes pride in maintaining the care home's garden, procuring new plants and even setting the dining table for meals.

After a decline in his physical health and the loss of his wife, he expressed to Juliana, the home’s activities coordinator, a desire to regain his fitness.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Michael Childs takes exercise classes and enjoys light weight classes Michael Childs takes exercise classes and enjoys light weight classes (Image: Park House Care Home)

Juliana, herself a participant at the recently opened Marina Centre, extended an invitation to her weekly gym sessions.

Mr Childs was welcomed by the team at the Marina Centre with open arms and he now takes part in exercise classes, gentle weight exercises and mobility sessions, supported by Rachel Lacey from the gym.

Mr Childs, said: "Since joining the gym, I feel like I’ve become physically fitter, but also have gained many new friendships from other adults in the local community.

"They don’t believe me when I say I live at a care home, so I like to recommend Park House as a place to stay to everyone I meet.”

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Mr Childs also practices the exercises at the care home, with the support of the Park House team.

They have purchased a foot pedal system and some weights for him and even created a chart to mark his progress.

This combination of person-centred care, realistic goal-setting, and sustained support from Park House has had impressive physical, cognitive, and social benefits, according to the care home.

It is said that it has helped him to 'regain his fitness, become more content and to gain friendships', as well as continue to be a part of the wider community.