Still going strong at 101

Proving age is just a number, a 101-year-old former hosiery machinist is among hundreds of people keeping healthy thanks to Active Blaby.

Eileen Loftus, who worked for textiles giant Corah in Leicester, is a regular at the weekly Steady Steps class at Blaby Baptist Church.

She walks the 20 minutes from her home to the church and has hardly missed a class for the last five years.  

She says: “It makes my mind feel clear and positive, the next day I feel on top of the world.”

Steady Steps is designed to help older people feel steadier on their feet by increasing mobility, fitness and balance as well as reducing the risk of falls.

It is just one of the Council-backed initiatives through Active Blaby, which is helping people to remain independent, stay active and healthy and improve their wellbeing.

Over the last two years the number of people using Active Blaby has soared, almost doubling, with a record 2,185 participants and more than 42,200 attendances across 58 programmes.

This compares to 716 participants and 18,321 attendances during 2022-23 when 30 programmes were available. The huge increase has come despite a 30% drop in funding from external grants that support delivery of the Active Blaby programmes.

Offerings are aimed at all ages and abilities and as well as Steady Steps include walking sports, gym sessions, Thai Chi and seated exercise. Programmes are also delivered in Oadby and Wigston.

Streamlining the sign-up process, by introducing an online self-referral option has broadened access, making it easier and quicker for people to get support at the click of a button.

The contact information comes direct to the Active Blaby team who can then follow-up to discuss exact needs, such as health conditions and personal circumstances.

Active Blaby receives the highest number of physical activity referrals in the county, making up 40% of the total received across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.  

Feedback from users has been incredibly positive with 91% saying they enjoyed taking part in activity more, 90% saying they felt fitter and healthier and 85% saying they’d experienced increased social interaction and friendship.

Everyone questioned said they would recommend the Active Blaby community programmes to a friend.

The Steady Steps falls prevention, which keeps Eileen and her friends fit, is a huge success.

Participants take part in a free 24-week course of strength and balance exercises to increase their mobility and confidence.  

Outcomes show a real difference, with 90% of participants saying they worry less about falling and an average of 5.6 healthy life years gained across group.

Of the 145 people who took part during 2024-25, follow-ups found an average 24% reduction in GP visits and a 90% reduction in hospital admissions due to falls.  

This equates to around a £31,350 reduction in NHS hospital costs and a saving of £109,000 to wider social care.

The class also improves social inclusion with participants getting to chat with a hot drink and biscuits or cake after exercises are finished.

Councillor Nick Chapman, Blaby District Portfolio Holder for Community, said: "What an absolute inspiration Eileen is – and in fact all the people who take part in our Active Blaby programmes. Keeping our residents safe and healthy is at the heart of our Blaby Plan and Active Blaby plays a huge role in this.

"I’m delighted more and more people are coming forward for support in improving their physical fitness and mental wellbeing, recognising what we can offer and how our support can help make a positive difference to their lives. I’m also hugely proud of our Active Blaby team for their tireless efforts in making our programmes so successful."

Councillor Nick Chapman
Portfolio Holder for Community