Seaton resident Gill takes to the water

At The Seaton, we like nothing better than going the extra mile to help our residents live enriching lives.

Gill Crick has always enjoyed swimming, so we organised a trip to The Flamingo Pool in Axminster for some relaxing water therapy. Gill was accompanied by our Senior Carer, Emma Webber, Dee Comber from our nursing team, and another resident.

The Flamingo offers swimming lessons, float fun sessions and a hydrotherapy pool. Unlike many other local swimming pools, it is not funded by the local authority and is run by a charity, relying on fund-raising events and donations.

The Seaton’s Administrator, Kelly Boweren, says the outing was a great success: “They all had a lovely morning at the hydro pool. Where possible, we will always try to help our residents to do what they really love, and the team members enjoyed it too!”

Swimming has a multitude of benefits for older people. Water provides buoyancy, which reduces stress on the joints and bones.  Swimming engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, which helps in building and maintaining muscle strength.

Swimming has also been shown to have positive effects on mental health. The rhythmic nature of swimming can be meditative, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Additionally, swimming releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. This can be particularly beneficial for older adults who may experience depression or anxiety.

 It is also a full-body workout that can help older adults manage cardiovascular health and chronic conditions like Diabetes.

Many older adults struggle with sleep disorders, but the physical exertion from swimming can lead to a more restful night.

We hope to make continued use of this amazing facility which is such an asset to the local community.