Bield tenants at Strathallan Court have been taking part in Sporting Memories sessions

OLDER people in Stirlingshire have been tackling loneliness and dementia through the power of sport.

Tenants at Bield’s Strathallan Court in Bridge of Allan have been keeping their minds active by attending a sport-focused reminiscent group, run by The Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland.

Those involved take part in activities including sport quizzes, pretend horse racing bets and watching old sport DVDS, all of which focus on improving mental and physical wellbeing.

Sandra Nicol, Retirement Development Manager at Bield’s Strathallan Court, said: “Our Sporting Memories group runs at Strathallan Court every second Thursday and is filled with hard core sports fans who really enjoy it.

“It’s a great chance for tenants to come together and get chatting about something they are all so passionate about. It keeps them sharp and on their toes!”

The Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland brings together younger generations and isolated older people living with long-term conditions, such as dementia, through sporting reminiscence and physical activities.

The charity runs more than 30 volunteer-led, weekly sport clubs and 25 other memory groups in and around Scotland.

Gordon McGown, who volunteers his time to lead the group at Bield’s Strathallan Court, said: “I really enjoy volunteering my time as we have great conversations about past and present sporting legends.

“Most of the time, the tenants are that excited for the next session that I tell them in advance what it is going to be on so they have time research and learn more facts.

“Both the tenants and I get so much out of the group – it is a way to engage in conversation based on the much-loved common interest of sport.”

One tenant who has seen the benefits the group offers first-hand is 78-year-old Joseph Carr.

Joseph said: “The Sporting Memories group is really great. Alongside the agenda of activities set for the day, we also have discussions on anything to do with sport.

“We find out new things about fellow tenants, from stories of participation to high profile name drops. It is truly fascinating!

“My favourite part about the group is the right old hearty laughs we have together.”

More information on The Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland can be found at www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com/who-we-are-scotland

Bield has been providing high quality housing and related services for older people in Scotland for more than 40 years. To find out more about Bield and its developments, visit www.bield.co.uk

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