Independent business owner wants to spread the word about beneficial class for older individuals

An independent business owner wants to spread the word about a beneficial class for older individuals, which helps prevent falls and improves strength and balance as you age.

Johannah Moore is the owner of The Breathe In Space, described as a “beautiful oasis of calm” in Welford Road, Kingsthorpe.

The studio offers yoga classes and is a holistic centre for all kinds of wellness treatments. From the varying yoga practices and reflexology, to meditation circles and sound baths, Jo found her calling with The Breathe In Space.

In the holistic part of the building – where Jo has welcomed in other independent businesses to treat their clients – crystal therapy, massages, occupational therapy, counselling and life coaching is available.

What Jo really wanted to take the opportunity to highlight is Otago classes, which are proving popular across the county despite many not being aware of the benefits.

Otago is run as part of ‘get up and go’ and ‘I can’ schemes, aimed at individuals aged 65 and over in Northampton. As a private provider, Jo simply calls it Otago – sticking to the roots of where it was first developed.

Jo described Otago as resembling a group physio class to prevent people falling as they get older.

As around 50 percent of adults over 80 years old experience a fall for a variety of reasons, strengthening the legs and honing the balance early can help reduce the risk.

Jo wants to urge that there is so much more to these sessions, including combating loneliness, providing a sense of purpose, building self esteem, regular exercise, and creating friendship and community.

The history of this practice goes back to when a physiotherapist, who worked in a region called Otago in New Zealand, saw a lot of people aged 65 and over who all had the same problem.

He brought them together to train in simple exercises he had previously taught them in one-to-one sessions, at a time in their lives when they started to trip or feel wobbly on their feet.

This is now a worldwide phenomenon, which continues to prove popular across the county – but many places offer it under different names.

When asked why she believes Otago is proving so popular, Jo said: “Many people are living longer these days, but are perhaps worried about their sense of balance and being up on their feet.

“This not only helps to prevent falls, but stops them from happening in the future as you’re made aware of your bodily function.”

Jo also says that off the back of the pandemic, when older individuals felt particularly lonely and isolated, people now seek activities that provide purpose.

“It’s a really informal environment,” Jo added. “You don’t need to be super fit and healthy, it’s more about balance and strength. The class prices are also low to keep it affordable.”

The Breathe In Space offers Otago sessions on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but spaces only remain on the latter two days.

Jo says it is better to give it a go before suffering a fall, as opposed to considering it afterwards.

For more information on The Breathe In Space and the Otago sessions on offer, visit their website here.