It is so important that as we age, we are able to adapt and not become “too stuck in our ways” and so with today’s episode we are taking you completely out your comfort zone! The podcast starts differently, there is only one host and instead of having the main focus on prevention the focus is on how to have fun later on in life.

In Series 3 Episode 5, Charlie Blair who is the founder of The Blair Academy shares her 3 top tips by listening to many mature adults over the years while working in care and throughout her business. The Blair Academy brings Hip Hop dance to care homes – how amazing is that. 

The Blair Academy launched in June 2018 after Charlie combined her professional and personal experiences together. While studying at university she became a carer for the elderly through her Nans encouragement, Doreen Blair. In Charlies last year at university her Nan was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and was given an exercise plan to keep her as healthy as possible during those last months. Doreen was 67 and didn’t love the plan! The love Charlie had for her Nan and the dancer and creator in her made her adapt her Nans plan. The plan focused on Hip Hop dance within a chair and was carried out in the Livingroom. Doreen loved it, making her feel happier and more youthful. She then said to Charlie “there must be other older people that would love to do this.” Some local care homes allowed Charlie to come into the home to try it out on their residents. Thank goodness for forward thinking and innovative care homes. 

This episode is so amazing because it is very different from others and there is a lot of information shared not only on Hip Hop dance but on the care sector as well. Susie and Lorraine would actually like to take this opportunity to recognise all the amazing carers out there – what a huge difference they make. Thank you.

There was a real focus on looking at more fun, innovate, forward thinking activities for the elderly and Charlie gave a shout out to the posh Club who are also doing great with this. You can find them on Instagram - @the_posh_club or via their website www.theposhclub.co.uk

The Healthy Ageing Podcast would love to help The Blair Academy be known by so many more care homes around the UK and Ireland so please do share this podcast with EVERYONE you know that works in the care sector. The Blair Academy can provide a service in person within the care homes, a 1 to 1 virtual class or with their DVD service. Every Tuesday afternoon a free virtual zoom class is available to care homes and to the more mature person living independently at home. You can find them:

Instagram - @theblairacademy

Website - www.theblairacademy.com

And also, if you search for The Blair Academy on You Tube 

Watch out for their NEW platform, the BA box, which brings new innovative entertainment into care homes with dance and fitness sessions along with singers, musicians, spoken word artists etc. This is launching in December.  If the elderly can’t get out to the theatre, then the Blair Academy will bring it to them.