Golden Games

Golden Games is an online toolkit that provides you with resources and ideas to increase physical activity. Golden Games combines traditional games with physical activity to encourage participants to move more through simple and fun group or individual activities.

Golden Games is our older adults offer, defined as those aged 65+. However, Golden Games can be utilised by any setting which aims to support its participants to move more. This may include:

• Care settings
• Residential homes
• Sheltered accommodations
• Charities
• Disability groups
• Workplaces
• Local community and voluntary groups.

Golden Games activities are accessible and inclusive and can be easily adapted to the needs of all participants.

Utilise the resources below to get started with setting up and delivering Golden Games activities.

Games included in the Golden Games Activity Pack:

• Active Monopoly - Invest in activity and build a portfolio of strength and balance!
• Activity Bingo - A game of bingo with an active twist.
• Dance for Days playlists - A blast from the past ... boogie and jive to a compilation of golden hits.
• Activity Tracker - An individual resource to keep you on track.
• Versus Arthritis Let's Move with Leon DVD and Keep Moving booklet - 12 weeks of 30 minute 'follow along' movement sessions.
• Falls Proof stickers - Support with making moving more a habit.
• Giant Tic Tac Toe - An active variation of the classic pen and paper game.
• Core Sliders - A simple way to level up any seated or standing activity!
• Ring Toss set - Throw, catch, aim and score.
• Pétanque - A favourite traditional game focusing on balance, strength and coordination.
• Inflatable ball & pump - This one always brings out the competitive edge!
• Bean bag throw - How accurate is your throw?
• Resistance bands - Different strength bands to improve strength and flexibility.
• Stress balls - Designed to reflect daily activities like getting dressed and standing up from a chair.
• Invitation cards - Invite individuals to take part in a Golden Games session - this personal touch goes a long way to motivate someone to move a little more.
• Golden Games bookmarks - Share this bookmark with Golden Games participants and help encourage individuals to get active in ways right for them.

Below we have produced a 'Recommended Equipment' guide so you can see what resources might be worth investing in depending on your participants' preferences, and also see what you already might have lying around that you can use.

You can also download and print multiple Golden Games resources for free. Some of these resources are activities in themselves, or can help to compliment equipment. The 'Golden Games Activity Pack' is your 'one-stop-shop' - providing all of the information of Golden Games activities, required equipment, and instructions on how to play.

You can also find some 'follow along' seated exercises videos.

Golden Games includes a set of core sliders, great for balance, flexibility and strength. If you do not have a set of core sliders to hand, you can follow along to Mary's 'Duster Day' video which uses dusters instead! Getting active is sometimes about getting creative with your surroundings, and Mary's video is a perfect example of this.

Also included here, are some seated exercise videos which can be an excellent resource in improving balance, mobility, and strength. You can follow along to these with your group, or share the links with your participants for them to try at home.

Core Strength

A core strength seated exercise session aiming to improve balance and reduce back pain.

Stretch & Mobilise

A stretch and mobilise seated exercise session aimed at stretching and lengthening muscles with a focus on controlled breathing.

Leg Strength

A leg strength seated exercise session aimed at leg conditioning, helping individuals who have difficulty with walking up the stairs and walking.

Resources to celebrate engagement in Golden Games. Sometimes, a small token of recognition can go a long way in motivating someone to get and remain physically active.

Golden Games Invitation Cards are designed for each locality / district area. You can download and print the card relevant to you. You are encouraged to utilise these cards to invite your residents / participants to a Golden Games session. This personal touch goes a long way in motivating someone to move more.

Sometimes we don't need fancy kit and equipment to incorporate more physical activity into our lives.

The videos and web links below provide ideas and inspiration on how to utilise resources you may already have lying around to create creative games which keep residents fit and healthy. From paper balls to re-cycling bin targets to seated coordination trains! There is no right answer, just prioritise fun and safe movement through 'the power of play'.

You're performing the exercises, sport and activity suggested and linked from this guide and the Golden Games Guide Activity Pack at your own risk. Whilst taking part in physical activity and sport, participants should ensure they take part at a level which is appropriate to them and their health, and are responsible for ensuring they check the credentials and health and safety requirements for each activity. It is recommended that participants follow the Chief Medical Officers' Guidelines for physical activity. Participants will choose to utilise these links and take part in activities at their own risk. If you're unsure about your ability, it might be wise to start gradually and build up. Please feel free to refer to our Physical Activity Guidelines when determining the level of activity appropriate to you. Make sure you warm up and cool down to prevent injury, and make sure you keep hydrated. Stop the exercises immediately if you feel faint or unwell, and if you still feel dizzy or unwell have a rest. Next time try something less strenuous, building up your activity gradually.