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What is 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.
Who is Golden Games for?
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.
Benefits of Golden Games
![Twilight Games an outline drawing of 3 people showing them taking part in physical activity](/images/40_6419a4ea02082037534244/medium.png?v=1679402218)
Resources to increase physical activity
Step 1: Getting Started
Utilise the resources below to get started with setting up and delivering Golden Games activities.
Your Guide to Golden Games (PDF, 3.9 Mb)
Your Guide to Golden Games includes more information about Golden Games and links for further support. It can be downloaded for free.
Golden Games Partner Pack
Golden Games Activity Pack (PDF, 5.4 Mb)
For information and instructions around how to play each game, please download the Golden Games Activity Pack.
Golden Games Activity Pack
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.
Physical Activity For Older Adults A4 (PDF, 146 Kb)
Familiarise yourself with how much physical activity older adults should be doing each week. Is it more or less than you thought?
Golden Games Logo (JPEG, 502 Kb, 2001x2001)
Use the Golden Games logo on your promotional materials, flyers, certificates, and social media. This recognises you as a provider of inclusive physical activity.
Golden Games Risk Assessment (MS Word, 42 Kb)
Download a pre-written Risk Assessment for Golden Games. Please feel free to adapt this to your specific to your participants' needs, and own risk management requirements.
Step 2: Delivering fun and meaningful activity
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.
Recommended Equipment (MS Word, 533 Kb)
A full list of recommended equipment including links, description and prices. From Boccia to inflatable balls, we have it covered to save you time.
Active Monopoly (PDF, 127 Kb)
Download and print our Active Monopoly board! The traditional game we all know and love, but instead of houses and stations, think calf raises and marching on the spot!
Golden Games Activity Tracker (PDF, 108 Kb)
You can download our Activity Tracker here. Record your daily activity, how you felt and your goals / rewards for that week.
Seated Exercise Using a Stress Ball (PDF, 7.5 Mb)
Active Charnwood have produced a booklet showing seated exercises with a stress ball. Great for full body strength, and those with long-term health conditions such as arthritis. Aim to do these exercises 2x a week.
Seated Exercise Using a Theraband (resistance band) (PDF, 9.3 Mb)
Active Charnwood have produced a booklet showing seated exercises with a Theraband (resistance band). These are low impact activities but a great way to incorporate strength into a routine. Aim to do these exercises 2x a week.
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Boogie and jive to a compilation of golden hits from the 40s, 50s and 60s. Golden Carers have created several fun playlists which you can use to encourage more movement. Perhaps try creating an exercise routine to certain songs, this is a great way to stimulate muscle memory.
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Versus Arthritis Free Resources
Choose from the categories below to browse and order from Versus Arthritis' range of free downloadable and printed resources. Includes resources for those living with arthritis and healthcare professionals.
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Let’s Move with Leon is a 12 week programme of 30-minute movement sessions to improve strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. You don’t need any special gear, and there’s no cost. Leon specialises in working with people with arthritis and related conditions and has a fun, motivational and inclusive approach.
Golden Games Bookmark (PDF, 81 Kb)
Print and share this bookmark with participants and help encourage individuals to get active in ways right for them. Sometimes, it's the little daily reminders that keep us moving more.
Mary's 'Duster Day'
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.
Seated Activities
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.
Step 3: Celebrate success
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
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.
Golden Games Invitation Card - Blaby, Oadby and Wigston District (PNG, 410 Kb, 2000x1409)
Golden Games Invitation Card - Charnwood District (PNG, 461 Kb, 2000x1409)
Golden Games Invitation Card - Harborough District (PNG, 448 Kb, 2000x1409)
Golden Games Invitation Card - Hinckley and Bosworth District (PNG, 441 Kb, 2000x1409)
Golden Games Invitation Card - Leicester City District (PNG, 450 Kb, 2000x1409)
Golden Games Invitation Card - North West Leicester District (PNG, 456 Kb, 2000x1409)
Golden Games Invitation Card - Rutland District (PNG, 448 Kb, 2000x1409)
Golden Games Participant Certificate
Golden Games Certificate (PNG, 298 Kb, 2000x1414)
Available for you to print off for your residents and participants, to celebrate their participation and achievements in Golden Games.
![WalkingStickDance (Blue)](/images/40_64833ea78baf3169509757/medium.png?v=1686322855)
![WheelchairStretch (Blue)](/images/40_64833eb0eb80b423716285/medium.png?v=1686322864)
![Boccia (Blue)](/images/40_64833e92add3c449111367/medium.png?v=1686322834)
Let's get creative
![Title Page Your Guide To GG](/images/40_647df72d0b724577419650/medium.jpg?v=1685976877)
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'.
"I invite residents of nursing homes to be physically active. I try to do this in a creative way that responds to their interests. What kind of work or hobby do they have? I noticed that they move more with everyday life materials work. Playing is also very important".
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Creative games to improve health and wellbeing
From newspaper balls to homemade bean bag see saws - this short video shows you many different ways you can get creative utilising a few resources you probably already have. These activities focus on fun and play.
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Meaningful Activity Ideas for Older Adults
Are you an Activity Professional working in Senior Care? Golden Carers can help save time with 1000s of activity ideas and printable resources that make your job easier!
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Drum Sticks and Exercise Balls
A great example of how 2 very simple bits of equipment can be turned into a fun, engaging and beneficial session! Practice strength, coordination and balance with this activity.
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.
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For any questions regarding Golden Games, please contact:
![Jess Hazell](/images/763718/vcard.jpg?v=1666254353)
Jess Hazell
Insight Officer
Active Together
I am working flexibly in the office or at home, therefore please contact me via email or phone number provided.
My areas of responsibility are:
- Understanding People and Place
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
- LLR Girl Can - (Women's Health, This Girl Can, Active Menopause)
- Place based support for Rutland
- Supporting people with long term health conditions
When I'm not working - I'm at Loughborough University athletics track, training for the 400m. I've been an athlete for 13 years, and love exploring different parts of the world whilst competing.
Favourite Sporting Moment – Derek Redmond at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. After tearing his hamstring in the 400m semi-final, Derek's father ran from the stands to help him and they both finished the race together. It always makes me cry!
- Telephone
- 01509 467486
- j.hazell@active-together.org