Dieticians from Edge Hill University are playing a critical role in supporting patients during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Physiology experts are urging people on surgical waiting lists to consider using high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to boost the fitness of their heart and lungs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ShieldNHS, a temporary not-for-profit organisation, has formed to donate and assemble face shields to the NHS. With the help of firefighters at Lambeth station, London, ShieldNHS is on track to deliver 40,000 face shields to hospitals around the country within the next week. 

A UK software company has launched a free platform to supply, sell and exchange personal protection equipment (PPE) throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

An innovative technology solution for the health and social care sector, developed by HAS Technology, has been shortlisted for ‘Digital Transformation of the Year’ in the National Technology Awards. 

Charity Vegetarian for Life, which supports older vegans and vegetarians, has put together some tips on preparing as best you can, and how you might still keep in touch with others, during this challenging period.

Stereotyping people in later life and treating all over-65s as a single group could be damaging their physical and mental health, according to a report from national older people’s charity, Independent Age.

A Wakefield company which designs and manufactures foam mattresses is helping the NHS meet the urgent need for thousands of extra beds by dedicating all production to its healthcare division and mobilising its entire workforce which is working 24 hours a day to meet demand. 

Reckless bosses of two care homes in the Midlands have been disqualified after they diverted council funds before abandoning elderly residents and staff.

This week marks the first National Intergenerational Week, running from 23 March to 29 March.

To celebrate the week, Royal Star & Garter, which provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, had planned to hold a number of activities in its Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe. However, the Coronavirus outbreak has meant these plans have been paused.

But that did not stop one school pupil from bringing joy to residents in Surbiton. Jemima has been coming into the Home every Friday to play the piano for residents as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. She also takes requests from residents, often learning the songs ahead of her next visit.

However, she has not been able to come into the Home following the charity’s decision to limit visitors. Undeterred, Jemima decided to record a video of a resident’s favourite song to put a smile on his face.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Paula Beaney, Quality Assurance Director at live-in care provider, Promedica24, has issued the following statement:

Claridge Place, a care home in Warwick Road, Solihull, are keeping residents busy during the Coronavirus lock down, with one particular initiative that hopes to bring new, intergenerational community connections.

Due to Coronavirus infection prevention measures, visits to Claridge Place, operated by Sanders Senior Living, are currently postponed, but the professional care and wellbeing team have constructed an exciting plan, supported by Tudor Grange Academy Solihull, with great anticipation felt by residents.

Claridge Place Director, Peta Mandleberg, thought it’d be great to approach a school to connect with to help reduce loneliness and isolation at this time. Peta approached Tudor Grange Academy Solihull (where her step daughter happens to work) with the idea and they confirmed immediately that they were keen to support the initiative as it links directly to the Academy's values, which include Kindness and Empathy. A small group of students enthusiastically agreed to write letters to the elderly residents of the home.

Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalised skeletal muscle disorder, characterised by low muscle strength, low muscle quality or quantity, and low physical performance. 

Common signs and symptoms of sarcopenia include (1):

●    Falls and fractures
●    Slow walking speed
●    Generalised weakness
●    Fatigue
●    Weight loss/muscle wasting
●    Functional decline
●    Cognitive impairment

Sarcopenia which is largely attributable to ageing is known as primary sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is considered ‘secondary’ when other causes (e.g. malignancy or malnutrition) are implicated.

A new set of strength and balance graphics that can be used in any health and social care setting has been created by national walking charity Paths for All.

Adequate hydration is essential to maintaining good health.
Most adults are able to monitor and respond to their hydration needs. However, this becomes more difficult as we get older, meaning elderly people are more susceptible to becoming dehydrated.
In this blog post, we’ll look at ways to help older people to meet their hydration needs.

Why are older people at risk of dehydration?

Water makes up a large proportion of our bodies. You can read more about hydration needs in different age groups here. 
Up to 20% of older adults are dehydrated, especially those in long-term care establishments. As we get older, our ability to sense thirst decreases. Poor mobility, cognitive decline, and physical ailments (including problems with swallowing) are also potential barriers for staying hydrated.