Dorchester 105-Year-Old Care Home Resident Tries Muay Thai Boxing
A 105-year-old Dorchester care home resident has enjoyed testing her hand at Muay Thai boxing.
Jean, who lives at Maiden Castle House, was invited to try out some boxing moves alongside the other residents at the care home on Gloucester Road. Muay Thai boxing can provide a host of benefits to the residents including boosting co-ordination and lowering blood pressure as well as having fun.
The centenarian was guided through a host of moves by Lee Grinrod, a former K1 World Champion who now teaches K1 and Muay Thai at Valhalla Martial Arts based in Weymouth. It was organised by Ashley Smith, Home Manager of Maiden Castle House, in honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from 13 to 19 May, with this year’s theme being ‘Movement.’
Speaking about her first-time trying boxing, Jean said:
“I enjoyed it. I have never tried it before and never thought that I would try it, but if somebody suggests something different at the care home, I’m always ready to give it a chance.”
Asked what the secret is to reaching 105, as well as keeping active, Jean said: “Being happy with my life and believing that people are nice. I’ve got some lovely friends here.”
Reflecting on Jean’s boxing skills as the oldest student he’s taught, Lee said:
“When I asked who wanted to give it a try, Jean didn’t even hesitate to try it. She was throwing some good combinations of a jab, cross, left-hooks and right-hooks. She did very well. I was very impressed. It was also nice for some of the other residents who have done it before as they said it brought back memories of boxing in their younger years.”
Ashley Smith, Home Manager at Maiden Castle House, said:
“At Care South, age is no barrier when it comes to new activities if the residents can do it safely, so it was great to see Jean having a go at Muay Thai boxing. She is always one of the first residents to try a new activity, so it was great to see her having fun, as well as the other residents, as it helps them to keep moving and stay active.”
Maiden Castle House care home, which is run by the not-for-profit charity, Care South, provides residential, respite, and dementia care. The care home features individual rooms with ensuite facilities with a choice of communal lounges overlooking a courtyard and garden area. Maiden Castle House has a dedicated activities team who organise a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships.
Care South is the leading provider of high quality residential and home care services across the south of England. The not-for-profit organisation, which is a registered charity, has care homes in Dorset, north Devon, Somerset and West Sussex, and home care offices covering east and west Dorset, and northeast Somerset and south Somerset.
