Moving to the Music at Kimbrose Club, Gloucester
A favourite song can make you want to tap your feet, move your shoulders or get up and dance. That natural response to music is something I love bringing into our Sweet Silent Disco sessions at Kimbrose Club Day Centre in Gloucester.
As a fitness instructor, I’m passionate about helping people stay active as they grow older. I want movement to feel enjoyable, achievable and something people look forward to—and music is a wonderful motivator.
Why staying active matters
Keeping active in our older years can help us maintain strength, balance and independence, supporting the everyday movements that matter to us. Activity can also support our wellbeing and give us opportunities to spend time with others. Even small amounts of movement count. (nhs.uk, guysandstthomas.nhs.uk)
At a day centre, a shared music session creates an opportunity to bring movement and social connection together. People can enjoy familiar songs, share a laugh and take part alongside others.
Using music to encourage movement
My fitness background shapes how I lead a session. I look for opportunities to encourage movement through the music, keeping the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming.
That might mean inviting people to tap their feet, move their arms or follow a simple rhythm while seated. For those who want and are able to, it might mean standing and dancing.
The music gives those movements a purpose and a sense of fun. Rather than concentrating on repetitions, we can enjoy the chorus of a favourite song and move along together.
My role is to offer encouragement, demonstrate clearly and respond to the people in front of me.
A person-centred approach
Everyone arrives with different abilities, energy levels and preferences. I adapt my encouragement around those differences, giving people choices about how they take part.
Some may enjoy bigger movements; others may prefer something gentle. People can pause, watch or join in when they feel ready. Being seated is very much a way to participate, and nobody needs to keep up with anyone else.
For people living with dementia, I aim to keep invitations clear and easy to follow, using demonstration and allowing time to respond. Above all, I want each person to feel included and comfortable.
The happiness we share
What I love about sessions at Kimbrose Club is the opportunity to combine my experience as a fitness instructor with my love of music and connecting with people.
I feel privileged to encourage moments of activity and enjoyment. The happiness goes both ways: sharing music and movement brings me enormous joy too.
Staying active can begin with a small movement, a familiar rhythm and someone beside you offering encouragement.
That’s what Sweet Silent Disco means to me: bringing people together through music, with movement everyone can make their own.
Mark Sweeting, Founder of Sweet Silent Disco
Interested in bringing Sweet Silent Disco to your care home?
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