PENSIONERS will be kept fitter for longer with the help of a new service being offered in Cheshire.

Age UK Cheshire is working with global healthcare company GSK to offer health and wellbeing programmes for vulnerable and isolated older people with long term health conditions.

The project, called Get Going Together, will run for three years to tackle loneliness and increase physical activity.

GSK has provided funding for the project, which is one of five in the UK.

The Cheshire scheme will include one-to-one peer health mentoring in the home, setting up cardiac rehab classes, delivering falls prevention classes and putting on a variety of classes based upon the needs and interests of participants.

Alison Read, head of charity services, at Age UK Cheshire, said: “We believe in adding life to years not just years to life, and that it is never too late to improve our health and wellbeing.

“We are urging older people in the area to get in contact with us to find out how we can help or if you know an older person who could benefit from this support, please get in touch.”

Katie Pinnock, head of UK community partnerships at GSK, said: “Through our partnership with Age UK we hope to help some of the most vulnerable, and often neglected people in our society to be healthier, more confident, and feel more included in their community.”

For more information ring Age UK Cheshire on 0151 348 5493 or visit ageukcheshire.org.uk.