BACKGROUND

# An Ageing Population

More and more people are living longer and surviving into their eighties and nineties. For some this means that one third of their life is spent after retirement - yet only 10 per cent of Scotland's pensioners take part in moderate regular exercise. In the UK 17 per cent of the population is over 65 and this is expected to rise to 25 per cent by early next century.

# First Over 60s Class

As a teacher of physical education at The University of Dundee, Dorothy Dobson has always firmly believed that it is never too late to start exercising, as regular participation can improve the quality of life for older people. In 1978 she launched her first exercise class at The University of Dundee for people over sixty.

Twenty Nine years on and Dorothy is launching exercise classes for other over sixties across Scotland and the UK.

# Class Profile

Dorothy Dobson's classes are tailored for people over sixty: enjoyable, rhythmic movement to music is their hallmark.

Participants follow a leader who is always in full view on a raised podium in the middle of the hall. They copy the leader's movements and each class lasts for 45 minutes.


# Music

The music is a vital part of each class. Each week Dorothy chooses the music for all the classes to suit everyone's taste. The range includes Scottish, classical, sacred, pop, nostalgic and seasonal music such as traditional Irish on St Patrick's Day. No piece of music is played twice.