Movement with Meaning: FitBaw at Mearns House

At Meallmore, creating great places to live and work means delivering more than just excellent clinical care – it means fostering joy, connection and purpose for every individual. One of the ways we bring that philosophy to life at Mearns House Care Home in Newton Mearns is through FitBaw, an innovative fitness programme that's transforming wellbeing in older adults through the power of football.

What is FitBaw?

Here's a wee video to get you acquainted:

FitBaw is a seated football-based fitness session designed specifically for older people, including those living with dementia, reduced mobility, or complex needs. Founded by Paul Mooney, a UEFA B licensed coach with over 20 years of experience, the programme is tailored to care settings – combining light physical activity with conversation, music, and laughter.

At Mearns House, FitBaw has quickly become one of the most popular and energising activities for our residents. Sessions run weekly, and each one brings the buzz of the beautiful game right into the heart of the home.

Promoting Health, Independence and Fun

While fun is at the forefront, the physical benefits are clear. The sessions are built to:

• Support upper and lower body strength
• Encourage balance, flexibility and coordination
• Improve circulation and joint mobility
• Reduce sedentary time and promote confidence in movement

Importantly, FitBaw is accessible to all – whether a resident is mobile, uses a wheelchair, or requires assistance. The programme removes barriers, replacing them with opportunity and encouragement.

Meaningful Engagement Through Movement

But what makes FitBaw truly special isn’t just the movement – it’s the emotional and social engagement it creates. Each session includes music, memory prompts, team challenges and plenty of laughter.

Residents at Mearns House have shared how the sessions spark memories of playing football as children, supporting their favourite teams, or watching games with their families. It builds bonds, encourages storytelling, and connects people in a way that feels natural and inclusive.

"You don’t feel like you’re exercising – you feel like you're having a laugh with your pals."
– Resident, Mearns House

Wellbeing in Action at Mearns House

Located in the heart of Newton Mearns, Mearns House is a modern, purpose-built care home that offers high-quality nursing, dementia, respite and residential care. With its welcoming café, private dining space, putting green and activity rooms, it is designed to support not just care, but lifestyle.

Our approach to wellbeing in care is proactive – integrating movement, creativity, and social connection into the daily rhythm of life. FitBaw sits perfectly within that model, offering residents a new way to engage both body and mind.

Why It Matters

In care homes, promoting active ageing is essential. Research shows that even light movement can have significant benefits for older adults, from reducing the risk of falls to improving mood and mental health. FitBaw gives residents a sense of team spirit, achievement, and most importantly – fun. For our staff, it’s a chance to support residents in a different way, building relationships through shared experience and energy.

A Values-Led Partnership

Meallmore's core values – Create, Act, Recognise, and Engage – are visible in every FitBaw session.

• We create an atmosphere of fun and friendship
• We act with purpose to support physical and mental wellbeing
• We recognise the value of lived experience and the joy of movement
• We engage residents in meaningful activity that makes every day count

Looking Ahead

As FitBaw continues to be a part of our life at Mearns House, we are excited to grow the programme and explore more opportunities for innovation in care. It's partnerships like this that help us bring our vision to life – making Mearns House not only a place of care, but a place to thrive.

For residents, it’s another reason to look forward to the week. For families, it’s a sign of the life still being lived. And for us – it’s care, done differently.