New campaign encourages older generation to get active

A new campaign organised by the East Staffordshire Borough Council is encouraging over 60s to become physically and mentally active.

Now in its fourth year, the campaign, titled Age is Just a Number, celebrates the senior demographic by showcasing their fitness stories and proving what can be achieved by staying active into later life.

The campaign will be delivered in partnership with Everyone Active, which supports older people to exercise across the country throughout the year, with regular dedicated senior activity sessions already seeing 18,000 attendances each month.

It launched on Saturday, October 5 – the same weekend as Silver Sunday, the national day for older people – and will run until Sunday, November 17.

Meadowside Leisure Centre in Burton, Shobnall Leisure Complex and Uttoxeter Leisure Centre, run by award-winning operator Everyone Active in partnership with East Staffordshire Borough Council, are encouraging the older generation to visit their local centre and enjoy the wide range of activities on offer.

Sheree Baldwin (pictured), 60, has been working at Meadowside Leisure Centre as a catering assistant for two and a half years, but also uses the venue to exercise. She said: “For people of my age there is a lot on offer, from gym classes to aqua aerobics, Pilates, badminton and more.

“I feel confident and welcome when using the gym and this is due to the good staff that are there to help and advise.

“To work for, Everyone Active are second to none. In all my years of work, I have never been made to feel as welcome and part of a team.”

Dan Mclean, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are proud to offer our members a friendly and welcoming environment that motivates people of all ages to get active.

“Maintaining physical activity and keeping socially active is vitally important for older people in the local community.

“This campaign aims to inspire people to try a new activity or engage in simple exercises each week at home, helping people of all abilities discover the different ways they can enjoy exercise.”

With more than 230 centres across the country, Everyone Active offers activities for all ages, as well as specialised classes designed to appeal to older people.

By signing up here, people can find out more about local senior sessions and receive inspirational videos from our fantastic senior members, as well as being in with a chance to win a six-month adult membership.

Proving that gyms, swimming pools and other activities are perfect for people of all ages to use and enjoy, watch our inspirational stories from older members across the country here.