The community came together to celebrate healthy ageing with Watford Borough Council, Everyone Active and Herts Sports and Physical Activity Partnership...
Watford Leisure Centre, Woodside was alive with energy and community spirit on Wednesday 1 October 2025, as residents came together to celebrate healthy ageing at the town’s first Live Longer Better Celebration Day.
Held to mark the International Day of Older Persons and celebrate Watford Borough Council’s accreditation as an ‘Age Friendly Town’ the event was a great success bringing together hundreds of older residents for a day filled with movement, connection, and inspiration.
Organised by Watford Borough Council, in partnership with Everyone Active and the Herts Sports and Physical Activity Partnership, the celebration also marked Watford’s achievement of becoming an Age-Friendly accredited community, in line with the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly approach.
The day shone a spotlight on the importance of staying active in later life, recognising how physical activity supports independence, wellbeing, and happiness for older adults.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, and Councillor Jennifer Pattinson, the council’s Older Persons Champion, officially opened the event, welcoming participants and sharing their pride in Watford’s commitment to supporting older residents.
Visitors enjoyed a vibrant mix of activities throughout the day, including pickleball, yoga, walking sports, netball, and seated exercise sessions, all tailored to suit a range of abilities. There were also expert-led talks, fitness demonstrations, and health assessments using Boditrax, the advanced body composition and activity tracker.
A bustling market area showcased local organisations offering advice, support, and resources to promote healthy, active ageing across the community.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said: “It was fantastic to see our community come together for such a positive and inspiring day. Helping older adults stay strong, connected, and enjoy life to the full is a key part of our vision for an Age-Friendly Watford.
“I want to thank Everyone Active and the Herts Sports and Physical Activity Partnership for their support in making this celebration such a success.”
Iain Milton, Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people taking part and discovering new ways to keep active. This event really highlighted what Watford’s Age-Friendly commitment means in practice — providing welcoming, inclusive opportunities for older residents to improve their health and wellbeing.”
The event closed on a high, with many attendees leaving inspired to continue their active journey proving that age is no barrier to living longer, better, and stronger in Watford.
