This October and November, across Watford, Everyone Active is encouraging a greater number of over 60s to become physically and mentally active, with the launch of its Age is Just a Number campaign..
Now in its fifth year, the campaign, which launched on Sunday, October 5 and runs until Monday, November 17, celebrates the senior demographic by showcasing their fitness stories and proving what can be achieved by staying active into later life.
Everyone Active, which runs Watford Leisure Centre – Woodside and Watford Leisure Centre – Central, in partnership with Watford Borough Council, are encouraging the older generation to visit their local centre and enjoy the wide range of activities on offer.
Maria Whitlock and Alan Whitlock are a great example. A power couple from Watford, they are an inspiration and living proof that age is just a number. For years, they’ve been an active part of the Watford Leisure Centre - Woodside community, embracing fitness and fun together.
Every week, Maria attends Zumba and enjoys a variety of other group exercise classes. Alan, following a heart operation, has recently ventured into the gym and Wellness Suite as he eases back into fitness.
Maria, 70, says, “70 is the new 50! My favourite class is Zumba, and I also do combat and aqua classes. I had my second knee replacement 13 years ago, and after physio the hospital suggested coming to the gym. I would never have joined before, but now it’s changed my life. Anyone can do it – just try it!”
Her husband Alan, 69, only recently started going to the gym with his son’s encouragement. Alan says, “There are all ages and sizes, and once you’re in there you just get into your own world. It’s like an extension of your own family.”
For both Maria and Alan, staying active benefits them both physically and socially. Maria adds, “Age really is just a number. We are probably among the oldest people here, but it’s such a good community. You should all come and give it a try!”
Another member, Maureen, 91, agrees, “I love coming to the gym. There are people all around you, and I feel a lot more confident mixing with everyone. My husband, Jim, suggested I join, and it’s been really good for me.”
Gaelle McKenna, Fitness Manager at Watford Leisure Centre – Woodside, who teaches Maria’s favourite Zuma classes, said: “Maria has been coming to our Zumba classes for years, every week without fail – she is such an inspiration to our fitness community here at Watford Leisure Centre - Woodside.
“Maria loves keeping fit and is always so positive, encouraging others to keep moving regardless of their age. Her mindset is remarkable, and she is an absolute role model to other members!”
Everyone Active supports older people to exercise across the country throughout the year, with regular dedicated senior activity sessions already seeing more than 20,000 attendances each month.
Whether it’s for weight loss, recovery from injury, improved mobility, fitness or social reasons, there’s so much that exercise can do to improve quality of life.
Iain Milton, 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.”
Cllr Tim Williams, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Maria and Alan are a real inspiration. They show that keeping active isn’t about age, it’s about attitude. Staying fit and connected makes such a difference to people’s lives, and it’s great to see our leisure centres helping so many residents do just that.
“Through our partnership with Everyone Active, we’re proud to support initiatives like Age is Just a Number that help residents live healthier, happier lives and prove that it’s never too late to get started.”
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.
