Community groups and organisations across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being invited to take part in Positive Ageing Week (Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October).
Locally, Positive Ageing Week 2025 will inspire people aged 55 and over to get active, stay connected and try something new. It also celebrates the contribution of older people and promotes the benefits of regular movement for physical and mental health.
Regular exercise can reduce the risk of frailty, prevent falls, ease arthritis pain, improve sleep and boost both mood and memory. The NHS recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, along with two sessions focused on strength and balance.
To get involved, local organisers are invited to list their activities for older adults on the Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire activity finder website ahead of the campaign week.
Any organisation, large or small can offer an event or activity. Free or discounted sessions would be particularly welcome to give people the chance to try something new this Positive Ageing Week. To list your activity for Positive Ageing Week, visit https://www.activehw.co.uk/activities. You will need to create an account first to be able to list your event.
A free communications toolkit, including social media images and suggested wording, is available to event organisers to help promote their activities and the activity finder. To download the communications pack, visit https://www.activehw.co.uk/positive-ageing-week.
Dr Padmanabhan Badrinath, Interim Consultant in Public Health Medicine at Herefordshire Council, said:
There’s so much happening in Herefordshire for older residents from community exercise classes and walking groups to social clubs and wellbeing activities.
Positive Ageing Week is a fantastic chance to celebrate this, encourage more people to get involved, and challenge some of the outdated perceptions about ageing.
Working alongside our partners, we want to shine a light on the amazing opportunities here in the county and support people to stay active, connected and confident as they get older.
Simon Thomas, Deputy CEO of Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said:
We’re proud to support Positive Ageing Week. This campaign is a fantastic opportunity for organisers to showcase what they offer and inspire more people to get involved.
By listing activities on our website's Activity Finder, we can create a go-to hub where people can easily discover what’s happening locally.
The more we share, the stronger the network becomes. It’s a true example of how we can connect our systems around us for the good of our communities.
Dr Satinder Bell, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council, said:
Staying active helps us maintain strength, balance, and independence, especially as we get older. I encourage all organisations to take part in Positive Ageing Week whether you are a large leisure provider, a small charity, or a local group starting a new sport in your village.
Our 30 free Healthy Worcestershire venues around the county will host special sessions during the week, celebrating older people and encouraging everyone to get involved in exercise, whatever their ability.
Amanda Allen, CEO of Age UK North Worcestershire, added:
Older adults are at the heart of our communities, bringing with them a wealth of experience, skills, and energy.
By encouraging physical activity, we can support healthier lives as people age and help ensure they remain active and engaged throughout their later years.
Positive Ageing Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many ways older people are keeping fit, learning new skills, and building meaningful connections.
Caroline Savage, Social Inclusion Service manager at Age UK Wyvern, said:
Positive Ageing Week is a chance to celebrate the strength, resilience, and vibrancy of older people.
We want to highlight the wide range of opportunities available from gentle exercise sessions to cultural and social events that can help maintain health and independence.
By putting movement and wellbeing front and centre, we’re sending a clear message that age is no barrier to living a full, active life.
Locally, Positive Ageing Week is being delivered by Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire, Age UK North Worcestershire, Age UK Wyvern, Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council.
For more information about Positive Ageing Week, go to positiveageingweek.com.