Across Herefordshire and Worcestershire people aged 55 and over are leading the way when it comes to physical activity, according to Sport England’s Active Lives Survey (November 2023–2024).
In Herefordshire 62 percent of adults aged 55 plus achieve at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, whilst in Worcestershire the figure is 58.15 per cent. Both counties beat the national average of 57.9 percent.
This Positive Ageing Week (29 September – 3 October 2025), the two counties are shining a spotlight on the importance of movement and wellbeing.
Residents are invited to find an activity that suits them at www.activehw.co.uk/activities and get involved during Positive Ageing Week.
In Herefordshire, Feel Good for Life sessions offer a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and get involved in positive ageing week. The sessions include fun and friendly activities such as swimming, table tennis, and badminton to help get you moving, followed by a chance to relax and connect with others over a cup of coffee. It’s a great way to stay active and boost your health whilst making new friends. Find out more on the Halo Leisure website.
Over in Worcestershire, Healthy Worcestershire sessions are a fantastic way to take part in Positive Ageing Week. Across 30 venues, residents can join special activities where they learn simple strength building tips to stay active, independent and strong to beat the natural loss of muscle as we age. Find out more on the Healthy Worcestershire website.
Staying active after 55 isn’t just about fitness, it’s about freedom, confidence, and connection. The benefits of regular movement are clear. Exercise can reduce the risk of frailty, prevent falls, ease arthritis pain, improve sleep, and boost both mood and memory.
The NHS recommends adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, alongside two sessions of strength and balance exercises. However, any amount of movement is better than none. To find out more go to nhs.uk/exercise.
Zoe Clifford, Director of Public Health at Herefordshire Council said:
It’s great that Herefordshire’s older adults are ahead of the national average in terms of the amount of exercise they undertake. We’re committed to supporting all our residents to stay active and Positive Ageing Week is an ideal opportunity to remind older people of the benefits of exercise to their physical and mental wellbeing.
Dr Satinder Bell, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council, said:
It’s fantastic to see Worcestershire performing above the national average for physical activity among over 55s. This is truly Positive Ageing in practice.
Positive Ageing Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these achievements, and also to encourage even more people to get moving. I strongly recommend dropping in at a Healthy Worcestershire session. You get to meet new people, learn lots, and get moving in a relaxed environment.
Stephen Brewster, CEO of Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said:
Movement is for everyone, no matter your age. The latest Active Lives figures show that our over 55s across the counties are doing well, but there’s still more to do. This Positive Ageing Week, we are proud to be highlighting activity across the two counties with our wonderful collaborative partners and encouraging more to be active for life.
Amanda Allen, CEO of Age UK North Worcestershire, said:
Positive Ageing Week is about more than exercise, it’s about connection, confidence and challenging outdated stereotypes of ageing. At Age UK North Worcestershire, we’re proud to support older people to live the lives they choose and to keep moving in ways that feel good for them.
Caroline Savage, Social Inclusion Service Manager at Age UK Wyvern, added:
We know that small steps make a big difference. Whether it’s joining a walking group, taking up a new hobby, or building strength at home, Positive Ageing Week is about inspiring people to try something new and stay socially connected.
To find an activity near you, visit: www.activehw.co.uk/activities
Locally, Positive Ageing Week 2025 is being delivered by Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire, Age UK North Worcestershire, Age UK Wyvern, Herefordshire Council, and Worcestershire County Council.
Positive Ageing Week is an international celebration led by Age Action. For more information about Positive Ageing Week, visit the website positiveageingweek.com.