Celebrating International Day of Older People
On 1st October 2025, we celebrated the International Day of Older People by sharing inspiring stories from local participants. Their experiences highlighted how staying active fosters connection, support, and a strong sense of belonging - at any age.
We celebrated the International Day of Older People on the 1st October 2025!
This year’s theme was Building Belonging – celebrating the power of our social connections. We’re shining a light on the vital role that movement and physical activity play in helping people feel connected, valued, and part of something bigger. Whether it’s joining a walking group, dancing with friends, or simply getting out and about, being active creates opportunities to meet new people, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. It’s not just about physical health – it’s about emotional wellbeing and community spirit too.
We celebrated the day by collecting inspiring stories from local participants who’ve shared how staying active has helped them feel more connected and supported. Their experiences show how movement can be a powerful tool for building belonging at any age.
Scroll through the quotes below to see what the local participants said and how movement has made a difference in their lives.
‘’The most beautiful thing for me is you get to meet and talk to people each time you join the group. And I’ve had so many lovely, beautiful conversations and it’s not just the sharing it’s the listening which is important.’’
Participant of Hadwen Walking Group
‘’The support that we give each other is exceptional for times when life is tough. Sharing this activity has enabled me to be part of a huge social group, both men and women, where we do other social activities together outside of football too. Being involved in sport has opened up my social life where I regularly meet the people within my community in a variety of different ways. There’s a definite sense of belonging in a way I haven’t had before.’’
Participant of Abbeymead Rovers Walking Football
’It has helped meeting different people, talking while walking. I have learnt few things about the area even though I have lived here for 9 years. I look forward to the walk every week. I feel energetic after the walk and look forward to it every week. I have met many people as well.’’
Participant of Hadwen Walking Group
‘’Joining the group has benefits that I feel are extremely important. Not just for the walk but it’s enabling people to connect with others which is quite difficult in today’s society. It brings joy and calmness as we walk beautiful nature trails. as a single lady, it’s made me feel a real part of the community.’’
Participant of Walking Group
‘’It’s been great to meet new people and it’s always good to make new friends regardless of physical achievement!’’
Participant of Bonsai Chi
‘’It has introduced me to a whole new circle of friends. Being part of the team gives me the feeling of being part of the community.’’
Participant of Abbeymead Pirates Walking Football
‘’I feel more confident that I have opportunities during the walk to bond with others; already I have randomly spoken with others. Normally my pastimes are purely sedentary but walking gives me a chance to be active and engaged with others.’’
Participant of Hadwen Walking Group
‘’Friendships are formed leading to other social activities such as evenings out, tours, holidays, fundraising, community volunteering and even trying other sports together. Participation has greatly helped me to feel part of the community and involvement in development has helped me feel connected to other communities also.’’
Participant of Abbeymead Pirates Walking Football
‘’I attend two exercise classes each week, and in both I enjoy the company of other members of the group. I am physically active most of the time, and a lot of it involves social contact.’’
Participant of Bonsai Chi
‘’As we meet three times a week, social interactions have increased at an age when they are normally decreasing thus a very positive effect on my life.’’
Participant of Abbeymead Pirates Walking Football
‘’It has helped me to look forward, I love the walking and meeting new people. I was at a loss after losing my husband, joining the walking group has helped me a lot, I look forward to start looking at other activities.’’
Participant of Walking Group
‘’It has helped me very much, and I’ve made good friends as well, bonus. I walk more, I look after my granddaughter of 2 years old, and I can get off the floor easier. My stamina has improved.’’
Participant of Bonsai Chi
‘’Walking Football helped me meet people and integrate into the local community. If not for being active, I would have struggled to meet people.’’
Participant of Swimming Group and Walking Football
‘’Our T’ai Chi Chi Qong sessions for pre frailty provide a safe space for individuals to participate in this mind/body discipline, creating physical and mental harmony, improving balance, sleep, calm, increased energy and social connection. They all reported an increased sense of physical and mental wellbeing”.
T’ai Chi Chi Qong
