More than 500 adults came together for the flagship Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire Celebration Day, hosted by the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) and funded by Hertfordshire County Council’s Adult Care Services. 
 
The landmark event united older adults, dignitaries, professionals, volunteers and health organisations with one shared mission: to help residents live healthier, happier, and more independent lives using the power of physical activity to transform perceptions of ageing.

JOYOUS

The event welcomed former newsreader and devoted dance advocate, Angela Rippon CBE, who captivated the audience with her trademark energy and charm as she shared the powerful role dance plays in keeping us healthy, active and full of life in later years. Sharing insights from her inspiring Let’s Dance campaign, Angela commented that: “It was a truly joyous day…. so wonderful to meet so many people and work towards a successful Let's Dance programme next year.”

Hertfordshire County Councillor Chris Lloyd shared his remarkable journey of embracing running later in life. He spoke about initiatives such as parkrun which have played a pivotal role in his fitness journey, ultimately inspiring him to complete his first marathon at the age of 60. Chris commented: “It was great to support the third Living Longer Better event, I am passionate about everyone getting more physically active. Find something you enjoy doing, do it with a friend, do it regularly. It was great to see the many different events available for people to try.”

INVALUABLE

With Hertfordshire’s population of over-65s projected to grow 23.2% by 2043 (Herts Insight, 2023), and physical inactivity already costing Hertfordshire more than £16million each year, initiatives like Live Longer Better are more crucial than ever. Research shows that inactivity accelerates risks such as falls, cardiovascular disease and other long term health conditions. Against this backdrop, the Celebration Day offered an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge, showcase and connect residents with fun, social and local ways to stay active. This is especially useful as Nationally, loneliness is estimated to cost £9,900 per person per year (Campaign to End Loneliness, 2022). 

Read the full story at sportinherts.org.uk

Photo courtesy of AJL Media Productions Limited.

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