UK Older People’s Day
Today is UK Older People’s Day, celebrating the vital contribution of older people to society and tackling outdated stereotypes.

Operating under the banner Full Of Life, the event was launched by the government coincide with the UN’s International Day of Older Persons.

Currently, 16.5% of UK citizens are over 65. This number is expected to rise to 22% –  nearly one in four people – in 20 years.

In 2010, the message focuses on ‘getting and staying active’. Those who are physically active have a better quality of life and less risk of developing health problems like dementia and heart disease.

Exercise also has wider benefits, often enabling more social interaction and greater independence. 

“You’ve got to keep the body active,” says 70-year-old sports coach Ann Hardy.
Mrs Hardy, who runs a fitness club for people aged over 50, says lots of people benefit from regular exercise.

“Our oldest member is 86,” she adds. “We even have people recovering from hip replacements and heart  operations who come to us.”  

Of course, not everyone will be able to commit to extra physical activity. But they may want to promote the broad aims of the day, championing the contribution of older people in the UK.