NEWS RELEASES
Healthy living for the over fifties
29th August 2007
FOLLOWING the success of last year’s ‘Life is for Living’ initiative, another event is being put on soon to support the Horsham District’s older residents in leading active, healthy and independent lifestyles.
Life is for Living is a special afternoon of free advice, information and activities for those aged over 50 and will take place at Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre at Broadbridge Heath near Horsham on Thursday 13 September, 12 noon until 4pm. Entry and all activities are free.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a range of exhibitions offering advice and information on topics as diverse as travel, leisure, healthy living, housing, security, life long learning and more. For people looking for new ideas on things to do with their free time, there is also a great range of free activities to try including Latin American dance, archery, tennis, pilates, yoga, badminton, crafts and music, soapstone sculpture, tap dancing and more. There will also be a free guided walk starting from the Leisure Centre from 3 – 4pm as well as advice on fashion and lifestyle from Beales.
In addition to the activities, Horsham District Council is lining up some great taste sensations including delicious fayre from Crumbs and Cook of Horsham, free fruit smoothie tasting, Sussex Farmhouse Foods vouchers and free Covent Garden Soup to take away.
There is also a free swim voucher for every visitor, for use at Horsham’s The Pavilions In The Park or Steyning Leisure Centre.
Census figures taken in 1991 and 2001 reveal that people in the 50+ age group had increased by ten per cent in the Horsham District. Since then national predictions have pointed to 40 per cent of the population being over 50 by the year 2021.
Speaking recently, Councillor Andrew Baldwin, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Support at Horsham District Council, said:
“Residents in the Horsham District are living longer, staying healthier and continuing to lead active lives well beyond retirement.
“The later years in life give people the opportunity to learn new skills or embark on a new hobby, such as walking, badminton or bridge.
“Keeping the mind stimulated and the joints mobile encourages a more positive approach.
“Whether it’s about pensions, help at home or trying out a new sport or hobby, there will be plenty to learn about and do at Life is for Living 2007!”
The event is being organised by a range of partners including Horsham Area Council for Voluntary Service, Horsham District Council, West Sussex Primary Care Trust, Horsham Community Partnership, Horsham District Age Concern and West Sussex Social and Caring Services. The venue for this year’s event has been generously provided by DC Leisure Management Ltd at Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre.
For more information contact Horsham District Council (Community Development) on 01403 215137 or email community.development@horsham.gov.uk
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham