COMMUNITY groups and organisations across Herefordshire are being invited to take part in Positive Ageing Week which runs from Monday, September 29 to Friday, October 3.

Locally, Positive Ageing Week 2025 will inspire people aged 55 and over to get active, stay connected and try something new. It also celebrates the contribution of older people and promotes the benefits of regular movement.

Regular exercise can reduce the risk of frailty, prevent falls, ease arthritis pain, improve sleep and boost both mood and memory.

The NHS recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, along with two sessions focused on strength and balance.

To get involved, local organisers are invited to list their activities for older adults on the Active Herefordshire activity finder website ahead of the campaign week.

Any organisation, large or small can offer an event or activity. Free or discounted sessions would be particularly welcome to give people the chance to try something new this promotional week.

Dr Padmanabhan Badrinath, interim consultant in public health medicine at Herefordshire Council, said: “There’s so much happening locally for older residents from community exercise classes and walking groups to social clubs and wellbeing activities.

“Positive Ageing Week is a fantastic chance to celebrate this, encourage more people to get involved, and challenge some of the outdated perceptions about ageing.”

Caroline Savage, social inclusion service manager at Age UK Wyvern, which runs the digital café in Ross-on-Wye, said: “Positive Ageing Week is a chance to celebrate the strength, resilience, and vibrancy of older people.

“We want to highlight the wide range of opportunities available from gentle exercise sessions to cultural and social events. By putting wellbeing front and centre, we’re sending a clear message that age is no barrier to living a full, active life.”