Healthy and Active Ageing event brings partners together in Goole

Great conversations. Inspiring ideas. Shared learning.

Partners from across Yorkshire and the Humber came together in Goole last week for a special Sharing the Learning event focused on Healthy and Active Ageing. 

Delivered through a partnership between Yorkshire Sport Foundation, Active Humber and North Yorkshire Sport, the event provided an opportunity for professionals from across health, physical activity and community sectors to connect, share insights and explore how we can help more people enjoy healthy, active and fulfilling lives as they age.

The day was packed with expertise, evidence and practical learning. Discussions explored the vital role physical activity can play in preventing and managing frailty, supporting independence and improving quality of life in later years.

Delegates heard thought-provoking presentations from GP Andrew Noble and Damian Smith, Deputy CEO of North Yorkshire Sport, who explored the topic of frailty and the role physical activity can play in its prevention and management. Dr Trish Jackman from the University of Lincoln shared insights into the development of age-friendly cities, while Natalie Spikings from Age UK discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by an ageing population from a local perspective. Emily Khural from Active Partnerships highlighted the importance of physical activity in supporting healthy ageing and improving quality of life in later years.

A lively panel discussion, expertly chaired by David Gent, CEO Active Humber, encouraged open conversation about both the opportunities and challenges associated with supporting an ageing population. Attendees also took part in interactive experience exchange sessions, showcasing innovative programmes and pathways that are helping older adults become and remain active within their communities.

One of the strongest themes to emerge throughout the day was the importance of collaboration. Supporting healthy ageing is not a challenge that can be addressed by a single organisation alone. By sharing knowledge, learning from one another and working together across sectors, partners can have a greater impact on the health and wellbeing of older adults.

Special thanks to:

• British Gymnastics Foundation for showcasing Love to Move, demonstrating how movement-based activities can support older adults’ physical and cognitive wellbeing.
• Simon Pierce, North Yorkshire Sport, for sharing insights from the Get Moving programme and highlighting the power of local partnerships to help people become more active.
• Marie Hughes, North Lincolnshire Council, for presenting the Core Therapy to Community Wellbeing Pathway and illustrating how connected pathways can support individuals beyond clinical intervention.
• Coalfields Regeneration Trust, for sharing their community exercise session approach and the positive impact these opportunities are having on health, wellbeing and community connection.

Your willingness to share experiences, challenges and successes helped create engaging conversations and provided delegates with practical ideas to take back to their own organisations and communities. Thank you for making the sessions such a valuable part of the event

A huge thank you goes to all the speakers, contributors, attendees and organisers who helped create such an open, engaging and collaborative atmosphere. Their willingness to share experiences, successes and lessons learned made for a truly valuable event.

Finally a special thanks also to The Courtyard, Goole, for being such welcoming hosts.

As the conversations continue beyond the event, the collective commitment to learning and partnership remains clear: together we can create more opportunities for people to live healthy, active and connected lives as they age.