Thousands of older people across Lanarkshire are benefiting from a fantastic fitness offer.

Active 60 provides the residents of North Lanarkshire who are aged over 60 years access to council-run leisure facilities including gym, fitness classes, swimming, health suites plus much more.

The membership scheme costs just £50.00 for a full year, and it’s proving to be extremely popular with the number of people taking up the offer growing from 646 members to 6075 since it was launched in September 2021.

Bill Hiddleston and Angela Currie are two members who are enjoying the offer and the benefits of regular physical exercise.

Angela (74) visits Wishaw Sports Centre each weekday at 6.00am and takes part in a range of exercises, although her main passion is for the gym.

“It’s incredible value.” she said “I’d encourage others to join. There’s a strong social aspect too – it becomes like a wee community. I’ve made so many friends, it’s such big part of my life.”

Bill (70) also comes each day through the week agreed with Angela, “The rapport is great, it’s a good laugh, it’s a good way to socialise. I enjoy the gym fit classes, but really there’s something for everyone. The membership includes swimming which is popular too.”

Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, met Bill and Angela at Wishaw Sports Centre to learn first-hand about the scheme’s success.

He said: “I’m delighted that the Active 60s membership has proven to be so popular. Keeping physically active has so many benefits especially as people get older.

“It also has lots of social benefits and can help build a strong community as Bill and Angela have testified.

“We are doing all we can to encourage people to become active and stay active and I’d encourage people who haven’t yet done so to visit their local leisure centre to find out more.

Being active on a regular basis can:

• Lower the risk of developing health problems and help manage and reduce progression of existing conditions.
• This includes back pain, chronic pain, osteoporosis and mental ill-health.
• Aid balance and muscle strength to reduce the risk of falls.
• Improve confidence and overall quality of life.

For more information on Active 60 click here