Move over Daley and Ennis – it’s time to show some respect for our active elders, writes Andrew Youngson
Whoever said sports are for the young got it wrong, as Aberdeen city’s Golden Games prove.
The free festival, which runs in 27 venues across the city from next Tuesday to Friday, will showcase 30 different activities – all of which have been designed specifically for over-65s to inspire them to get on their feet.
From health walks to swimming lessons, football, golf and Aqua Zumba, the Golden Games festival is the perfect showcase for what older people are capable of.
“We’ve tried to put on as wide a variety of activities as possible, so that there’s something for everyone – whether you want to be really active or just want to do some gentle exercise,” said Sport Aberdeen active ageing development officer Stephen Gammack.
“The main reason behind it is to change the perception of activity for older people, and to change the perception of society about what older people can do. So it’s about getting people into a physically active environment, but also about getting people together to make new friends and social contacts.”
Working in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Sports Village and NHS Grampian, Stephen and his colleagues at Sport Aberdeen have worked hard for the past eight months to design this year’s programme. The 2014 festival is a full-day longer than last year’s, and features numerous new activities including snowsports, a Retro Rhythms aerobics set to the tunes of the 50s, 60s and 70s, a chair-based ceilidh plus an early evening social event held at Pittodrie stadium on Friday.
This year’s programme builds on the success of the 2013 festival, which resulted in a national public-service excellence award, and plenty of positive feedback from attendees.
“People enjoyed the variety of activities, and appreciated the volunteers at the events who gave them a really warm welcome. The atmosphere was really relaxed, too, so they enjoyed the fact that there were easygoing sessions that they were able to come along to,” said Stephen.
Beneath the fun of the games lies an important message, which Stephen and his partners are delighted to see is taking hold already among the city’s ageing population.
“The huge impact of not being active on your health is a big factor, and the myriad diseases and ill health that can come as a result,” he said.
“But as well as the physical, there are the social and mental aspects. So the message for people is: ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it. So keep yourself active and get out and about to enjoy exercise and the company of others.’”
The future looks rosy for the games, too, not least because the activities aren’t limited to the four-day festival.
“What’s really developed already from last year is the fact that many of the activities in the games are now part of an ongoing programme. So what the Golden Games really do is highlight all the activities which are available across the city for older adults. There are a lot of sports and games that you can go to in any week of the year,” said Stephen.
“So, to build on that, it’s about trying to develop the programme of available activities throughout the year and to use the Golden Games as a showcase for them.”
The Golden Games for over-65s takes place for free in venues across Aberdeen from Tuesday to Friday, June 10-13. To find out more, or book a place at an event, call 0845 608 0935. The full programme is available online at www.sportabedeen.co.uk/ golden-games
For information about the numerous activities which take place in Aberdeen throughout the year, e-mail Stephen Gammack on SGammack@ sportaberdeen.co.uk
Meet the Golden Gamers
Margaret Udal, 88, from Garthdee, has signed up to take part in six activities across the Golden Games four-day programme. On Tuesday, she will tackle wellbeing circuits and croquet and, on Wednesday, the Otago strength and balance. On Thursday, she will take part in the Friskis Svettis aerobics class plus the tenpin bowling. And to top it off, she will head down to Pittodrie Stadium for the end-of-festival social event.
“I like to try anything new. I just like to know what’s going on,” Margaret said about her reason for choosing the activities.
“I think it’s very good of the city to give these events to older people. It gets you out and about and keeps you fit. I look forward to it each year.”
Despite being nearly 90, Margaret maintains an active lifestyle. In her younger years, she was a keen walker and ice-skater. She now takes part in Robert Gordon University’s weekly keep fit and circuit classes created especially for individuals aged 55 and up – both of which help her with general strength building and balance.
She added: “I really enjoy the exercise and also meeting other people. So it’s a social and exercise thing.”