Charitable social enterprise leisure operator and worker-owned co-op GLL exists to build healthier, stronger communities – playing a vital role in preventing disease, promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing health inequalities.
The UK's population is ageing - with wide impacts on society - economic and social. Leisure services play an important role in the health of the nation, easing the burden on the NHS and other community services.
An important customer cohort for GLL is its older customers – many of who are the most loyal visitors to the leisure facilities operated in partnership with local authorities.
One of GLL's programmes which is used by older people is Healthwise – the ‘Physical Activity on Prescription' service that is helping thousands to maintain their mobility, improve their quality of life and keep their independence.
For more than 20 years Healthwise has become a cornerstone of local health provision, working in tandem with health and social care partners to address long-term health problems. With more than 3,000 referrals annually, 36% of all Healthwise referrals are for those aged 55+.
Typical of these is Sally Hoskins, 70, from Burnholme in York – shedding more than five stone since joining the Healthwise Weight Management Programme to have knee replacement surgery then returning to the gym to continue her progress in what she hopes will be a ‘habit of a lifetime'.
The multiple benefits of keeping active for older people
Older people can be overlooked by many high street gyms but community provider GLL advocates the benefits of exercise for seniors. Our own research shows half of over 60s have made new friends through exercise, reducing feelings of loneliness; more than half (55%) of seniors manage chronic conditions through regular exercise; 78% say activity has improved their mental health and 74% say it has helped to increase their energy levels.
Some 22% of seniors say the cost of fitness programmes and gym memberships is a challenge – but nearly half of GLL customers enjoy concessionary access, removing barriers to participation.
GLL customers and communities director, Joe Rham, says: ‘Staying active is essential for seniors – not only to manage chronic conditions but also to maintain mental health and social connections.
‘As financial pressures increase, it's vital that we continue to offer affordable and accessible fitness options for older adults, ensuring they can stay active, healthy, and engaged with their communities. Exercise isn't just about physical health; it's about overall wellbeing.'
Better case studies
Our experience in public leisure centres is that there is a remarkable cohort of older customers who are showing age is no barrier to living their best lives.
Jane Asher, 94, from Merton is a competitive swimmer and swim teacher with a 55-year career.
She said: ‘Morden Leisure Centre has a beautiful, clean and sparkling 25m pool. The leisure centre has a community feel with plenty to offer older people. I have had both of my hips replaced and am convinced that my rapid recovery was due to regular swimming.'
Maggie Cotter, 63, from Bedford is a medallist at the British Transplant Games, training at Kempston Pool and Fitness.
She said: ‘At one point, my liver weighed two and a half stone. So it was an amazing feeling last year to win my first swimming medal for more than 40 years.'
Dementia friendly
In Barnet, where 75,300 people are over 65, GLL supports a number of sessions for those with dementia, understanding the benefits of exercise in arresting the advancement of the disease and managing its symptoms to improve confidence, balance and hand eye co-ordination.
As well as expanding its popular Dementia Swims programme, the local team support the Forget Me Not FC project, part-funded by Middlesex FA.
The scheme is a dementia-friendly walking football and sports programme delivered at GLL's leisure centre in partnership with Dementia Club UK and Barnet FC Walking Football Team.
The programme also offers ‘Singing for the Brain' sessions, using the power of music to build connections.
Previously, GLL has run Fun Golf Sessions at Appletree Court Care Home in Burnt Oak to bring movement and engagement to residents who may not have held a golf club for many years.
Resident and staff feedback commended the sessions for unlocking memories, starting conversations and helping people feel more involved in their care.
Better Club Games – ‘The National Festival of Active Ageing'
For 19 years, GLL has organised the Better Club Games, bringing together 1,000 competitors in an annual ‘National Festival of Active Ageing'.
The de facto ‘Older Person's Olympics' takes place at Copper Box Arena in Stratford's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which GLL runs in legacy.
By holding the event on 1 October – The International Day of the Older Person – attention is drawn to the importance of living full and active lives.
This year, star of tv and theatre (and national treasure!) Su Pollard presided as Older People's Ambassador – opening the Games and touring the events to cheer on the competitors.
She said: ‘I'm a huge fan of equality – including age equality. I'm thrilled to be here – the competitors are amazing, they just don't want to sit down!'
Awards
Among those celebrating older people is ukactive award winner Danii Vipond Houghton, GLL's health and communities manager in Cumbria. Her work has brought hundreds of seniors through the door and been credited with getting some customers back in the pool after 40 years, improving their mobility and mood – and ceasing their reliance on painkillers.
The NHS in Cumbria has reported a £150k saving in hospital admissions.
New for 2025 – Launch of Age Friendly Leisure Standards
A significant step in supporting older residents to live active, connected, and healthier lives came this year with the launch of Manchester's Age Friendly Standards.
Co-created through a partnership between GLL, Manchester Active (part of Manchester City Council), Age Friendly Manchester (including the Older People's Board), and Centre for Ageing Better, the Age Friendly Leisure Commitments embed inclusivity across GLL centres. They include warm and respectful welcomes, more opportunities for social engagement, tailored activities for older people, and accessible environments with improved signage and seating.
GLL will continue to advocate for older people and provide accessible and appropriate facilities and programmes that meet their needs and help them live more active lives.
Phil Donnay is Deputy CEO of GLL and Chief Finance & Resources Officer
