Cumbrian leisure centres transform support for older residents

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 10:48 · Archive

Better Leisure Centres across Cumbria are becoming community hubs helping older residents stay active and connected.

Leisure centres across Cumbria are transforming their role as community hubs dedicated to supporting older residents. Better Leisure Centres are promoting active, connected, and fulfilling later lives through a range of weekly sessions and social events designed specifically for older adults.

Nearly one in four people in Cumbria are over 65, with this figure expected to rise to one in three by 2040. Regular physical activity helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers while supporting mental wellbeing, independence, and quality of life. Better Leisure Centres offer activities including Zumba, pickleball, chair yoga, water polo, and supervised gym classes, alongside social events that give people the chance to meet new friends.

Lynn Almond, GLL regional health manager, said: 'Growing older should not mean slowing down and in communities across Cumbria, it doesn't have to. Leisure centres are central to this opportunity, delivering not only health outcomes, but also social value.' In 2025, Better Leisure Centre facilities in Cumbria generated more than £19 million in social value, a 23 per cent increase from the previous year, with £2.1 million generated by people aged 60 and over.

Cumbrian leisure centres transform support for older residents — Image: Westmorland Gazette

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How it is being reported

Cumbrian leisure centres 'quietly transforming' later life says GLL bossA quiet transformation is under way in how communities support older residents.Westmorland Gazette · 10 Oct, 10:23
Cumbrian leisure centres 'quietly transforming' later life says GLL bossA quiet transformation is under way in how communities support older residents.News & Star · 10 Oct, 10:23
Cumbrian leisure centres 'quietly transforming' later life says GLL bossA quiet transformation is under way in how communities support older residents.NW Evening Mail · 10 Oct, 10:23

In this story: Cumbria · Better Leisure Centres · GLL · Lynn Almond

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