Age is nothing but a number for Ashfield resident Michelle Worth as she keeps active and healthy.

Michelle is one of a number of people over 60 dedicated to her physical and mental health with Ashfield leisure centres

Ashfield District Council, in partnership with Everyone Active, is supporting the Age is Just a Number campaign this October and November.

Now in its fifth year, the campaign encourages people over 60 to stay active. It celebrates the older generation by showcasing their fitness stories and proving what can be achieved by staying active into later life.

Michelle, of Kirkby, lives with early onset Alzheimer’s and dementia but does not let that stop her being active. A retired PE teacher, Michelle attends the senior multi-activity group at Kirkby Leisure Centre three times a week.

The 76-year-old is a keen badminton player but has a number of activity options open to her.

She said: “I've always loved staying active and playing sport. Since moving here 10 years ago, this group has been a lifeline, helping me meet new people and build a strong circle of friends.

“I would go every day if it was on. I go down to the centre three days a week and if I didn’t have that, there’s nothing that would make me get out of bed in the morning.

“Living on my own, the group is especially important as it helps me stay active and connected while living with Alzheimer's.”

Kirkby Leisure Centre, Lammas Leisure Centre, in Sutton, and Hucknall Leisure Centre are encouraging the older generation to visit and enjoy the wide range of activities on offer.

These classes can help the older generation to improve their quality of life in many ways. This includes weight loss, recovery from injury, improved mobility, fitness or social interaction.

Cllr Chris Huskinson, Ashfield District Council’s Executive Lead for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, said:

“What an inspiration Michelle is! It is great to hear how much of a difference our leisure centres make to the older generation to help keep them active and healthy.

“Exercise is for everyone and our centres offer a variety of different classes, with advice and support on hand. This is a great initiative to enable older people to find out more about our leisure centres. It’s the perfect way to get active and meet new people at the same time.

“Keep up the good work Michelle.”

Simon Morgan, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said:

“We are proud to offer our members a friendly and welcoming environment that motivates people of all ages to get active.

“Maintaining physical activity and keeping socially active is vitally important for older people in the local community.

“This campaign aims to inspire people to try a new activity or engage in simple exercises each week at home, helping people of all abilities discover the different ways they can enjoy exercise.”

More information is available at Age is Just a Number: Staying Active At Every Age! - Everyone Active

Posted on 22 October 2025