Over 500 People Champion Ageing Well at Hertfordshire's Inspiring Live Longer Better Celebration Day

More than 500 people came together on Thursday 4th September 2025 for the flagship Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire Celebration Day, hosted by the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) and proudly funded by Hertfordshire County Council's Adult Care Services.

The landmark event united older adults, dignitaries, professionals, volunteers and health organisations with one shared mission: to help residents live healthier, happier, and more independent lives using the power of physical activity to transform perceptions of ageing.

The event welcomed Angela Rippon CBE, renowned former newsreader, journalist and devoted dance advocate. She captivated the audience with her trademark energy and charm as she shared the powerful role dance plays in keeping us healthy, active and full of life in later years. Sharing insights from her inspiring Let's Dance campaign, Angela commented that 

It was a truly joyous day. So wonderful to meet so many people and work towards a successful Let's Dance programme next year

It was great to support the third Living Longer Better event, I am passionate about everyone getting more physically active. Find something you enjoy doing, do it with a friend, do it regularly. It was great to see the many different events available for people to try.

With Hertfordshire's population of over 65s projected to grow 23.2% by 2043 (Herts Insight, 2023), and physical inactivity already costing Hertfordshire more than £16 million each year, initiatives like Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire are more crucial than ever. Research shows that inactivity accelerates risks such as falls, cardiovascular disease and other long term health conditions. Against this backdrop, the Celebration Day offered an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge, showcase and connect residents with fun, social and local ways to stay active. This is especially useful as Nationally, loneliness is estimated to cost £9,900 per person per year (Campaign to End Loneliness, 2022).

Attendees tried a plethora of activities including adapted cycling, judo for safer falling, circus skills, carpet bowls, table tennis and a variety of dance forms! Alongside the activities, health and wellbeing organisations provided expert advice in the marketplace to help residents take practical steps towards ageing well whist local physiotherapists offered tailored falls prevention advice to attendees.

"People really valued the opportunity to try a variety of activities on the day," said Charlotte Bird, Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire Lead. 

It gave residents the chance to discover what's available locally, but also to try something new. Knowing they are surrounded by others who are trying activities for the first time creates a safe and welcoming space

Another highlight of the day was the recognition of Live Longer Better Hertfordshire's Champions; individuals who have completed an online learning programme to advocate for active ageing, social inclusion and inspiring communities to embrace later life. Each Champion brings unique skills and experiences to the movement, helping to embed its ethos across Hertfordshire.

During the opening address, the newly named Champions of 2025 were invited to share their journeys so far. Julie Bell highlighted the success of Chapel Gym in Wheathampstead, which secured a £18,000 grant with support from the Live Longer Better bid writing service. The funding enabling the gym to deliver a wide range of physical activity sessions for people aged 50 and over, while also creating referral pathways with the local Primary Care Network to provide free gym memberships for individuals living with long term health conditions.

Julie shared the story of one participant with multiple sclerosis who now benefits from a tailored programme at Chapel Gym, commenting that she loves knowing she's doing the right exercises for her." Julie added: 

Working with Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership has been a perfect synergy for our charity, and their guidance and support have been invaluable.

The event went beyond simply showcasing activities, it served as a powerful catalyst for change, inspiring residents, professionals, and volunteers to take meaningful steps toward living longer better. It demonstrated that ageing well is not only possible, but also deeply rooted in the strength and vitality of our thriving communities.