Banbury charity shop joins project to help older people stay active
Banbury charity shop, Age UK, has joined a project which aims to help older people get active again and stay healthier.
The shop, in Parsons Street, is encouraging people in midlife to rediscover the joy of movement, without the pressure of price tags, as part of the charity’s new Act Now, Age Better campaign.
Many people were put off physical activity decades ago through their early PE experiences. Nearly half of those aged 50 – 65 say they used to dread school PE lessons, while around four million were put off sports and exercise because of sport at school.
Despite this, many mid‑lifers say they do want to move more, with one quarter (23%, equivalent to 3.3 million) saying age specific classes or groups would motivate them to get more active and almost one in five (17% equivalent to 2.3 million) saying a more inclusive and welcoming feel to classes or groups would motivate them.
So Age UK has joined forces with over 50 sporting partners, including Badminton England, British Cycling, British Rowing, EFL in the Community, England Boxing, England Netball, Everyone Active, Lawn Tennis Association, Muslim Sports Foundation, Pickleball England, Rugby Football Union, Ramblers, Sport England and Swim England to help to bring sport back into people’s lives - but this time without the trauma.
The goal is to help them find an activity that suits their needs and their lifestyle and most importantly something they enjoy – not to mention meeting new friends.
Age UK’s charity shops, such as Banbury’s are helping by offering a range of affordable sportwear to help even beginners feel confident.
They are also selling fitness DVDs, books and accessories so there has never been a better time to start a journey to moving more.
What’s more, money raised goes towards Age UK’s vital services, including the Telephone Friendship Service, free and confidential Advice Line and The Silver Line Helpline.
James, manager at the Banbury store said: “Physical activity is one of the most impactful steps individuals can take to ensure a healthier future and a chance to maintain independence in later life – and we’re here to help people get started!
"From walking jackets and trainers, to comfortable leggings and leisurewear, weights or backpacks, our shop has a range of pre-loved items that can help people create stylish and functional fitness wardrobes.
"Not only will you be saving money and reducing waste, you’ll be helping raise vital funds for Age UK so that it can continue supporting older people across the country.”
The Age UK Banbury shop is also asking people to donate any unwanted, quality sports and fitness gear.
Shopping and donating to Age UK charity shops is not only a great way of supporting older people, but also recycling unwanted items and reducing waste. So far this year donations to the charity’s shops have saved 492,552 kilos going into landfill and saved 4,602,499 kilos of Co2.
For more information on Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/actnow
Or you can call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602 which is open 8am - 7pm, every day of the year.