Live Longer Better in Watford Celebration Day 2025

Woodside Leisure Centre was full of energy on Wednesday 1st October 2025, as it hosted Watford’s first Live Longer Better Celebration Day, a community event focused on enhancing residents’ physical and mental wellbeing and strengthening community connections. The aim of the day was to raise awareness of the physical activities available to older adults in Watford, including sessions run by external physical activity providers, as well as promoting the leisure centre and the wide range of opportunities offered by Everyone Active. The day also coinciding with International Older People’s Day, where the event carried added significance, particularly as Watford was recently awarded Age-Friendly accreditation.

Organised in partnership between Watford Borough Council, Everyone Active, and the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP), the event attracted 69 attendees on the day who were all eager to discover new ways to improve their health and wellbeing.

The event opened with inspiring words from special guests, Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor and Councillor Jennifer Pattinson. This was followed by a lively warm-up led by Everyone Active staff to energise and prepare everyone for the day ahead.

Throughout the day, attendees engaged in a wide variety of activities, options ranged from seated sessions, walking sports, and low-impact exercises to Nordic walking, boxing, spin, and senior dance. With activities suitable for all abilities and fitness levels, there was something for everyone.

Alongside the physical activity sessions, the event featured a community marketplace where various organisations and charities hosted stalls. These groups provided valuable information, advice, and resources on staying active, ageing well, and accessing local health and wellbeing support. Participating organisations included Alzheimer’s, Healthy Hub, Herts Memories, Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust, Health & Independent Living Support (HILS), Hertfordshire Health Walks, Specsavers, Small Acts of Kindness, and the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership. Representatives were on hand to offer helpful tips and support to help attendees make the most of Watford’s local health and wellbeing services.

Parked outside the leisure centre, Hertfordshire County Council’s Better Health Bus supported the event with free health checks, including blood pressure readings, BMI assessments, and personalised wellbeing advice. While the day focused on promoting physical activity as a key part of healthy, fulfilling lives for older adults, it also embraced a broader approach to wellbeing. By offering welcoming and accessible health support, the Better Health Bus helped inspire visitors to take a proactive role in their health and wellbeing.

Attendees also enjoyed a variety of interactive fitness games designed to keep them active in a fun and engaging way. While some were initially a little hesitant to get involved, by the end of the session many had become highly competitive and enthusiastic, embracing the blend of technology and physical activity. These games were aimed at enhancing motor skills, reaction time, and cognitive function. Highlights included a basketball arcade game, air hockey, reflex and reaction challenges, as well as wall-projected interactive experiences featuring football and throwing elements.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor commented on the day:

It was fantastic to see our community come together for such a positive and inspiring day. Helping older adults stay strong, connected, and enjoy life to the full is a key part of our vision for an Age-Friendly Watford.

I want to thank Everyone Active and the Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership for their support in making this celebration such a success.

The day effectively showcased the variety of health, wellbeing, and physical activity opportunities available across Watford, with many attendees following up by participating in activities beyond the event. Walking Squash had new members join, and Everyone Active saw an increase in membership sign-ups.

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For more information about future Live Longer Better events, please contact: info@livelongerbetterinherts.co.uk or visit www.livelongerbetterinherts.co.uk