This November and December, across Mid Suffolk, Everyone Active is encouraging a greater number of over 60s to become physically and mentally active, with the launch of its Age is Just a Number campaign.
Now in its sixth year and running until Sunday, December 13, the campaign celebrates the senior demographic by showcasing their fitness stories and proving much more can be achieved by staying active into later life.
Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre and Stradbroke Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre, run by award-winning operator Everyone Active in partnership with Mid Suffolk District Council, are encouraging the older generation to visit their local centre and enjoy the wide range of activities on offer.
Everyone Active supports older people to exercise across the country throughout the year, with those aged 67 and over taking part in 460,000 activities per month.
To help older people get active, we’ve spoken to some of our local senior members and heard just how transformative exercise can be. Whether it’s for weight loss, recovery from injury, improved mobility, fitness or social reasons, there’s so much that exercise can do to improve quality of life.
Edwin Lambert, 70, lives in Stowmarket and was diagnosed with stage three prostate cancer in January 2025.
That summer, he underwent a groundbreaking form of radiotherapy – SABR (stereotactic ablative radiotherapy) – which targets the disease more effectively than standard radiotherapy and helps to reduce side effects.
As part of his recovery, Edwin received 12 weeks of funded fitness membership at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre through Feel Good Suffolk, a partnership between Suffolk’s district and borough councils, Suffolk County Council’s Public Health team and health partners.
Aside from walking, Edwin had never exercised regularly, but took to it quickly and found it greatly benefitted his physical and mental health.
“When I was at school, I was clumsy, awkward and overweight and that was one of the reasons I never went to a gym”, he said. “But once I got into it, I realised everyone’s in their own world and are focusing on what they want to do.
“After a couple of weeks, it seemed all right and I thought ‘I could be doing more than this’, so I started coming every other day.”
When the referral period was up, Edwin was keen to keep exercising and took out a full membership. Nine months on, he is in remission and is one of Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre’s most regular attendees.
Edwin is in the gym at 6am every weekday, while he also goes to bodybalance three times a week and attends an additional bodypump class.
“If standing up and talking about this helps one other man, it’s been worthwhile,” he said.
“I would encourage anyone thinking about exercise referral to do it, as it gives short and long-term benefits and makes you feel so much better.”
Anselm Gurney, Everyone Active’s partnership manager, said: “We are proud to offer friendly and welcoming centres that motivate people from across the local community – including Edwin – to get active.
“Maintaining physical activity and keeping socially active is vitally important for older people, and this campaign aims to inspire them to try a new activity and help them discover the different ways to enjoy exercise.
“From improving strength and mobility to meeting new friends and enjoying time with family, we want our older members to know there is much more to keep you living well.”
Prostate cancer affects one in eight men and is now the most common cancer in the UK. The risk is even higher for black men, or men with a family history.
Cllr Tim Weller, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said: “Increasing levels of activity and fitness can be a daunting task for anyone, let alone when coupled with underlying health conditions, but exercise has such a massive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing.
“That’s why, through our partnerships with Everyone Active and Feel Good Suffolk we are committed to helping people get their health back on track and to stay as active as possible.
“Edwin is a brilliant example of the message behind Age is Just a Number. His story shows that whatever our age or starting point, becoming more active can make a real difference to our health, confidence and quality of life. I’d like to thank Edwin for sharing his experience and hope it inspires many more people across Mid Suffolk to take that first step towards a more active lifestyle.”
Prostate Cancer UK’s Head of Support Services, Nick Ridgman, said: “We’re really pleased to hear about Edwin’s recovery and it’s fantastic to see how he’s been keeping himself active during that journey.
“Being diagnosed and living with prostate cancer can change how you feel within yourself and about life. There is no ‘right’ way to feel and everyone reacts differently. Being more active is not only important for your physical health. It can also have a positive impact on your mental and emotional wellbeing.
“It’s safe for men with prostate cancer and those having treatment to be physically active. If you have any concerns, speak to your GP, nurse or hospital doctor about exercising safely.”
With more than 250 centres across the country, Everyone Active offers activities for all ages, as well as specialised classes designed to appeal to older people.
By signing up here, people can find out more about local senior sessions and receive inspirational videos from our fantastic senior members, as well as being in with a chance to win a six-month adult membership.
Proving that gyms, swimming pools and other activities are perfect for people of all ages to use and enjoy, watch our inspirational stories from older members across the country here.
For any support or information about prostate cancer, contact the Prostate Cancer UK Specialist Nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383, or via email, webchat or WhatsApp at prostatecanceruk.org/nurses
