Following his retirement from teaching two years ago, Ian, 71 was no longer getting in three bike rides a week to work, but was keen to keep up physical activity and self-referred to West Lindsey Leisure centre in January 2024.

Ian was also given a prostate cancer diagnosis last year and was encouraged by health professionals to be as active as possible. He now uses the gym twice a week, does senior circuits once a week and adds in swimming sessions as well.

“I was starting to find things much more difficult compared to a few years ago .” Ian explains. “My strength was down and reaching for things was getting harder. Now my flexibility is improving along with muscle tone, strength and stamina. I also find my reach has improved a little”.

Ian has seen a number of small improvements that mean he can keep continuing to do things in his everyday life that he enjoys.

“I know this might sound daft, but I can now do longer sessions on our vegetable garden, which can be quite hard work.”

“I can get the detachable towbar off my car, so I’ve obviously piled some muscle back on in my arms. It’s a silly thing, but when you can’t do it, it’s a pain. “I like to go fishing fairly regularly but it got to the point where I couldn’t cast in a straight line, but I now find most of the time I can cast straight.”

For Ian being active has seen health benefits, but its also about staying independent, enjoying his hobbies, and maintaining confidence.

Peter Smith, Everyone Active’s 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.”

Thank you to Everyone Active for sharing Ian’s story as part of their Age is Just a Number campaign.