Case Study
Mr. R started playing walking football 11 years ago following a heart attack.

“Whilst I was in the hospital having exercises, I picked up a leaflet from ActivLives. And then I went along to a game at Whitton and I have been doing it ever since”, he shared.

At 79, walking football has become his social group that is now one of his sources of support after experiencing a heart attack.

“I love it…It provides exercise and a camaraderie with our team mates which is great”, Mr R said.

The walking football also gives him something to look forward to every week to improve his wellbeing.

“It keeps me fit. And the fact is with walking football, there should be no physical contact and no running. It’s ideal for people of a certain age. We have a referee and the game is more controlled. There is less fear of injury or accidents if you have someone in control”, he shared.

He also highly encouraged others to join the group.

“I recommend it 100% because if you get to a certain age instead of being a couch potato sitting at home, walking football does get you out”, he said.

Case Study
Mrs. C joined the short tennis and ping pong in 2018.

“I’ve seen it advertised locally. I started playing before Covid-19 so probably back in 2018. “

She shared how she felt so welcome when she attended her first game at the Gainsborough Sports Centre.

“I turned up on my first time on the ping pong and short tennis at Gainsborough. I came on my own and was greeted very quickly by some lovely people and I have been here ever since. I also go to the Whitton sessions every Thursday afternoon.”

She expressed how the session is not only about the game but is also a wonderful support group.

“We are now a social group. It’s a very friendly bunch of people that get together after the tennis session.”

Eight years as a member of ActivSport programme, she mentioned that people should try joining ActivLives activities.

“I would recommend any activities with ActivLives particularly the people who live on their own or would like to get back into sport. Obviously when you get older some of your joints seize up, however you need to keep moving,“ she said.

Case Study
Mr. O lives alone and attends the New Age Kurling sessions in Felixstowe. The weekly sport activities encourage him to go out and meet people in the local community regularly.

“One of the main things for me is to meet other people. Converse and mix with others. I live on my own. So, anything is a bonus for me. I rarely do go out.”

He values the company of his fellow members and for the support that they give to him.

“Winning it’s nice, but taking part that’s the whole crux of the matter to me. I enjoy being with them. You know, as they are coming through that door, oh there they are again…now I have to fight with them again,” he shared with a hearty laugh.

Being part of the session for a few years, he wanted others to try and join the group.

“I recommend it to anybody especially the older generation. We all have problems, but we blend in very well and we enjoy every second here,” he said.