Friendly Competition at our Ageing Without Children Social Group
Published on 13 August 2026 10:43 AM
Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation showed us that sport can be adapted so everyone has the chance to take part.
On the last Thursday of each month, our Ageing Without Children (AWOC) Group meets at the Holiday Inn Express in central Cheltenham.
We were keen for the group to get involved with our Act Now, Age Better campaign, which has been running throughout the summer highlighting the many benefits of moving more. So we were delighted to welcome the wonderful Josh Graves from Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation, when he came along to demonstrate how much fun seated cricket can be.
Given the current heatwave, seated cricket proved to be the perfect activity. While some members may be able to take part in walking cricket, Josh explained that there are still plenty of benefits to be gained from playing while seated. These include improved mobility and flexibility, enhanced strength and balance, and even cardiovascular health benefits.
The game also challenges hand-eye coordination, timing and concentration, whilst following instructions and learning a new skill is great for keeping the mind active and building confidence. As well as offering all these benefits, it gives people the chance to come together, have fun and enjoy being active as a group.
AWOC member Barbara commented:
“It was a great morning, thank you for arranging Josh to visit. It was fun and laughter, as well as exercise".
Our session with Josh was a reminder that not all movement needs to be strenuous to be beneficial and that trying something new can be fun. We loved seeing everyone enter into some friendly competition with such enthusiasm!
For more information about walking and seated cricket, visit: https://gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org/
Small Steps Can Make a Big Difference
Our Act Now, Age Better campaign highlights how adopting healthier lifestyles earlier on in our lives could increase our chances of a rich and full later life - even just small steps can make a big difference. So let’s change how we age by making the move to a more active life. How would you like to act now and age better? We’ve got some suggestions here:
Ageing Without Children Social Group
AWOC specifically welcomes older people who, either through choice or circumstance, do not have children around to support them. The group provides a friendly opportunity to socialise, share experiences and support one another.