Positive Ageing Week 2026
Published on 18 September 2026 11:47 AM
Local organisations across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being invited to join Positive Ageing Week 2026 by celebrating the older people who make a positive difference in their communities.
This year's theme, Connecting Generations, highlights how the experiences, knowledge and stories of older adults help inspire and support younger generations.
Taking place from Friday 25 September to Friday 2 October, Positive Ageing Week celebrates the positive contribution older people make to society, challenges stereotypes around ageing and encourages people to stay healthy, active and connected throughout later life.
Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Age UK North Worcestershire, Age UK Wyvern, Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council are joining forces to showcase inspirational stories from across both counties and are encouraging local organisations, community groups and residents to take part.
Throughout the week, partner organisations will be sharing stories of inspirational older people from across both counties and encouraging others to get involved.
Any group or organisation that wants to take part can download a locally produced toolkit with information, images and social media from the Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire website.
Stephen Brewster, CEO of Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “We are delighted to once again be coming together to celebrate Positive Ageing Week. Both Herefordshire and Worcestershire have ageing populations, and this week recognises the important contribution older people make to our communities every day. If you have an inspiring story to share, or work with older people who do, we'd love to hear from you. You can support the campaign using #PositiveAgeingWeek2026 and by downloading the campaign toolkit."
Amanda Allen, Age UK North Worcestershire’s CEO, said: "All too often, older people can feel overlooked or defined by their age rather than valued for who they are and all they have to give. At Age UK North Worcestershire our focus is upon supporting older people to remain independent, connected and able to live fulfilling lives, which is why we are supporting Positive Ageing Week. We want to help shine a light on the positive contribution that older people make to our communities, and the opportunities that later life can bring, because every older person deserves to feel seen, heard and valued."
Staying active later in life helps people maintain their independence, confidence and wellbeing. Regular movement can reduce the risk of falls and frailty while improving both physical and mental health.
In Worcestershire, residents can take part in Positive Ageing Week through special Healthy Worcestershire sessions at more than 30 venues across the county. The sessions provide practical advice and simple strength-building exercises to help people stay active and independent.
Prof Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, added: "Positive Ageing Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the contribution older people make to our communities while encouraging more people to stay active. Healthy Worcestershire sessions are a friendly way to meet new people, learn something new and get moving."
Further supporting information and the Positive Ageing Week toolkit are available on the Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire website.
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