Community

Older adults in Wales defy ageing stereotypes as activity levels rise

Published

49 seconds ago

June 6, 2026

OLDER adults in Wales are becoming more active, with new figures suggesting more people over 55 are embracing walking, strength training and regular exercise to stay independent for longer.

Analysis of national physical activity data by Foxholes Care Home found that 64.3% of adults aged 55 to 74 now meet recommended activity guidelines, up from 59.8% five years ago.

Among those aged 75 and over, the figure has risen from 37.6% in 2019-20 to 44.3% in 2024-25.

The findings come as Wales continues to have an ageing population. People aged 65 and over now account for more than one in five of the population, while Wales also has one of the oldest age profiles in the UK.

Strength training

The data also suggests that more older adults are taking up muscle-strengthening exercise.

The proportion of over-55s completing two or more strength sessions a week has increased from 38% in 2019-20 to 41% in 2024-25.

Walking remains the most popular form of exercise, with experts encouraging older people to make use of Wales’ parks, coastal paths and green spaces to support mobility, confidence and wellbeing.

However, the figures also show that many older people are still not active enough. Around 42% of adults aged 55 and over remain physically inactive, compared with 29% of the wider adult population.

Neil Gandecha, older adults exercise specialist at Foxholes Care Home said: “There is a persistent stereotype that strength training is only for younger people, but the data tells a very different story.

“Building strength becomes increasingly important with age because it supports balance, posture and independence. It can make everyday tasks such as climbing stairs, carrying shopping and getting in and out of a chair much easier.

“Across Wales, there are many opportunities for older adults to stay active, whether that’s walking locally, spending time outdoors, attending community exercise classes or taking part in adapted strength training.

“Mobility challenges should not prevent anyone from enjoying the benefits of exercise. Adapted strength training can be highly effective for people who use walking aids, rollators and wheelchairs.”

Simple steps

Mr Gandecha said staying active did not have to mean long walks or intense exercise.

He advised older adults to start small, such as taking a short trip to the garden, a local park, the seafront or town centre.

He said routes with flat paths, benches, shade and accessible toilets could help people feel more confident when going outdoors.

He also encouraged people to use mobility aids without embarrassment, stay hydrated, avoid the hottest part of the day, wear sun protection and take a friend, family member or carer when needed.

Wheelchair users and people with limited mobility can also benefit from seated stretches and resistance-band exercises in the garden or park.

Mr Gandecha added: “Being active looks different for everyone.

“Whether you take a walk with a rollator, use a wheelchair to explore your local park, or simply sit in the sunshine and do a few gentle stretches, spending time outdoors can have a meaningful impact on health and wellbeing.”

Community

Duck race draws crowds to Cresswell Quay

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AN ANNUAL Rotary duck race and pig roast brought crowds to Cresswell Quay on Friday (May 29), with organisers hailing the evening a success.

The event, organised by Narberth and Whitland Rotary, saw yellow ducks released onto the water as spectators gathered along the quay to watch the race unfold.

Perfect conditions

ORGANISERS said the tide and weather “could not have been better” for the popular community event.

Families enjoyed a relaxed evening of entertainment, food and fundraising, with Bat-A-Rat proving popular with youngsters while adults enjoyed a pig roast, with pork provided by Tom at Andrew Rees Butchers.

Live music from Jack Castle added to the atmosphere as people gathered at the riverside venue.

***Rotary fun: Crowds gathered at Cresswell Quay for the annual Narberth and Whitland Rotary Duck Race and Pig Roast***

Thanks to supporters

JOHN Sleigh, of Narberth and Whitland Rotary, thanked everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success.

He said: “What a fantastic evening. The tide and weather could not have been better for the annual Rotary Duck Race and Pig Roast at Cresswell Quay.

“We thank you all for being there and making the event such a success.”

Community

Crisis response dogs launched to support people through trauma and distress

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW project using specially trained dogs to support people during moments of trauma, grief and crisis has been launched by Cariad Pet Therapy.

The volunteer-led Crisis Response Dogs project aims to provide comfort, emotional support and compassionate human contact to people experiencing distress, loss or heightened stress.

The dogs and their trained handlers will be able to support people in hospitals, schools, emergency response settings, wellbeing events, relief centres and community support environments.

Cariad Pet Therapy says the project is designed to offer a calm and non-judgmental presence at times when people may be struggling to cope.

Volunteers involved in the scheme have undertaken a bespoke training programme, including accredited Mental Health First Aid, Emotional First Aid, Trauma-Informed Practice, Safeguarding, Professional Boundaries, Dynamic Risk Assessment, Dog Welfare, Crisis Awareness, and training in psychological responses to trauma and distress.

The project is also working with emergency management and resilience partners, including the South Wales Local Resilience Forum, to support communities during emergencies, major incidents and recovery situations.

As part of its development, volunteers have attended specialist seminars on suicide prevention, the human-animal relationship, emergency planning and resilience.

Robert Thomas, Crisis Response Dogs lead for the project, said: “We have already witnessed the incredible impact these dogs can have on people facing difficult moments.

“Sometimes a calm presence, a conversation, or simply the comfort of a dog can make someone feel seen, supported, and less alone.”

The project has received funding from The National Lottery.

For more information about Crisis Response Dogs, or to request a deployment, contact Robert Thomas on 01437 609985 or visit www.crisisresponsedogs.co.uk.

Crisis response dogs: Cariad Pet Therapy has launched a new project to support people during trauma, grief and distress across Wales (Pics: Cariad Pet Therapy).

Community

Youth centre given colourful new look thanks to local firm

Published

3 days ago

June 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people at a Haverfordwest youth centre have helped transform one of its rooms into a bright and welcoming space.

The Edge Youth Centre, Haverfordwest, has thanked W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd for supporting the painting and decorating project, which saw young people work alongside Chris, a painter and decorator from the company.

The project has given the room a colourful refresh, creating a cheerful space for young people using the centre.

Rabart Decorators Merchants, Pembroke Dock, also supported the work by supplying the colourful paints.

A spokesperson for The Edge Youth Centre said: “We’d like to extend a huge thank you to W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd for supporting us with the painting and decorating of one of the rooms at our Youth Centre.

“The young people were fortunate enough to work alongside Chris, a painter and decorator from W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd, to transform the room.

“Thanks to Chris and the young people’s hard work and enthusiasm, the space is now looking bright, welcoming, and cheerful.

“We’d also like to thank Rabart Decorators Merchants, Pembroke Dock, for generously supplying the colourful paints. Your support has helped create a vibrant room that young people can enjoy for years to come.”

The centre added: “Thank you both for your generosity and for helping us create such a positive space for our young people.”

Photo caption: Bright new look: Young people worked alongside W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd to refresh a room at The Edge Youth Centre, Haverfordwest.