New Age Games
Join a free exercise programme for the over-50s in Hackney
Valney, 81, enjoys playing tennis with the New Age Games
“I started the New Age Games programme at the age of 70 and it has enhanced my desire to get fitter,” says Valney, now 81.
“Tennis gives me a purpose to get out of bed, it helps me 110 per cent. I have incorporated doing an hour of stretching and mobilisation at home before I play tennis.”
Hackney Council’s New Age Games programme is a free exercise programme for residents over the age of 50.
The sessions, which take place in different venues across the borough, include chair-based exercises, soca aerobics, swimming, badminton, tennis, yoga, pilates, water aerobics, tai chi and more.
Valney, who started playing tennis with the New Age Games over a decade ago, says it has improved his health and wellbeing.
He continues: “Being on court. Preparing myself. It has done a lot for my wellbeing. I need to stay active, if I don’t I am finished.
“The instructors are good and help my game. The programme is wonderful, it encourages the elderly into fitness.
“I am more confident now and I can relate to people better. At the age of 81, tennis makes me feel good. It helps my cognitive wellbeing, always smiling.”
The New Age Games programme helps improve residents’ health by increasing and sustaining their activity levels and creating an environment for socialising.
Jocelyn, 61, moved to Hackney 10 years ago to be with her husband. In 2022 she had a series of strokes and, after being referred to Hackney Council’s Fit 4 Health Exercise after Stroke Scheme, was encouraged to take up the New Age Games programme.
She says: “I’ve become more active – the leisure centre is my second home. When the New Age Games programme is not on I use the gym.
“I like that the sessions are during the day, as it provides my life with structure. I enjoy the social aspects – friendship has encouraged me to do activities.
“My friend noticed my weight loss and photographed me at a 60th birthday celebration last year. I didn’t realise my progress until I saw the photo. I have gone from a size 22 to 14!
“If anyone is contemplating joining New Age Games, just do it. I try to encourage as many people as possible to participate.”