Former mental health nurse, 60, spearheads 'Age is Just a Number' campaign

The initiative, running from October to November, aims to inspire seniors across Harrow and beyond to embrace active lifestyles.

Liz, a former mental health nurse with 38 years of experience, now serves as a Wellbeing and Activity Leader for Everyone Active in Harrow, which manages local leisure facilities in partnership with London Borough of Harrow.

"We are living longer, and it's important that we maintain a quality of life as we enter older adulthood - and keeping fit is key to this," Liz explains, highlighting the campaign's core message.

Her leadership is part of Everyone Active's nationwide 'Age is Just a Number' campaign, now in its fourth year, which celebrates the fitness stories of older adults and proves that staying active can transform lives.

Liz has witnessed firsthand the impact of physical inactivity on mental health patients. "Statistically, people with mental ill health tend to have a reduced life expectancy—lots of this is due to reduced physical health," she notes. This observation fuelled her transition into the fitness industry, a journey that began while she was still nursing.

"Whilst working as a mental health nurse, I always included physical health into an individual's care plan," Liz recalls. "I self-funded my Level 3 Personal Training qualification whilst working as a nurse and began to incorporate my new skills into my work as a mental health nurse."

One of the campaign's key objectives is to break down barriers that prevent older adults from engaging in physical activities. Liz points out, "For a number of reasons, some areas of the community are marginalised and miss out on accessing exercise and activities. Brent and Harrow has one of the largest multi-cultural demographics in the country, and it's important all members of the community have access to quality and affordable physical activity and health sessions."

Everyone Active’s ‘Age is Just a Number’ campaign also seeks to prove that fitness is for everyone, regardless of age. "I want to demystify what joining a sports or leisure centre is - you don't have to be Lycra-clad and wearing the latest trainers," says Liz. "Far from it. What's key is helping the community realise that fitness is for all, and we can all find an activity that suits us."

For those hesitant to take the first step, Liz offers words of encouragement: "It is so normal to be a little nervous when starting anything new. But our whole team, from reception staff to the café team and the personal trainers - everyone will make you feel welcome."

"There is no pressure or expectation to be super fit. We are all going at our own pace, and we will support you to find yours."

Liz’s passion for promoting active aging is deeply personal. "My parents both died in their early 60s, and I'm passionate about encouraging people in my age group and older - that it's never too late to embrace change," she shares. "Improving nutrition and increasing physical activity are great ways to improve quality of life."

"Most importantly - we will have fun. There will be an activity for you - we just need to identify it."

John Sewell, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “Liz’s passion and expertise demonstrate that it’s never too late to start your fitness journey. Our ‘Age is Just a Number’ campaign aims to break down barriers, helping older adults stay active and build vital social connections. By offering diverse programmes, we hope to inspire more people to improve their quality of life through exercise.”

Liz, as a Wellbeing and Activity Leader, plays a vital role in addressing health inequalities and reducing inactivity in underrepresented groups. She leads a variety of tailored programmes, including Good Boost, which supports those with musculoskeletal disorders, and adaptive sports sessions for individuals with disabilities.

Liz also collaborates with the local NHS Trust to host badminton sessions for young people experiencing psychosis, and she supports local children through a golf camp for those on free school meals.

Everyone Active manages Harrow Leisure Centre, Hatch End Swimming Pool and Bannister Outdoor Sports Centre in partnership with London Borough of Harrow.