78-year-old Alan Paul from Upminster is challenging age stereotypes and staying fit through his dedication to ice skating.
A regular at Sapphire Ice and Leisure, Alan has been skating there since it first opened in 2018, making weekly – sometimes twice-weekly – visits to the rink.
Everyone Active, which manages Sapphire Ice and Leisure in partnership with Havering Borough Council, is featuring Neil’s story as part of its ‘Age is Just a Number’ campaign.
Running from October to November, the initiative aims to promote active lifestyles among seniors across Havering, challenging age-related stereotypes.
Alan’s journey on the ice spans over three and a half decades, during which he’s achieved remarkable milestones. “I’ve done and passed my grades including Gold,” he proudly states, though he humbly adds, “although I’m not good enough for competitions!”
For Alan, skating is more than just exercise. When asked why he thinks it’s important to keep active, he responds, “To stay slim, keep fit and reduce stress.” The benefits, he notes, extend beyond the physical. “It certainly improves my balance, coordination and confidence. I come home less stressed,” he shares.
The mental health benefits of ice skating are particularly significant for Alan. “I come off the ice feeling relaxed and refreshed, ready to face what the rest of the day has to offer,” he shares.
Alan’s passion for improvement keeps him coming back to the rink. “I am very focused on trying to improve my spins,” he says. “It’s only for me, but when I get it right, I get a large sense of achievement.”
Beyond the physical and mental benefits, Alan values the social aspect of ice skating. “I look forward to meeting the other skaters who also come to the same session, whether they be young or old,” he says.
He also emphasises that age shouldn’t be a deterrent: “If you are reasonably fit and have a sense of balance, then there is no reason why you can’t enjoy skating and meet fellow skaters who may be able to give you some useful tips.”
Tom Fletcher, area contract manager for Everyone Active said, “Alan’s story is a perfect example of what our ‘Age is Just a Number’ campaign is all about. His dedication to ice skating and the benefits he gains from it show that staying active can be enjoyable and rewarding at any age. We hope his journey will encourage more seniors to try new activities and maintain an active lifestyle.”
Councillor Gillian Ford, Deputy Leader of Havering Council and Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said:
“I support Everyone Active’s ‘Age is Just a Number’ campaign as the Council wants the borough’s leisure centres to be for everyone, no matter of an individual’s age or ability.
“As shown with Alan’s experiences at Sapphire Ice and Leisure, our facilities located across the borough, make such a positive contribution to both our physical and mental health.”
As part of the ‘Age is Just a Number’ campaign, Everyone Active is offering a range of activities designed for older adults across its more than 230 centres nationwide. The campaign, which launched on October 5th to coincide with Silver Sunday (the national day for older people), aims to encourage seniors to try new activities or engage in simple weekly exercises.
For more information about Age is Just a Number, visit: www.everyoneactive.com/promotion/ageisjustanumber/