Today, we join the global community in celebrating International Day of Older People, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the opportunities and challenges faced by ageing populations. It’s also a time to inspire collective action to address the difficulties older adults often encounter.
Older individuals play an essential role in enriching our communities – as workers, caregivers, volunteers, activists, and community connectors. Despite these valuable contributions, their efforts are often overlooked, limited by ageism, and hindered by societal and physical barriers.
Intergenerational Event at Caxton House
To mark this occasion, we hosted a special intergenerational event last week, where our Level 2 NCFE sixth form students participated in our weekly bowls session at Caxton House Community Centre in Archway. This gathering highlighted the importance of bringing different generations together to foster connection and mutual respect.
Over 30 Years of Bowls: A Community Tradition
Our club has proudly run its bowls programme for over 30 years, beginning in the mid-1980s. We engage around 80 older individuals from the local area each week. Beyond the physical benefits, these sessions offer an equally important opportunity for socialising and building friendships.
Our Bowls programme is available at seven community centres sites across Islington and Hackney, including The Arsenal Hub, Caxton House, Westbourne, The Bridge Community Hut, Weston Rise, Mildmay, and Sotheby Mews Day Centre.
In addition to bowls, the programme includes a weekly outdoor walk in Highbury Fields, as well as a variety of other group activities, such as museum visits and cookery classes. We also partner with Age UK to host monthly reminiscence sessions and organise local history walks. Our commitment to community extends further with visits to care homes and an annual Christmas party for our older local residents.
For more information on our Bowls programme our Senior Manager for Sport, Health and Wellbeing, Adam Henry, at ahenry@arsenal.co.uk.
Year-Round Health Programmes for Older Adults
Beyond bowls, we offer a variety of health programmes throughout the year for older adults, supported by the Premier League and PFA.
- Prostate Cancer Walking Football: This initiative, run in partnership with UCLH Cancer Fund, is designed for men affected by prostate cancer. It combines a 1-hour inclusive walking football session with a 45-minute social support group, providing a safe space for participants to connect and share their experiences.
- Parkinson’s Walking Football: In partnership with Whittington Trust, this programme is open to both men and women of any age or ability level, offering individuals with Parkinson’s disease an opportunity to stay active while receiving support and socialising with others.
- General Walking Football: For those over 50 or individuals with health conditions limiting their ability to play full football, we offer general walking football sessions for both men and women.
- Strength and Balance: Our chair-based exercise programme for residents aged 55 and older in Islington promotes mobility and overall well-being.
For more information on our health programmes, please contact our Health and Wellbeing Manager, Rhys Ratcliffe, at rratcliffe@arsenal.co.uk.
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