This stage of the campaign is about encouraging everyone over the age of 50 to get involved in group sport or physical activity to help overcome feelings of social isolation. It aims to show that taking part in sport or physical activity, at any age, is a great way to connect with new people and that joining a team or club can create both a sense of belonging and a shared interest.
This campaign highlights the importance of participating in physical activity and the benefits to your mental health. No matter your age, capability or experience, everyone has the opportunity to find their team and feel part of something. As many look to create new routines at the start of the year, this is a great time to join a local group, take up a new hobby or get back into an old sport or physical activity.
Finding a group, club or team
There are so many ways to get active with other people, you could join a local walking or jogging group or reconnect with a team sport you used to do. If you’re not sure where to start or feel nervous about trying a new activity, check out our top tips.
Get your club or group involved: Local clubs and activities can encourage people to sign up by making time for an informal chat before or after sessions. You can find some ways for your club to get involved in the campaign via our campaign toolkit and tips for clubs.
Rhona Howie, MBE, a Scottish curler most famous for being the skip of the British women's gold medal winning team at the 2002 Winter Olympics, is happy to endorse the campaign. Rhona feels strongly that sport can be a great way to improve your life and meet new people at any age:
“As well as benefiting your health, sport is a great way to help build communities, grow friendships and develop transferable skills for everyday life.
Sport is inclusive, you can be any age and be of any ability and it is a great way to take part whether participating or volunteering. Taking part in sport in your local community can give you a sense of purpose and make you feel valued.”
Sharing how being part of a running club has helped him connect with others and keep fit, Scottish TV and radio presenter Bryan Burnett said:
“We all eventually find our tribe – the people who make us comfortable and allow us to be our true selves. Folk with similar interests, new friends who feel like old friends, who provide support, encouragement and most of all – acceptance: ‘You are one of us.’
Maybe that didn’t come at school, at university or in the workplace but it came to many of us when we found our running club. I found mine in Bellahouston Road Runners and I love running as part of a group!”
Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), said: “Getting active – everything from a walk with a friend to organised team sports – is vital to both our physical and mental wellbeing. Sport and physical activity is also a great way to meet new people and spend time with others of all ages. It’s often a time when we can have an honest chat about what's on our minds – and we know that a conversation around mental health can be life-changing. That’s why we’re pleased to be working on this new phase of the campaign, now also partnering with Age Scotland, Sporting Memories and as well as sportscotland. It's the perfect time to try something new this year.”
Age Scotland's CEO, Katherine Crawford said:
"We know that most older people prefer to exercise and take part in sporting activity with others. This campaign is a great way to inspire people and give them the confidence to join a team sport they love or have always wanted to try. The physical and mental health benefits of this are clear, but it also really helps to tackle loneliness which is a significant problem for older people."
Sporting Memories CEO and founder, Chris Wilkins, MBE said:
"Many of our Sporting Memories Club members often self-excluded themselves from the sports they loved to play when health conditions stopped them feeling able to participate in the way they used to. Additionally, long-term health conditions often propelled others to become more isolated and sedentary into old age. By creating the right environment and mix of activities it is never too late to ‘Find Your Team’ again, to reconnect with the sports you once loved and the people you shared them with."
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said “Looking after both your physical and mental wellbeing has been shown to be extremely important for your overall health. This phase of the Find Your Team campaign is focussed on encouraging people over the age of 50 to participate in some form of sport or physical activity that they enjoy and makes them feel good. A key part of the enjoyment of sport and physical activity is being surrounded by like-minded people who provide you with a sense of belonging. If people are feeling lonely, joining a group to get active can be a really positive step.
It is fantastic to be working in partnership with great organisations like Age Scotland, SAMH and Sporting Memories, as we are able to share these messages as widely as possible and ensure that every person across the country feels part of this campaign.’’
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