Reaching your fifties brings noticeable adjustments to daily life.

Fastening your shoes can become a genuine effort. The possibility of falling on icy ground moves beyond mere embarrassment.

People begin to prioritize what truly counts: self-reliance, relationships, and maintaining the ability to enjoy their favorite activities.

I share this not only as a council member but as someone who crossed the 50-year mark nine years ago and lives with osteoporosis. Remaining physically active has provided me with physical assurance, and my bones benefit from it as well (though I do avoid ice skating).

This explains my enthusiasm for initiatives underway throughout Brighton & Hove this spring, including our Stay Strong, Steady and Independent campaign and our yearly Active Forever event.

These represent sustained efforts rather than temporary promotions or taglines – they provide accessible, neighborhood-based opportunities that help us build physical strength, preserve self-assurance, and stay integrated in our communities as we age.

The Stay Strong, Steady and Independent campaign runs from April 27 through May 2 and provides complimentary or affordable introductory sessions for residents over 50 throughout the city, including seated workouts, strength and equilibrium training, tai chi, dance, and walking programs.

The goal is straightforward yet vital: assisting individuals in lowering fall hazards, remaining mobile, and feeling secure in their own abilities.

We understand that a fall can transform existence. A fall can strip away independence, restrict social interaction, and damage self-esteem.

Yet we also recognize that even modest amounts of consistent strength and balance exercise can yield significant benefits, regardless of whether someone is beginning anew or handling ongoing health issues.

Active Forever, scheduled for April 22 at Moulsecoomb Community Leisure Centre, represents the vibrant core of this initiative.

It offers an opportunity to experience something different, connect with local organizations, and discover numerous enjoyable, social, and accessible ways to move.

From seated workouts to walking rugby, daytime dance sessions to qi gong, it demonstrates that remaining active doesn’t require athletic facilities or specialized attire!

It can involve joy, conversation, and community connection.

Both the campaign and event align with our Health and Wellbeing Strategy for senior residents.

At its center lies a clear vision: Brighton & Hove will serve as a location where aging well is achievable.

This involves acknowledging and appreciating the contributions residents of every generation make to our city.

It involves persisting with our efforts to become both an age-friendly and dementia-friendly city, where individuals feel respected, included, and assisted.

It involves planning neighborhoods, streets, and new construction with aging considerations, enabling people to navigate safely and confidently.

Importantly, it also involves addressing isolation and loneliness, and helping individuals lower their fall risk.

Maintaining stability encompasses more than physical strength. It involves feeling connected, recognized, and supported.

Many sessions in this year’s program unite participants as much as they develop muscles, since physical activity often serves as a pathway to companionship.

This initiative extends beyond the council’s efforts alone.

A fundamental element of our approach involves Ageing Well Brighton & Hove, our citywide service for residents aged 50 and older.

Ageing Well offers a centralized resource for information, guidance, and assistance, whether one seeks activities, support for maintaining independence, dementia-related help, or chances to volunteer and contribute.

Ageing Well plays a crucial role in linking individuals with their neighborhoods. From companionship and social gatherings to strength and balance activities and support for those with dementia, their efforts help people remain active, aware, and involved.

If uncertain about initial steps, a straightforward call or website visit can reveal numerous possibilities.

Looking forward, this dedication is poised to advance significantly.

Aging represents something we all experience.

Initiatives like Stay Strong, Steady and Independent and events like Active Forever demonstrate what’s achievable when we emphasize capabilities rather than restrictions, and when we invest in prevention, connection, and community.

Whether you have crossed 50 yourself, assist someone who has, or simply consider the future, I encourage your participation.

Attend, try something fresh, converse, and take steps toward remaining strong, steady, and independent, collectively, here in Brighton & Hove.

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care

For additional information about our Stay Strong, Steady and Independent campaign, visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/stay-strong-steady-and-independent