Ageing Well
Subsidised city-wide activities, groups and clubs for older adults
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What is Ageing Well?
Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well Programme offers activities across the city to promote active living and social interaction among older adults. All activities are led or supported by trained volunteers, and are designed to cater to a wide range of interests and abilities.
Interested in Volunteering?
Ageing Well relies on its volunteers – people who give one or two hours a week to help others stay active.
In 2018, we were honoured to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, recognising the positive impact our volunteers have on participants’ lives.
Click here to check out our opportunities and join our team to help keep Edinburgh moving!
Donate to Ageing Well
The Ageing Well project supports over 400 older adults in Edinburgh to stay active every week.
However, the project relies on donations. If you would like to help more older adults stay active, please donate online using the button below.
Allotment
Leith Links allotments next to St Mary’s Primary School
Wednesdays 12.00pm – 2.00pm
Buddy Swimming
Buddy Swimming is for older adults who need support due to loss of confidence or ill health. Ageing Well volunteers help participants improve strength and flexibility.
More InformationCamera Group
Meadowbank Sports Centre
*(Every 2nd Friday the group is out and about at various locations taking photographs)
Fridays 10.00am – 12.00pm
Cycle Skills
Level 1 – Saughton Sports Complex
Level 2 – Various locations on the Edinburgh cycle path network. Seeking new participants.
Dancing
Newhaven Church Hall
Thursdays 10.00am – 11.00am
*This popular and well-loved activity is currently full. To be added to the waiting list, please email us at active@edinburghleisure.co.uk.
Nordic Walking
Various Locations
Seeking new participants.
Contact us to join a course.
FAQs
Participant Thoughts
“I was delighted to discover Ageing Well’s buddy swimming sessions after my physiotherapist suggested swimming for my back. After my first session, I joined the group for lunch and learned more about all the activities Ageing Well offers. The sense of community at buddy swimming motivated me to try other activities and since then I’ve tried out lots of new things!
Whether through swimming, gardening at the allotment or simply having a coffee after activities with new friends, Ageing Well has enriched my life. My children, initially concerned about my move, are happy to see me thriving.”
Margaret, who moved to Edinburgh after the death of her husband
Volunteer Thoughts
“We welcome walkers of all abilities, no matter how fast or slow they are. Many of us have health conditions – dementia, arthritis and diabetes, and we’ve found that walking has helped improve our fitness and manage our conditions. For people with dementia and their carers, it’s a great chance to get out and speak with other people who may be living with something similar.”
Volunteer Walk Leader at Portobello Health Walk, Paths for All’s ‘Dementia Friendly Walk of the Year 2024’
Help Us Help More People
Every year, we support over 14,700 people who find it hardest to get active through our Active Communities programme. This includes people living with health problems, disabilities, inequality, or poverty.
As a registered charity, Edinburgh Leisure relies on external funding and donations to keep delivering the Active Communities programme.
To help us support those with the greatest barriers to improving their health and wellbeing, you can donate via text or our online form.
To text your donation:
Text ACTIVE followed by the amount you would like to donate to 70480.
For example, text ACTIVE5 if you would like to donate £5.
