A former mental health nurse from Harrow is leading a new fitness campaign aimed at encouraging older adults to stay active. Liz Abrahams, 60, is the face of Everyone Active’s ‘Age is Just a Number’ campaign, which will run through October and November.

Liz, who worked as a mental health nurse for 38 years, is now a Wellbeing and Activity Leader for Everyone Active, which operates leisure facilities in partnership with Harrow Council.

“We are living longer, and it’s important that we maintain a quality of life as we enter older adulthood—and keeping fit is key to this,” Liz said.

The campaign, in its fourth year, celebrates the fitness stories of older adults and highlights how staying active can make a difference in people’s lives. Liz’s own journey into fitness started while she was still working as a nurse.

“Whilst working as a mental health nurse, I always included physical health into an individual’s care plan,” she said. “I self-funded my Level 3 Personal Training qualification whilst working as a nurse and began to incorporate my new skills into my work as a mental health nurse.”

The campaign aims to break down barriers preventing older adults from engaging in physical activities. “For a number of reasons, some areas of the community are marginalised and miss out on accessing exercise and activities. Brent and Harrow has one of the largest multi-cultural demographics in the country, and it’s important all members of the community have access to quality and affordable physical activity and health sessions,” Liz said.

Liz also hopes to encourage people to realise that fitness is accessible to everyone. “I want to demystify what joining a sports or leisure centre is—you don’t have to be Lycra-clad and wearing the latest trainers,” she said. “What’s key is helping the community realise that fitness is for all, and we can all find an activity that suits us.”

60-year-old former nurse leads Harrow fitness campaign for older adults Harrow OnlineLiz Abrahams. Image: Everyone Active

For those unsure about getting started, Liz offers reassurance: “It is so normal to be a little nervous when starting anything new. But our whole team, from reception staff to the café team and the personal trainers—everyone will make you feel welcome. There is no pressure or expectation to be super fit. We are all going at our own pace, and we will support you to find yours.”

Liz is passionate about promoting active aging, which is a personal mission for her. “My parents both died in their early 60s, and I’m passionate about encouraging people in my age group and older—that it’s never too late to embrace change,” she said. “Improving nutrition and increasing physical activity are great ways to improve quality of life.”

John Sewell, Everyone Active’s contract manager, added: “Liz’s passion and expertise demonstrate that it’s never too late to start your fitness journey. Our ‘Age is Just a Number’ campaign aims to break down barriers, helping older adults stay active and build vital social connections. By offering diverse programmes, we hope to inspire more people to improve their quality of life through exercise.”

As part of her role, Liz leads programmes like Good Boost, which supports people with musculoskeletal disorders, and adaptive sports sessions for people with disabilities. She also collaborates with the local NHS Trust to offer badminton for young people with psychosis and supports local children through a golf camp for those on free school meals.

Everyone Active manages Harrow Leisure Centre, Hatch End Swimming Pool, and Bannister Outdoor Sports Centre in partnership with Harrow Council.

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