Northolt Leisure Centre Swimmer Proves Age is Just a Number
80-year-old Barry Shepherd is in the pool three or four times a week
Barry Shepherd in the pool
October 31, 2024
An 80-year-old man is defying advancing years with his decades-long commitment to his fitness.
Since 2013, Barry Shepherd has been a member at Northolt Leisure Centre and visits the pool three or four times a week for nearly an hour of front crawl.
This is in addition to sometimes running or cycling to get there from his home in South Ruislip.
His mantra is “To live longer, have better health and just feel better” and his passion for health and fitness is just as strong as when he took up swimming 57 years ago.
Barry’s commitment to fitness extends far beyond the pool, with an athletic history that includes judo, triathlons, swimathons, and canoe racing.
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Everyone Active, which manages the centre in partnership with Ealing Borough Council, is featuring Barry's story as part of its 'Age is Just a Number' campaign. Running from October to November, the initiative aims to promote active lifestyles among seniors and challenge age-related stereotypes.
When asked about staying motivated, said, "Even the best have bad days and bad weather. It's never as bad as it looks. Just one foot out of the door is always better."
The impact of regular swimming is undeniable: "I've gained more strength, improved mobility, and greater flexibility," Barry says when reflecting on how it has benefited his health.
Phil Edwards, Everyone Active's contract manager, said, "Barry's story perfectly embodies our 'Age is Just a Number' campaign. His dedication to fitness at 80 shows that staying active is not only possible at any age, but incredibly rewarding. We want to inspire more older adults to take that first step and discover the lifelong benefits of an active lifestyle.
“Our centres are here to support people of all ages with the facilities, guidance, and encouragement they need to keep moving and stay healthy.”
For those hesitant about starting exercise later in life, Barry offers encouraging advice, "Take it slow and build up bit by bit. If you do too much too quickly, you'll only get discouraged."
To those who believe age might be a barrier to staying active, his message is clear: "Come down and look at all of the older swimmers proving this wrong!"
As part of the 'Age is Just a Number' campaign, Everyone Active is offering a range of activities designed for older adults across its more than 230 centres nationwide. The campaign, which launched on t October to coincide with Silver Sunday (the national day for older people), aims to encourage seniors to try new activities or engage in simple weekly exercises.
Those interested in following Barry's example can learn more about local senior sessions and receive videos from outstanding senior members by signing up through Everyone Active. Participants also have the chance to win a six-month adult membership.
Everyone Active manages 10 leisure facilities in partnership with Ealing Council.
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