Wellbeing walks

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:48:37 GMT

Getting Cornwall physical with a ‘Wellbeing Walk’

Medical evidence shows that the benefits of being active as you get older are more than just physical.

For older adults in particular, regular movement helps maintain strength and balance, reduces the risk of falls, supports independence and benefits mental as well as physical health.

Across the Duchy, Active Cornwall coordinates a series of Wellbeing Walks in partnership with Ramblers UK and other local partners which are open to all abilities.

Cabinet Member for Adults, Councillor Jim McKenna, said: “Earlier this year Cornwall became part of the Network of Age Friendly Communities, and keeping people active is one of our key priorities for ageing well.

“Age-friendly communities work together to help people stay active and more connected, which promotes better health and reduces our need for urgent care and treatment.”

In a 2026 report, Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England recommends that adults, including those over 65, aim for around 150 minutes of moderate activity a week and a brisk walk counts towards it.

Cllr McKenna continued: “The guidance is clear, some activity is always better than none, and any amount brings benefits over sitting still.”

So small, regular movement rather than intense exercise, is at the heart of this approach.

Cornwall’s free wellbeing walks are led by trained volunteers, open to all abilities, and held everywhere from coast paths to garden estates to town parks.

Kathryn is one of the attendees at the Wellbeing Walk held at Heligan Gardens: “If I’m feeling down I come, because I know have built these friendship groups up and it really helps lift my spirits.

“We see the animals, we see the plants and every week there is something different going on. The people I’m with, they ask how you are, it’s just good to talk.”

The Global Age-Friendly Cities and Communities programme was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO)and launched in 2007.

It’s about making things such as community spaces accessible and helping people to stay active and socially engaged as they get older.

Rob Harrison from Active Cornwall says physical activity is important as you get older: “There are obviously physical benefits of getting out and being active, but also the social element is massively important. You could come to walk on your own, but you go away with friends and have that network and community.”

For more information on the Wellbeing Walks please visit: https://www.activecornwall.org/sports-activities-and-play/walking-2/ .

Celebrating Cornwall's inspirational over sixties

jamie@djincornwall.co.uk (Jamie Reed) — Thu, 28 May 2026 10:55:54 GMT

Some of Cornwall's most remarkable individuals over the age of sixty have been honoured at a special recognition ceremony held at County Hall in Truro.

Launched in January, the 60 Over 60 campaign set to shine a light on people across Cornwall who are embracing healthy, active ageing and inspiring others to do the same.

The response from communities across Cornwall was overwhelming, with an independent panel of judges receiving more than 220 nominations spanning twelve categories:

Lifetime Community Champion, Volunteer of the Year, Mentor of the Year, Creative Contributor, Health and Wellbeing Advocate, Environmental Hero, Sports Inspiration, Neighbourhood Supporter, Business Leader, Cultural Ambassador, Charity Fundraiser, and Unsung Hero.

Finalists were recognised for things such as from keeping communities active through yoga, cycling and sea swimming, to bringing people together through song and dance, to simply being the quiet, steady "glue" that holds a neighbourhood together.

With nominees ranging in age from 60 to 103, the campaign proved that age is no barrier to living life to the full.

Annette Baskerville-Smith was Highly Commended in the Creative Contributor category: “At first, I was really shocked. You do these things just for the passion of doing them. Now that I am here it has really sunk in and I appreciate that people have recognised the work that I do.

“When you get to a certain age group it is quite easy to be forgotten and one of the good things that has come about from this, is you can actually encourage other people to get out and say to them; don’t sit at home, get out there and champion who you are, as it gives you a great sense of well-being.”

This work is part of Cornwall’s work to becoming an Age Friendly Community, an initiative set out by the World Health Organisation.

Age-friendly communities work together to help people stay active and more connected, which promotes better health and reduces dependence on urgent interventions.

Cornwall Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Councillor Jim McKenna, paid tribute to everyone involved:

"I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate someone from their community.

“It was very difficult to narrow it down to just sixty people, as everyone nominated went above and beyond in their daily lives to stay active, healthy and support others.

“This campaign exists to say thank you to those people who so often give without expectation of recognition.

And our finalists were all here because someone in their community saw what they do and thought: that person deserves to be celebrated.”

The calibre of nominees left a lasting impression on the judging panel. One finalist was described as: "inspirational, deeply committed to her community, and proof that later life can be a time of profound contribution and positive change."

Profiles of all winners will be published on the Cornwall Council website in the coming weeks, with their stories shared across social media over the months ahead.

To view the full list of winners, visit the Cornwall Council website.

News & Stories

Wellbeing walks

Getting Cornwall physical with a ‘Wellbeing Walk’

Celebrating Cornwall's inspirational over sixties