Older people will be in the spotlight this week as Manchester celebrates the UN International Day of Older Persons with the launch of a pioneering set of Age Friendly Leisure Standards.
Manchester is the first UK city to introduce a comprehensive framework aimed at making leisure centres more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for older adults. To mark the occasion, four of the city’s iconic buildings—including The Civic Heat Network, Manchester Central, Bridgewater Hall, and Chetham School of Music—will be illuminated in purple, a colour that represents dignity and respect for older people.
The launch event, hosted by the Age Friendly Manchester Assembly and attended by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Carmine Grimshaw, will feature a vibrant programme of activities. Highlights include a live performance of Cantonese Opera and a taster session showcasing the mental and physical health benefits of singing.
Developed through a unique collaboration between Manchester City Council, Manchester Active, GLL (the UK’s largest leisure operator), Age Friendly Manchester, and the Centre for Ageing Better, the new standards build on the city’s existing Age Friendly initiatives in culture and libraries. This marks a significant milestone in supporting older residents to stay active, connected, and engaged in community life.
The standards were shaped by a consultation process that placed older people at its core, co-designed with the Age Friendly Older People’s Board. The resulting Age Friendly Commitments include:
- Accessible environments
- Social spaces
- Inclusive activities
- An annual review process involving older people and Age Friendly Manchester to ensure ongoing improvements
Initially, the standards will be rolled out across seven community leisure centres, with plans to expand citywide later this year. The framework is also designed to be adopted by other local and national leisure providers, aiming to create a sector-wide shift in how facilities engage with older adults across the UK.
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care, said:
“Access to inclusive leisure opportunities is central to healthy ageing. These standards will ensure older adults are better supported to remain physically active, socially connected, and independent for longer, reducing pressures on health and social care and is part of our ongoing commitment through our Making Manchester Fairer programme to reduce health inequalities across communities in our city.”
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, added:
"This initiative is a great example of how we’re working to make leisure more inclusive and accessible for all. Through this partnership, we’re not only setting a national benchmark for age-friendly leisure provision, but we’re also showing that Manchester is serious about making sure everyone, regardless of age, can benefit from high-quality, welcoming facilities across the city.”
Councillor Joan Davies, Lead Member for Age Friendly Manchester, emphasised:
"Manchester's Age Friendly Strategy is committed to ensuring that older people's voices are heard in shaping the city's future: a city where people of all ages can live well, participate fully, and feel valued. Leisure plays a vital role in helping older adults stay active, healthy and connected, amplifying the strength of their voice.”
Image credit: Manchester City Council
