Schoolchildren are inspiring older people to get moving.

The over 50’s are being told “It’s never too late to be active” in Hertfordshire County Council’s new Public Health campaign to encourage residents to enjoy a more active and healthy lifestyle.

To launch the campaign, primary schools across the county have invited family, friends and neighbours to join them in their Daily Mile, an initiative which has been running since 2016.

Physical inactivity costs the Hertfordshire health economy more than £16million a year and is the fourth greatest cause of death and disability, causing one in six deaths in the UK.

Yet one in four Hertfordshire residents does less than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, and many more are not meeting national guidelines of 150 minutes a week.

All residents that sign up receive a free local activity pass for themselves and a friend, which will entitle them to a free taster of some of the wide range of enjoyable activities and classes provided by our district councils and leisure centres across the county.

They can also get personalised support to help them become more active and enter a prize draw for an iPad, Fitbit or £100 clothing voucher.

Hertfordshire County Council’s director of Public Health, Jim McManus, said: “We know that children are the best inspiration to motivate older adults to be more active so we are very grateful to all the schools and young people who are helping us launch our Never Too Late campaign.

“Being active is nature’s prescription as it has so many physical and mental health benefits whatever our age; yet a quarter of 55-64 year olds are completely inactive and over 40per cent are not meeting the recommended guidelines of 150 minutes activity a week. These figures are much higher for those aged 65 and over.

“We hope that this campaign will inspire older adults to move more, and help all ages feel the benefits of regular activity and having fun together.”

To find out more and sign up to the campaign, visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/nevertoolate 

Alternatively people can drop into their library or call HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044.