Centre hunts for OAP 'hero'

Centre hunts for OAP 'hero'

Older people are trying out new adventures after retirement

A Snowdonia mountain centre is hunting for an 'action hero' to show the world that life begins after retirement.

The Plas y Brenin centre, at Capel Curig, has launched a search for a pensioner who wants to try out adventure activities.

The centre has put together a new range of courses specifically for older people.

Now they are looking for a 'silver' role model to show others there is still plenty to explore once work days are over.

Chief Executive Iain Peter explained: "Life doesn't have to stop just because you've retired.

Older people are leading the way in fitness while youngsters prefer to play with computer games

John Clifford Jones, Age Concern

"There are plenty of activities you can start for the first time later in life. We've put together a series of activity breaks for the more 'mature' outdoor enthusiast.

"We want as many people as possible to enjoy the outdoors safely and sensibly. Age doesn't need to get in the way."

The centre says their hunt for a hero is a fun way to encourage others to get out and try something new.

John Clifford Jones from Age Concern Gwynedd and Anglesey said the National Mountain Centre will have no problem in finding their role model.

"We have been running a scheme encouraging older people to make use of local leisure centres and clubs for the past 10 years," he said.

"Centres that have been catering for younger people are realising that there are more and more older people taking early retirement and wanting to continue to be active.

"Older people are leading the way in fitness while youngsters prefer to play with computer games.

"They are more willing to try new things."

Walking club

Age Concern's work has inspired a walking club for over 50s in Gwynedd which meets once a fortnight to walk in places all over the county.

Huw Williams, 75, from Bwlch Tocyn in Llyn, is the treasurer of Clwb y Gorwel (Horizon's Club).

"The club has gone from strength to strength - we have been walking in places like Llyn, Ganllwyd and Ffestiniog," he said.

Plas y Brenin has started catering for an older age group

"I am also a member of the Abersoch golf club, go to WEA classes and the pensioner's club in Pwllheli.

"There are plenty of things to do and it's very important to stay active after retirement."

The successful applicant will be invited to attend one of the Plas y Brenin's courses tailored for the older age group.

They will be able to choose from a range of titles which include birdwatching in Snowdonia, coastal walks, walking tours of north Wales castles as well as scrambling, ridge walks and open canoe journeying.

Applicants must be retired, live within 30 miles of Capel Curig, and have no professional outdoor qualifications.