TAI Chi, Nordic Walking and walking football – these are just some of the 17 activities that will be available an at ‘Active for Life’ day for the over 50s in Stroud.

On Friday March 31 Stroud District Council is inviting anyone over 50 to join them and try and free activity tasters and socialise at the same time.

The day has been organised by the council and Active Gloucestershire with the aim of helping people in the area to become more active.

It will also include free pamper treatments provided by SGS College and a free swim on the day for participants.

Event organiser, Emma Keating Clark said: “There are lots of really active people over 50 in our district but there are also many people who used to enjoy sports or fitness classes but have given up for health reasons.

“Our event offers the chance to try gentler exercise like Tai Chi, something different like Nordic Walking or something familiar with a new twist like walking football or walking netball.”

Many of the activities offered have local clubs to join, and for those that don’t, the organisers are hoping to get enough interest on the day to start new groups in the district.

The day is not just about physical activity, it is also about beating social isolation.

Emma added: “Retirement can be a lonely time after the structure of working life and it can be hard to meet new people. Not everyone wants to join a knitting circle.

“Walking groups, fitness classes and sports clubs are a great way to see other people and get some good endorphins pumping around your body.”

Samantha Laurie from Stratford Park Leisure Centre hopes the day will be a success.

She said: “We’d love this to become an annual event. We already have lots of activities for our older clients but it’s great to have a special day to make more people aware of what’s available across our district.”

For a full list of activities go to www.stroud.gov.uk/health-wellbeing/active-for-life-project or call 01453 754177.