Fit as a Fiddle: Active Ageing Should Become the Norm

Group doing water aerobics in the swimming pool

‘I’m so glad I started. It’s just fantastic.’

Fit as a Fiddle (FAAF) was a UK-wide programme (2007 – 2012) that championed physical activity for older people. The premise was that ‘active ageing’ should become the norm rather than the exception.

‘When I was asked if I would join in an exercise class, I laughed. There was no way that I was going to enjoy exercising, at my age, I’m 82!’

Fit as a Fiddle attracted over 370,000 men and women over sixty-five to start to exercise and learn more about nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

Both Fred and Jill joined the weekly FAAF gym sessions, and they have totally changed their lifestyle, not only has Fred lost weight, over two stones, but his health has improved dramatically!

I don’t know Fred, but when I read this, I became quite emotional. Fred, bless him, had changed his life and his health through exercise. I thought of all the other Freds who would benefit, whose lives would also improve if they only exercised. It has been proven that physical activity reduces risk of developing major chronic diseases by up to 50 percent and risk of premature death by 30 percent.

The above quotes are from the review and report prepared by Ecorys UK and the Centre for Social Gerontology at Keele University. Their conclusion was ‘Everywhere Fit as a Fiddle was practiced throughout the UK, in every region it was offered, Fit as a Fiddle was a resounding success. The participants found the experience positive, energising and beneficial, many commenting on newfound self-confidence and changes in lifestyle.’ The report noted ‘There were very few injuries or illness by participants.’

The report concluded, ‘Fit as a Fiddle met and often exceeded all intended, hoped-for goals and outcomes. The target participants, the elderly, just need some help, some motivation, incentivization.’ Funding for Fit as a Fiddle was withdrawn and as one participant commented. ‘If FAAF does pack up we will all go back into our little shells,’ which is probably what happened?

The cost of this hugely successful and life-changing programme was insignificant. Do the math: 370,000 people participated at a cost of £15.7 million, £42.43 per person. Over five years a little more than £8.00 per person per annum. Money paid by the public, through the National Lottery. Not by taxes. The true cost of the savings by the ‘Fiddlers’ to the National Health Service would have so been much more. Healthcare spending for the age qualified in the UK 2016 was 76.4 billion, 40 percent of the total annual cost of £191 billion.

It’s hard to read the very enthusiastic feedback by the participants, knowing the very low cost, the pleasure, and the life-changing benefit Fit as a Fiddle gave to so many, then read that the programme was shut down and think of the consequence to their health, not to mention the sudden removal of friends and community. It was so successful; why stop? Why has it never been replaced? I never did find out.

I’m reminded of the movie Field of Dreams and the famous quote ‘they will come.’ They came, and they will come again, hopefully with the help of DiscoverAge. As Fit as a Fiddle so clearly demonstrated age qualified men and women are waiting and wanting.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *