Stevenage’s senior citizens were encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles and educated about crime as part of National Older People’s Day, held today.

The Comet: Jade Harrison and Vanessa Perkins from CrossroadsJade Harrison and Vanessa Perkins from Crossroads (Image: Archant)

The Big Share was organised by Stevenage Borough Council and the Older People’s Network to celebrate the annual event.

More than 30 different organisation hosted stalls in Stevenage town centre, with Stevenage Leisure Limited holding zumba classes to highlight the importance of staying active.

Age Concern was also present, wiht representatives advising older people about how to combat loneliness and make the most of health, care and leisure activities.

Councillor Richard Henry, responsible for safer communities, older people and health at the borough council, said, “We know that many of the town’s older residents have played a big part in shaping the history of Stevenage and I’m pleased that this event recognised them and offered them a chance to find out more about the support and social groups on offer in their area.”

Herts police were also in attendance and spent the day raising awareness about crimes that target older people in the area.

There was a specific focus on phone scams targeting older people in the area after 55 incidents were reported to police since the start of September.

Detective inspector Jason Keane, who leads the county’s response to phone scams, said: “Older People’s Day is a great opportunity to take some time and speak with older relatives, friends and neighbours to make them aware of phone scams, which do sadly tend to target the elderly, and share our advice on how to handle an unexpected telephone call. By doing this people can prevent others from falling victim to this potentially devastating crime.”