Running never used to be my 'thing', but back in the early lockdown days my wife told me to "stop moping about the house and go out for a run". Little did either of us know what that would lead to. 

Nearly four years on and I have worn through many pairs of running shoes, taken part in various Parkruns, 10K's, half marathons and even two full marathons. I have enjoyed them all and made a promise to make my next 'big run' for the benefit of others.

 

I am running the 2024 London marathon for Age UK. In particular for the loved ones we have lost and those who are struggling on their own.

 

Here are a few facts on the challenges that impact the elderly in the UK:

• Over 2 million pensioners are living in poverty (2022). 
• Almost 1 in 5 homes headed by someone over 60 is in a condition that endangers health. In fact, almost 9,000 people died in 2021 because their homes were too cold.
• Life expectancy is falling while the number of years we can expect in good health (without a disabling illness) is declining; 62.4 years for men and 60.9 year for women (down from 63.9 and 64.8 respectively only a few years ago).
• 3.3 million people over 65 (around 30% of the older population) live alone.
• Employment rates among people approaching retirement age are at their lowest levels since 2016, (increasing by 228,000 for people aged 50-64 since 2020).