Gwilym’s Story

If you’re looking for new energy in the new year, Gwilym’s story should provide the inspiration you need to become more active.

Gwilym is eighty years of age, has been married to his wife, Rosemary, for fifty-seven years, and they have one son, Adrian, who has always been a great source of pride to them.

Gwilym originally trained as a psychiatric nurse in the 1960s, a profession that shaped his understanding of people, resilience, and the importance of holistic care. He later went on to manage residential units for adults with learning difficulties, a role that required responsibility, empathy, and leadership. In the early 1990s, Gwilm chose to take a different direction and began working at golf clubs in Germany and later in Spain. These roles allowed him to remain active and socially engaged until he eventually retired in 2021.

Gwilym told us: “When I turned eighty in 2025, I began to reflect more seriously on my health and wellbeing. I was no longer able to continue playing golf, an activity that had been a significant part of my life, and I noticed that I was becoming breathless even when walking short distances. This gradual loss of stamina affected not only my physical health but also my confidence. I became more aware of my limitations and concerned about maintaining my independence as I grew older. It was clear that I needed to make positive changes to my routine, increase my activity levels, and adopt healthier habits if I was to continue enjoying life fully.

While searching for support, my wife came across ANGUSalive Be Active…Live Well, which proved to be a turning point. I initially spoke with Katie, the Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator, who listened carefully and provided clear guidance. She referred me to Graham Wood at Montrose Sports Centre, where I attended an initial assessment. Graham took considerable time to understand not just my physical condition, but also my personal goals and concerns. The discussion was thorough and reassuring, and the measurements he took helped to establish a clear starting point and realistic expectations.

Graham recommended Active Start, a twelve week programme, which was specifically suited to my abilities. On my first day, I felt some apprehension, as starting something new at my age can be daunting. However, I was quickly put at ease by Graham’s calm and encouraging manner, as well as by the friendliness of the other participants. The sessions were well organised, inclusive, and adapted to individual needs, allowing everyone to work at their own pace without feeling pressured.

As the programme progressed, I noticed gradual but meaningful improvements. I felt stronger, more stable on my feet, and less breathless during everyday activities. Just as importantly, my confidence began to return. Being part of a group with similar challenges created a sense of shared understanding and motivation. The experience reminded me that improvement is still possible later in life and that age does not have to be a barrier to progress.

At the end of the twelve sessions, I met with Graham again for a review. The follow-up measurements showed clear improvements compared to my initial assessment, which was both encouraging and rewarding. Seeing tangible evidence of progress reinforced my motivation to continue being active and take responsibility for my own health.

One of the most valuable aspects of the Be Active…Live Well programme is the ongoing support available beyond the initial programme. Knowing that there are further activities and routines to move on to provides reassurance and continuity. Throughout my experience, everything was handled with professionalism, dignity, and genuine care.

Overall, taking part with ANGUSalive has had a positive impact not only on my physical health but also on my emotional wellbeing and outlook on life. I feel more confident, more capable, and more optimistic about maintaining my independence. I would strongly recommend ANGUSalive’s Be Active…Live Well programme to anyone who feels they are slowing down or losing confidence, as it has shown me that it is never too late to take positive steps towards better health and wellbeing.”

You can find out about the Be Active…Live well programme at www.angusalive.scot/sport-leisure/be-active-live-well.