Stevenage yoga teacher, 79, 'defies age-related limitations'

Twice a week, the vibrant senior can be found guiding students through yoga classes at Stevenage Arts and Leisure, managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council.

Derek Harrington’s commitment to fitness and wellbeing challenges the common misconception that physical activity declines with age. "I've been doing exercise all my life," he said. "Yoga is a gentle form of exercise but it keeps me very active."

'Yoga keeps me youthful, but it also keeps me focused on the future.' (Image: Everyone Active)

Now part of Everyone Active's Age is Just a Number campaign, Derek's inspiring story demonstrates the remarkable benefits of staying physically and mentally engaged later in life.

Derek first discovered yoga when the practice was growing in popularity. He said: "I started yoga in the 1970s – it was very popular in those days.

"I did a teaching qualification with the British Wheel of Yoga. I've been teaching since about 1985, but on and off because I had a career.

"At one time, I was doing about 15 classes a week, but now I just do two and it keeps me fit, plus I enjoy what I'm doing."

Derek sees yoga as more than just physical exercise - it's a means of maintaining a positive, forward-looking mindset. He said: "People are full of anxieties and stress and tension, but doing yoga you take a step back, but it's just invigorating. Yoga keeps me youthful, but it also keeps me focused on the future."

Derek added: "People my age are ageing quicker and becoming couch potatoes a bit, but you have to move away from that."

For those hesitant to start exercising later in life, Derek said: "The one piece of advice I would give is just do it. It's very easy not to do things, and it takes a bit of effort to get up and do it, and don't be embarrassed."

Allan Prescott, Everyone Active's contract manager for Stevenage, said: "Derek is a shining example of what's possible when you defy age-related limitations. His dedication and enthusiasm for yoga are truly inspiring.

“Our customers and staff absolutely love him - he brings such positivity and energy to everything he does.

“Derek proves that with the right mindset and support, people of all ages can continue to learn, grow and thrive through physical activity. Derek is a role model for our entire community, and we're honoured to have him as part of the Age is Just a Number campaign.”

The Age is Just a Number campaign, running from October into November, aims to challenge age-related stereotypes and promote active lifestyles among seniors.

By highlighting inspiring stories like Derek's, Everyone Active hopes to encourage more older adults to discover the rewarding benefits of regular physical activity.

For more information about Age is Just a Number, visit everyoneactive.com/promotion/ageisjustanumber.