Tim Howe launched The Longevity Games in Swindon in 2024 as a community-driven fitness initiative aimed at helping adults of all ages and abilities improve their health, mobility and long-term wellbeing.
The Games are built around functional exercise. Movements mimic everyday activity such as squats, lunges, carrying, walking or running, rather than traditional sport or competitive performance.
Participants register at Novice, Intermediate or Proficient level so they can take part at a level that suits their ability. Events are held at several venues across Swindon, including the Delta Tennis Centre and Moredon Sports Hub.
New data from the project’s first full year shows that residents in their forties and fifties are driving a significant rise in interest. The initiative recorded 708 entries, with the 40 to 49 age group producing 229 of them. A further 188 entries came from those aged 50 to 59.
The 30 to 39 group accounted for 153 entries. Organisers say the figures suggest adults in mid-life are increasingly drawn to accessible, capability-based exercise focused on long-term health.
Civic involvement has become a developing theme. A growing number of councillors have taken part, often repeatedly, creating an unusual level of visibility around preventative health within local leadership.
Local councillors who have participated include Cllr Jim Robbins, Cllr Junab Ali, Cllr Stanka Wilson, Cllr Mike Davies, Cllr Leon Growther, Cllr Jamil Mail, Cllr Jason Mills, Cllr Leigh Jackson, Cllr Daniel Adams, Cllr Cheriee Adams, Cllr Jake Chandler, Cllr Repi Begum, Cllr Tom Butcher, Cllr Paul Dixon, Cllr Ravi Wenkatesh and Cllr Paul Park. Swindon MP Will Stone took part in the first Longevity Games event in September 2024.
Organisers report that several councillors have mentioned personal health changes, including reduced clothing size, changes in medication and progression between levels.
Retired public health physician Dr Celia Duff, a world champion in her Hyrox age group, has also been an early supporter. Celia said:
“As a 71-year-old retired public health physician, the idea behind The Longevity Games resonated immediately. Ageing well is about staying strong enough to manage everyday movements, and the Games offer a genuinely accessible way to measure that.
I have travelled from Cambridgeshire twice and have been blown away each time. The atmosphere is friendly, the encouragement is constant, and the three ability levels mean no one feels out of place. Every movement relates to real life, so it is a true test of functional fitness.
After an injury earlier in the year, the July event helped me see my recovery was on track. I am a huge fan of what Tim, Lee and their volunteers are creating. It is real community action with real benefit.”
The next Games is Sunday 1st Feb 2026 and you can find out more on their website.
