On 1st October, the International Day of Older Persons highlights the vital contributions of older people to society. The u3a movement, a UK-wide network of over 1,000 local groups and 400,000 members, champions active ageing through shared learning and community. A striking example comes from Sudbury u3a, where a powerlifting group led by Team GB powerlifter Melanie Lester is transforming lives by promoting strength, independence, and positive ageing.
A champion of active ageing
Melanie Lester, aged 71, once described herself as “unfit and unhappy.” She discovered powerlifting in her 60s and now competes for Great Britain, lifting 130kg. Her journey shows how older adults can improve health and confidence with the right support. The Sudbury u3a group she leads offers weekly sessions focused on safe, structured training to boost mobility and energy for daily life.
Members share their experiences
Barbara Roe joined the group after struggling with everyday tasks. She recalls: “I couldn’t press myself up on the side of the bath to get out. I thought if I strengthened my upper body, I’d be able to do that. When Melanie first offered the group, I put my name, and I’ve been going for about a year. The care that’s taken…Melanie is so careful with us all, and all my fellow u3a members are very careful with me. I really feel very nurtured. I don’t do very heavy weights, but I have a go at everything.”
Fellow member Nick Reed adds: “I’m quite happy in the group. I’d say to other people…give it a go. It’s not about lifting heavy weights. Melanie wants to make sure you’re doing the technique right. It’s not about the weight initially, but the technique. You think you’re just lifting a bar up or picking it up off the ground, but actually, it’s more complicated than that. I never realised. If you don’t do it right, you don’t want to damage your back, you’ve got to be really careful, the technique is correct.”
Building strength at any age
Melanie stresses gradual progress: “Whatever your ability, whatever your age, we can start somewhere, and you will improve. It’s not a fast process; it’s a slow process. You can’t suddenly get great guns and lift huge weights. It isn’t about lifting huge weights. It’s about being able to move properly and safely. The muscles will slowly come. Muscles are so important because they support your body, they support your back, and they support your hips. It really doesn’t matter when you start as long as you start. I am 71 now, so I didn’t start until my mid-late 60s. I’ve got ladies here, one is 84, 85 now, she’s been doing it for one year. So in your eighties: do it. There is no reason not to…Just start.”
Part of a wider movement
Since its founding in 1982, u3a has grown into a vibrant network that fosters social connections and personal growth for those no longer in full-time work. Members pay a modest annual fee to access activities from French to flute playing. Sudbury’s powerlifting initiative reflects u3a’s mission to empower older adults to explore new skills and build community.
The International Day of Older Persons serves as a reminder to support healthy ageing. Sudbury u3a’s powerlifting group shows that even in later life, people can gain strength, mobility, and confidence by starting something new.
