Join the Age Squatland challenge this August

The national charity for older people is encouraging people to get involved with a new fundraising activity challenge.

The ‘Age Squatland’ challenge, running throughout August, will encourage participants to complete up to 200 squats per day to help raise funds for Age Scotland.

The target of 200 signifies the fact that over 200,000 older people feel lonely all or most of the time, with many going a week without speaking to anyone.

All funds raised through the Age Squatland challenge will go towards the charity’s lifeline services, including the national 0800 12 44 222 friendship line.

Age Scotland’s Chief Executive Brian Sloan said:

“Our recent research further illustrated the impact the pandemic has had on older people, with an estimated 218,000 over 50s saying they feel lonely all or most of the time.

“The long-term effects of lockdown loneliness are precisely why it’s more important than ever that we continue tackling the issue head-on through services like our friendship line, which offers a place older people can turn if they are need of support or just want to hear a friendly voice.

“We hope the Age Squatland challenge will be a unique way for people to get involved, have some fun and raise all important funds to support older people and tackle loneliness and isolation across Scotland.

“Set your own goal by choosing between 50-200 squats a day, or simply pick a target that will push you out of your comfort zone. Whatever you choose, we hope to see as many people as possible joining the fun and feeling the burn this August.”

Fundraiser Maxine, who also works for Age Scotland’s About Dementia Forum, is going even further by taking on not one but two challenges – cycling 200 miles throughout July before completing the Age Squatland challenge in August.

With every donation, she’s asking for a song request to add to her cycling and squatting playlists that will help keep her motivated throughout the summer. She said:

“I wanted to challenge myself over the summer, and I know cycling 200 miles and taking part in Age Squatland will definitely do that.

“I know it’s a privilege to be able to take on a physical challenge like this – it’s a great way to push yourself and be active. I’m not the fittest person, but if I can do it – you can too!”

Maxine is calling her double challenge ‘Squat Girl Summer’ and has already raised over £200 for Age Scotland.

To sign up to take on the Age Squatland challenge, please visit www.age.scot/agesquatland.