Rochdale woman proves age is just a number

Amplifon Old Or Not Old event host Kriss Akabusi interviewing Karen Conduit

A 63-year-old runner from Rochdale proved that age is just a number by taking part in the Amplifon Old Or Not Old Game, hosted by Olympic medallist Kriss Akabusi.

Karen Conduit was joined by fellow ‘silver sprinters’ at the event in Manchester’s Albert Square, when she took part in a 60m sprint alongside people half her age.

Karen competed against Christine Leathley, 69, and Katie Ogden, 33, to challenge the perception of ‘old’ people.

The retiree took up running at the age of 50 after taking part in a series of charity fun runs. She admits she ‘got the running bug’ and signed up to Rochdale Harriers on the couch to 10K training programme. Karen has since completed a couple of marathons, half marathons and numerous 10Ks.

She now enjoys running with the club twice a week, as well as longer runs on Sundays with friends.

Karen was presented with a medal by Kriss Akabusi and sport presenter Damian Johnson before having her photo taken with the sport celebrity.

Hearing specialist Amplifon is challenging public perceptions of ageing and celebrating ‘active agers’ – a new generation of over 60s who enjoy living life to the full.

Kriss Akabusi, who holds three Olympic medals, as well as world, European and commonwealth titles, said: “The Amplifon Old Or Not Old Games prove it’s all about adding life to your years, not just years to your life. All our runners are fantastic examples of a new generation of older people who want to continue living the life they love and stay active into their 60s, 70s and beyond.”

Daniela Cantale, Marketing Director at Amplifon, added: “Our ‘silver sprinters’ represent just a handful of the over 60s who are redefining what it means to grow older in 2018. This new generation is positive about the future and wants to continue taking part in the activities and pastimes they’ve always enjoyed.

“They understand that good hearing is key to maintaining an active social and working life and are keen to embrace the hearing technology that can help them achieve this.

“We want the new generation to continue doing the things they love and to rediscover the joys of sound – not to be held back by hearing loss.”