Marilyn Anthony is a new Ambassador for the North Yorkshire Age Friendly Network. Preparing for this year’s Age Without Limits Day, she has put pen to paper, talking about the significant contribution that older people make to community life in Filey. She writes:

“In the small coastal town of Filey, community spirit has become the answer to feeling overlooked. While people retiring to Filey are sometimes seen as adding pressure to local services, the reality is very different. Many are deeply committed to giving back – helping make life easier for others, staying active and connected through wellbeing activities, and playing a huge role in volunteering across the town.

Their contribution helps keep the town a welcoming and supportive place for everyone. It’s one of the reasons I decided to become an Age Friendly Network Ambassador, because I wanted to help challenge some of the assumptions around ageing and highlight the positive difference older people continue to make in our communities.

What’s particularly inspiring is that much of this energy comes from residents aged 65 and over. Far from slowing down, they are stepping up – creating opportunities, tackling challenges, and helping shape the town’s future.

Older residents are not simply recipients of support—they are leaders, organisers and changemakers. Their contribution shows that age is no barrier to making a difference.

For me, ageing without limits means continuing to have opportunities, purpose and a voice, whatever your age, and the people involved in these projects show exactly what that can look like.

Recognising the need for better local transport, local volunteers have even come together to explore the reinstatement of a community bus – showing not only initiative, but a real commitment to making sure people of all ages can stay active and involved in town life and can also get to doctors appointments as well as leisure activities.

These efforts challenge outdated stereotypes about ageing and show that we can tackle ageism by recognising and celebrating the contribution older people make every day, listening to their voices, and creating opportunities for different generations to work together.

In Filey, older residents are not simply recipients of support—they are leaders, organisers and changemakers. Their contribution shows that age is no barrier to making a difference. In many ways, experience, resilience and community knowledge are some of the town’s greatest strengths.”