Staying active as you get older can improve your health and quality of life.
Staying Active
Getting older is inevitable but coping with the stresses and changes that come with ageing is easier if you try to keep fit and healthy.
But just 30% of 50-64 year olds in the UK take enough physical activity. And people take less as they get older – only 6% of 65-84 year olds in England get enough exercise.
It is Never Too Late to Start
Active living is a way of life that incorporates physical activity into daily routines. You are never too old or too unfit to start doing everyday exercise.
The good news is that the greatest increase in health benefit is experienced by inactive people who start to take regular moderate exercise. Your health risks decrease as soon as you start to do more.
Everyday Activity
30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on five or more days of the week can help improve your health as well as your fitness levels.
Walking, cycling, gardening, using the stairs more, dancing and sport are all ways of being active and improving your health.
You do not have to take the activity all in one go - it can be split into 10 minutes, three times a day or 15 minutes twice a day. For more advice about exercise for the over 50s, go to 30 a Day Campaign.
Nifty after Fifty Directory
Nifty after Fifty is a local directory of classes and groups that offer opportunities to be physically active, specifically for people aged over 50.
You can search the directory online, on the East Sussex Downs and Weald NHS Primary Care Trust website.
The new updated 2007 directory is also available as a booklet, and covers the Eastbourne, Lewes and Wealden areas. It includes information on the benefits of physical activity for people over 50.
If you would like a copy of the printed booklet, please telephone 01273 403691. You can also download a Nifty after Fifty poster below.
