Being Active As An Older Adult

It’s never too late to move a little more. Whether you want to get active at home, try a new local class or simply enjoy the fresh air, being active in any way in later life can make a big difference to your physical and mental health. 

Everyone has different needs and abilities so it’s important that you do what feels right for you. 

The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week for adults aged over 65. This averages to around 21 minutes a day! Whatever your age, whatever your ability, being active is possible for you. 

For adults over 60, reduced time being active has been linked to a lower quality of life. The good news? Even light activity can make an impact! 

What will you notice immediately after being active? 

• More energy to enjoy the rest of your day 
• Better, deeper sleep 
• Feeling less stressed or anxious 
• A boost in mood and confidence 
• A chance to meet new people and make friends 
• The sense of achievement from trying something new 

What will you notice over time? 

• Staying strong, steady and flexible which makes everyday tasks like going upstairs, shopping or gardening easier 
• Keeping your mind sharp and memory working well 
• Healthier heart and easing stiff joints 
• Reducing the risk of falls will help you stay independent for longer 
• Feeling positive about life 

Being active can seem rather daunting, but it doesn’t need to be! Whether you’re completely new to exercise or just looking for simple ways to move more in daily life, these top tips will help you get started and stay active.

• Start small – 5 or 10 minutes a day is a great place to start. Then you can build up from there.
• Find something you enjoy – walking, dancing, chair yoga, gardening… if you like it, you’ll keep doing it!
• Listen to your body – rest when you need to. You don’t have anything to prove.
• Mix it up – trying lots of different things is a great way to keep it interesting.
• Make it social – join a class or group and make new friends while you move

You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym to be active. There are lots of ways to add movement into your daily routine and reduce the time you spend sitting.

To move more at home, you can try: 

The Cuppa Routine

While the kettle boils, you can follow this 4-minute workout to get moving more throughout the day. Try the Cuppa Routine.

Tune into 10 Today

10 Today is a set of fun 10-minute, audio and video workouts intended to easily fit into your day. Tune in on the radio or watch videos online and start stretching and moving at home. Tune in now.

Later Life Training 

Later Life Training host live Make Movement Your Mission 10-minute workouts 3 times a day. You can join the workouts live by visiting their Facebook group.  Or, you can do them in your own time using the videos on YouTube. 

6 Simple Chair-Supported Exercises 

Expert physiotherapists have created a simple set of exercises for you to try to stay active at home. Try these exercises now.

To find even more exercises you can do at home, visit Being Active At Home.

To move more outside your home, you can try: 

• Walking to the shop, strolling through the park or getting off the bus one stop early 
• Taking the stairs instead of the lift or parking further away from the storefront 
• Make multiple trips when bringing the shopping in 

There’re so many ways to get active across Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Walking, gardening or chair-based yoga, whatever your interests or abilities, there’s something for everyone. Here’s just a few that may be right for you: 

Physical activities exist everywhere. Check: 

• Your local leisure centre. Many offer classes and swimming sessions at reduced prices for those over 60. 
• Your local community centre. There are always affordable, friendly sessions happening in these hubs.  
• Your supermarket’s noticeboard. You might spot walking groups, yoga session or other social clubs advertised. 
• Google. Whatever activity you’re looking for, have a quick search online. 
• The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Activity Finder. One place for physical activity opportunities. You can filter by price, time, ability, location and more! Visit the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Activity Finder now. 

Live Longer Better Hampshire 

A fantastic place for information and ideas to living life to the fullest as an older adult. Not only does it touch on physical activity, but falls prevention, staying connected and hydration. Check out the Live Longer Better site.