We believe it is never too late to become more physically active and benefit our overall health. Building and maintaining strength, balance, and mobility is the secret to staying independent and enjoying every moment of our later life!
Retaining our strength, balance, and mobility is important as we get older. They support us with daily activities like lifting, climbing stairs, and even standing up from a chair. Participating in regular activity as we get older can make a significant difference, helping us to move feely and easily through everyday life, keep our confidence when moving around and perform everyday tasks with more ease.
In the short term, physical activity can support us to clear our mind, improve our focus and concentration, reduce stress and anxiety, improve our memory function and boost our mood. Longer term, we increase our energy levels, increase our muscle strength, improve sleep, and reduce the risk of developing some long term health conditions.
Starting and staying active may mean different things to different people. Whether it's a countryside stroll, a group exercise class, or completing everyday activities, there is something for everyone.
What activity and exercise should I do?
Starting and staying active may mean different things to different people. Whether it's a countryside stroll, a group exercise class, or completing everyday activities, there is something for everyone.
Seniors can greatly enhance our wellbeing by engaging in just 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, spread over several days. Alongside this, it is recommended to incorporate two strength sessions to help retain our muscle strength and functionality. This might be lifting weights or completing resistance band exercises.
- Strong and Steady Exercise Classes - Free Worcestershire-based classes that aim to improve strength and balance, and help people feel more confident when out and about.
- 6in6 - at home plans developed by Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire to guide you through movements, step-by-step.
- Walking Sports - An adapted version of our favourite games. There are lots of opportunities locally including football, netball, hockey, rounders, rugby, and cricket.
- Health Walks - FREE, easily accessible, and local led walks. You can walk at your own pace, and you do not need any specialised equipment
You can find even more activities listed on our Activity Finder!
Should I speak to my GP?
It is a great idea to ask your health care professional at your appointment about what options are available for physical activity on prescription. This may be through your GP, Social Prescriber, Physiotherapist or another other service.
If it is something you are interested in exploring as a form of treatment, consider what sort of activities you would prefer. Activities can be as varied as you like! If you are unsure about specific activities, then have a think about what you would like to get out of the activities, types of things that you enjoy currently and this can help to highlight activities that may be better linked to your taste.
DISCLAIMER: Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise routine. Your provider can assess your health, recommend suitable activities, and address any underlying medical conditions. Listen to your body during exercise and cease any activity if you experience pain, discomfort, or unusual symptoms. Start slowly, progress gradually, and modify exercises as needed. Stay hydrated, warm up, and cool down before and after exercise.
