Getting older is a privilege, but one that can come with many challenges. While we can’t prevent ageing, we can take action earlier on in life to help us to age in the best way possible.
Thinking of the word ‘ageing’ and your mind may conjure up images of frailty, walking sticks, or perhaps a well-used armchair. These kinds of pervasive stereotypes mean that, as a society, we’re often reluctant to talk about ageing – particularly in relation to ourselves. This can stop us from preparing fully for our later life and giving ourselves the best chance of ageing in good health.
At Age UK, we’re committed to transforming public attitudes to ageing and starting a national conversation about what it means to get older. That’s why we’ve launched Act Now, Age Better – and we’re kicking off our campaign by talking about staying active.
We’re living longer, and with the right choices, we can also live better
Lots of us are living longer than ever before, with the average life expectancy in the UK now standing at 78.8 years for males and 87.8 years for females. However, many people in the UK spend the later years of their life in poor health.
Of course, not all illness is avoidable – but it may be possible to reduce the risk of health problems by taking earlier action. While genetics influence how we age, our daily habits also play a crucial role.
Staying active is an investment in the future - a bit like paying into a physical pension plan.
One in six deaths in the UK is linked to physical inactivity. That’s why making movement a part of our daily lives is so important. It’s not always easy: finding time for fitness in busy schedules is a challenge – particularly for those in mid-life who may be balancing the demands of work, children and older parents.
But staying active now increases the chances of living the life we want later. It’s an investment in the future – a bit like paying into a physical pension plan. And through our campaign, we want to share simple, effective ways to move more that can work for modern life.
Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi shares the evidence for an active life
GP, personal trainer and health coach Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi is supporting Act Now, Age Better by sharing tips to help us get active and busting the myths about movement in later life.
Speaking about his motivation to support the campaign, Dr Hussain said: “10 years ago, I was 26kg heavier, sedentary, highly stressed, and diagnosed with fatty liver disease and high blood pressure. The turning point came when I realised how much my lifestyle was shaping my future – what kind of life would I have at 70 if I continued on that path?”
Having formed habits that have helped him prioritise physical activity in his own life, Dr Hussain has worked with Age UK to create a free, downloadable leaflet. “I’ve summarised the evidence behind longevity and shared practical strategies to help you train for your 70-year-old self,” he says.
Download your free Act Now, Age Better leaflet
Listening to the voices of experience
Our campaign wouldn’t be complete without hearing from those who’ve already reached later life. So we’re also sharing ideas and inspiration from people who’re in their 70s, 80s and beyond.
Like June, who takes a pragmatic approach to staying active, saying she does it “whenever the opportunity takes – it doesn’t have to be formal.”
I don’t use a car anymore; I have to carry shopping. And that is weight training, if you like, without using actual weights. It’s all good exercise.
Trevor enjoys weekly line-dancing and karate sessions – a great way to stay active and keep up social connections, which research shows can influence how well we age. “The next morning things ache, but it’s a good ache! The trick is to do things within your ability,” he says.
Movement works wonders
Movement is our secret weapon to staying strong. Building fitness, strength and balance now can act as a buffer against ageing, helping us stay independent for longer. It can give us:
- A sharper mind: regular movement can cut dementia risk.
- A stronger heart: regular exercise lowers cardiovascular disease risk.
- Better balance, with fewer falls: regular movement reduces fall risk.
- A healthier metabolism: staying active reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Being active needn’t feel like a chore nor a challenge. Small changes can make a big difference, and the main thing is to be consistent.
Top tips for ageing better
Get practical tips to build movement into your daily life.
Home is the perfect place to get active
We’re delighted that our partner Dunelm have come on board to support the Act Now, Age Better campaign, by showing that home is the perfect place to start getting active. Visit your local store to see the campaign in action.
You don’t need a fancy gym membership, or even any equipment to get moving. Focusing on what’s known as ‘functional fitness’ means you can build strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, all by opting for full-body moves that help you do day-to-day activities.
That might look like push-ups against the wall to build strength, squats while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil to help you stay flexible through your hips, or standing on one leg in front of the TV during the ad breaks to increase balance.
Functional fitness
Visit our functional fitness page for more examples of simple, full-body movements.
It’s never too late to start
It can feel daunting to begin a new habit, but the incredible benefits of physical activity during the ageing process mean there’s never been a better time to start moving more than right now.
“Every step, pedal stroke, paddle, dance move, and even bit of housework counts towards a healthier, stronger future,” says Dr Hussain. “Let’s shift the mindset from exercise as obligation to movement as empowerment. Let’s change how we age.”
