New research shows 10 million midlifers worry about staying healthy as they age

New research by Age UK shows that three quarters of midlifers (adults aged between 50 – 65) equivalent to 10 million - worry about staying healthy as they age.

• Simple steps in our 50s and 60s can lead to major benefits.
  
  
•  Age UK’s new campaign ‘Act Now, Age Better’ hopes to start a national conversation about how becoming more physically active in our 50s and 60s can ensure a happier, healthier and more independent later life.
  
  
• Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer, and Age UK ambassadors Dame Helen Mirren and Denise Welch support new campaign.
  
  
• Age UK works with lifestyle medicine doctor, personal trainer and health coach Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi to create a new leaflet.

New research by Age UK released today reveals that three quarters (74%) of adults aged between 50–65 (equivalent to 10 million), worry about staying healthy as they age, and two thirds (65%) or 9.2 million worry about losing their independence as they age.

When asked how they feel about how physically active they are, 6.6 million (47%) said they felt that they don’t do enough or don’t do any physical activity.

While many adults are taking positive steps to age better, misconceptions and barriers to participation in physical activities are holding others back, threatening long-term health outcomes.

Today Age UK launches its new preventative campaign ‘Act Now, Age Better’, which hopes to start a national conversation about how becoming more physically active in midlife can ensure a happier, healthier, more independent later life.

The Knowledge Gap

Alarmingly, the analysis shows that over half (54%) of adults aged 50-65 equivalent to 7.6 million in the UK substantially underestimated (by 20% or more) the recommended weekly guidelines for physical activity which include at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, aiming to combine this with muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.

This lack of awareness could lead to missed opportunities for preventative health benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mobility, and fostering good mental health.

With an ageing population everyone is living longer but not necessarily living longer in good health. With the right choices in midlife, we can help ourselves to maintain a healthier later life.  Simple steps in our 50s and 60s can lead to major benefits down the road. 

Paul Farmer, CEO at Age UK, said: “Age UK’s first major campaign aimed at people aged between 50 and 65 is driven by a major concern for the country’s physical and mental wellbeing as we age.  Yet evidence shows that being more physically active, in whatever way works for us, and within our own capabilities, is great for our physical and mental health. Even a small amount of movement can make a big difference. Making regular physical activity a key part of our routine is one of the best ways to stay well and therefore sustain our health, wellbeing and independence in later life.” 

Encouraging Trends

Despite this knowledge gap, there are encouraging signs of progress. Of the 30% of people who increased their physical activity in the past year, 63%, equivalent to 2.7 million, did this for their physical health:

• 54% for mental health benefits
• 50% to lose weight
• 46% for better mobility
• 40% to enhance their chances of ageing well

These statistics highlight a growing awareness of the importance of staying active, particularly in promoting long-term health and independence.

Barriers to Physical Activity

However, barriers persist for many in this age group. Women, people on lower incomes and those with disabilities are less likely to say they are active enough and were more likely to say they felt discouraged from being physically active.

Age UK’s poll shows the common challenges include:

• Health issues (22%) preventing participation. Out of those, 26% were women compared to 18% of men, and 12% of those living comfortably on their present income, compared to 47% of those finding it very difficult to live on their current income.

• Feeling unfit (19%). Out of those 22% were women, compared to 17% of men, 27% had a disability, compared to 14% without, and 12% of those living comfortably on their present income, compared to 28% of those finding it very difficult to live on their current income. 

• Fear of injury (13%). Out of those 18% had a disability compared to 10% without, and 8% of those were living comfortably on their present income, compared to 27% of those finding it very difficult to live on their current income.

• Lack of time (18%). Out of those 25% of Black people, compared with 24% of Asian people, and 17% of White people.

• Cost concerns (11%). Out of those 13% were women, compared to 9% of men., 14% had a disability, compared to 9% without, and 1% of those living comfortably on their present income, compared to 23% of those finding it very difficult to live on their current income.

• Embarrassment (9%). Out of those 11% were women, and 7% were men, 16% were LGBT+ and 9% of others. 12% of people had disabilities and 7% of people without. 6% of those were living comfortably on their present income and 14% of those finding it very difficult to live on their current income.

• Or intimidation (6%). Out of those 14% were LGBT+ compared with 6% of others. 9% of people had a disability compared to 5% without. And 11% were carers compared to 5% of non-carers.

Sadly, 4% of respondents believe it’s too late to make a difference and 5% say they’re too old, underscoring the need for messaging that emphasises the lifelong benefits of starting or maintaining an active lifestyle.

The Case for Staying Active After 50

Paul Farmer continued: “It’s never too late to start. Physical activity is one of the most impactful steps individuals in their 50s can take to ensure a healthier future and a chance to maintain independence. Exercise improves strength, mobility, and mental health, and it reduces the risk of conditions like heart disease, frailty, diabetes, arthritis and some cancers.

“Research shows that even small increases in physical activity can have significant effects on overall health, mobility, and mental well-being, providing a strong foundation for ageing well. This means that people with long-term illnesses or disabilities can also feel the benefit from moving more – getting active looks different for everyone. It is also important not to become overwhelmed by the idea of finding the time to become physical active. Being active doesn’t mean you need to buy the latest trainers, join a gym or sign up to a dance class. If you are working from home in an office or busy caring for someone, you will have been active simply by engaging in basic daily activities.  

“Small, consistent changes will have a significant impact over time, leading to more energy, greater independence, and fewer health concerns in the future.” 

Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer said: "In the CMO 2023 annual report on the theme of health in an ageing society, we explained that to help older people to maintain their independence we need to take measures to prevent, delay and minimise disability and frailty. We also included evidence demonstrating the beneficial effects of exercise, proposing that this should be one of our main preventive strategies for maintaining health into older age and for counteracting frailty-related physical impairment.

"I am therefore delighted that Age UK is launching a campaign targeted at people in mid-life that encourages them to be physically active and I wish the charity success with its important initiative."

Age UK has worked with lifestyle medicine doctor, personal trainer and health coach, Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, to create a new leaflet showing some simple, effective ways to add more activity to our lives.

Dr Al-Zubaidi said: “Physical activity is the cornerstone of healthy ageing – it strengthens our bodies, sharpens our minds, and deepens our community connections. There is no other intervention with better evidence to support longevity. By embracing movement every day, we build the resilience needed to enjoy a fuller, more vibrant later life. As a Lifestyle GP and personal trainer, I have seen first-hand the impact physical activity can have when improving your health and, as a result, I’m proud to support Age UK’s ‘Act Now, Age Better’ campaign to encourage everyone to tap into this power of movement. We can all take meaningful steps towards leading a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.”

Call to Action

Age UK calls on all adults aged 50 and older to start preparing for their health in later life as they would prepare financially with a pension. The message is clear: It’s never too late to make meaningful changes. By incorporating regular physical activity into daily routines, individuals can secure a healthier, happier, and more independent future.

The campaign is backed by Age UK celebrity supporters:

Dame Helen Mirren, Age UK ambassador, said: “Whatever you may think about ageing, it’s something we must all try to embrace rather than fear. It’s no secret that for many, getting older will come with its complications – specifically there will likely be aches and pains along the way, getting out and about and living as independently as we’re used to in our younger years may not be as easy to do.

“This is why I’m supporting Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign, they’re encouraging everyone in their 50s to make little changes now to help them later on in life. It doesn’t have to be joining a gym; it can just be small changes like taking a short walk or yoga which I still enjoy.  It's never too late to start doing something, so why not give something a go while you're younger?" 

Denise Welch, Age UK ambassador, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how tough life can be as we get older and while there are some things that are always going to be out of our control, I’m a firm believer in the positive impact small changes in midlife can have on the quality of our later years. I'm not a big sports fan and never found one I like but recently I've started to play padel and I love it! It's fun and gets me running about.

“Not so long ago I had the pleasure of taking part in one of Age UK's local Walking Football groups and came away inspired by the people I met there. We were all over the age of 50 and while of course none of us were athletes, it was a chance to get moving out in the fresh air together – and I felt the benefits almost immediately. It certainly made me think about what I want my later life to look like - I really do hope I'm able to be kicking a ball around and scoring goals in 20 years' time! 

“Which is why I'm a big fan of Age UK's Act now age better campaign – it’s never too little and it’s never too late to help make a difference. Your future self will thank you.” 

Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign raises vital awareness of the importance of making small changes in midlife to help improve the quality of our later years. For more information, as well as advice and inspiration from Dr Hussain’s informative leaflet to healthier ageing, please visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/actnow.

The campaign is also being supported by Age UK’s partner Dunelm, the UK's leading homewares retailer, by helping Age UK start the conversation with their customers about ageing, both in-store and online, showing that home is the perfect place to start getting active.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

Kantar online polling of 2121 UK adults aged 50-65 conducted for Age UK between 13^th – 26^th March 2025. Population estimates are Age UK analysis of Kantar’s statistics, calculated using Office for National Statistics mid-year population estimates for 2023.

For the new leaflet to healthier ageing and resources on staying active, or to find out more about the Act Now, Age Better campaign here: www.ageuk.org.uk/actnow

Additional Data

The research by Age UK released today (29 April) reveals that three quarters (74%) of adults aged between 50–65 (equivalent to 10 million), worry about staying healthy as they age. Out of those:

• 78% were women compared to 70% of men.
• 82% of people had a disability compared to 69% of those without.
• 78% were carers and 73% of non-carers.

The research by Age UK released today (29 April) reveals that two thirds (64%) or 9.2 million worry about losing their independence as they age. Out of those:

• 73% were women, compared to 58% of men.
• 74% had a disability, compared with 60% of those without.
• 71% were carers, compared to 64% of non-carers.