Keeping Fit As You're Getting Older

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There is an extraordinary amount of evidence demonstrating the benefits of being active in later life. Despite this, in 2010, the National Centre for Health Statistics found that 1 in 3 adults who had visited a doctor or other health professional within the last 12 months had been advised to increase the amount of exercise they do for health reasons. With exercise becoming increasingly prescribed, it begs the question: why are so many older individuals struggling to find a routine that suits them? 

In this piece, I’d like to shed a little light on my experiences and the different ways that I’m keeping fit in later life. Beginners are welcome!

However, when taking part in outdoor exercise, it is worth remembering that as we get older our immune systems weakens, which greatly increases our susceptibility to colds and flus. This process, called immunosenescence, is unfortunately something we all have to go through. This means that it is of paramount importance that we look after ourselves – particularly when exercising outside in harsh winter months. Even for walking, older keep-fitters should invest in specialist clothing for outdoor activities that have been engineered for protection against the natural elements. Hi-tech walking shoes and practical all-weather clothes by brands like Musto or North Face will protect you well and are also versatile enough to be used across a range of exercises.

Getting Motivated

A challenge many older exercisers face is motivation. Typically, an “exercise buddy” is recommended for those suffering from a lack in willpower, but with work and family priorities often taking precedent over exercise, many among the older generation find themselves alone in their exercise schedule, leaving them isolated from other motivated movers and in some cases, quite distant from their friend groups.

Here, joining a community exercise group can serve double duty: exercising in groups has been proven to have a positive effect on improving health, with plenty of likeminded people to motivate each other; and, for people who are more cut off from their friends, it offers the opportunity for them to form and build new relationships and reduce loneliness. The studies that link loneliness to poor mental health are never-ending. In fact, loneliness is increasingly linked to depression and high mortality rates. As such, exercise groups are an incredible solution to improving both mental health and physical health at once.

Walking

Walking is moderate exercise that people of all abilities can partake in. After all, you’ve been doing it for quite some time by now. Walking is hugely beneficial for the brain as a study by the BBC demonstrated - in which, they found that exercise – and walking in particular – can significantly enhance activity levels in the brain. A hugely popular type of walking is rambling; the Rambler’s Association in the UK boasts over 107,000 members with around 500 groups nationwide with walks taking place in the countryside and are open to be joined by people of all ages. 

Bike rides

Cycling is another popular low impact exercise, perfect for older individuals. 'Low impact' means that the action or sport typically exerts far less stress on your joints, in this instance due to the smooth circular motions of pedalling. Now, with thanks to new technology, taking up cycling has never been easier. Electric bikes can give you the extra boost, which is great for those who want to ease themselves into cycling. Cycling UK, have reported that cycling can actually increase life expectancy by around 2 years. 

Sailing 

Sailing can be tough, so is usually better suited for fitter individuals. But, for those up to the challenge, sailing is a great way to build strength and agility. Alongside the physical benefits, sailing encourages communication and interaction, which as we’ve discussed before, are other great ways to combat loneliness in old age.

There are plenty of ways one can get up and go, the health benefits alone should be enough motivation to encourage movement. Being proactive about your health by combining low impact exercise and social activities can reduce health complications in later life and promote good well-being.