Getting active has benefits way beyond your physical and mental health – it can also help you age well. We learn more
We often associate ageing with loss of mobility, increased risk of falls, ‘old age’ conditions like heart disease and dementia, and declining vision and hearing. If you already live with a disability or chronic health condition, the thought of growing older can be worrying, but it doesn’t need to be. Ageing doesn’t have to mean slowing down, or becoming more immobile due to your conditions. Because, according to the charity Age UK, while we can’t prevent ageing, we can all take action to help us age in the best way possible.
Modern science is helping people live longer, more active lives. Staying active into old age helps protect against a huge range of health issues, including memory loss and decreased bone density. What’s more, being active can help you enjoy life more and get the most out of it, whether that’s playing with your grandchildren or simply being able to bring the shopping in from the supermarket. As Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi explains: “Regular movement is one of the most powerful tools you have to protect your future health – a bit like paying into a personal pension plan.”
TICKING TIMEBOMB
However, research by Age UK has found that 24% of people aged 55-64 in England are physically inactive. That’s bad news for their future health, and a ticking timebomb for the health service. The charity’s Act Now, Age Better campaign is focusing on how crucial it is for everyone to embrace physical activity as a cornerstone of ageing well. Manoj Soma first got into disability sport after watching the Paralympics, but his interest in sport goes beyond the elite level. Since becoming involved in disability sport, Manoj – who was affected by polio at age two, and walks with crutches – recognises that engaging in physical activity has significantly changed the trajectory of his health and wellbeing.
ACTIVE BENEFITS
“Even in my early thirties I had a big belly,” Manoj says, “and walking was hard for me.” At this time, Manoj had a gym membership, but he rarely attended due to work pressures. However, since picking up sport, Manoj’s weight and Type 2 diabetes are under control.
The benefits he’s enjoyed from being active inspired Manoj to set up Choice International, a not-for-profit international development organisation providing opportunities for people of all abilities to engage in sports, including wheelchair basketball, tennis, and padel.
Even if you’ve never been into sport, any form of physical activity can have a positive impact on the ageing process. From competitive sports such as badminton, to fun activities like dance classes, or options that get you outdoors including handcycling or Parkrun, there are plenty of enjoyable – and accessible – options out there. According to Age UK, 45% of people aged 55 to 64 in England would feel happier about taking up a team sport or group activity if the focus was on fun, inclusion and enjoyment, rather than ability and competition. So where should you start?
There are plenty of organisations that can point you in the right direction. Check out Activity Alliance, a national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity, or Sport in Mind, which aims to transform the nation’s mental health through sport. There’s also We Are Undefeatable, which supports people with long term health conditions to be more active.
Movement also has positive effects on mental health, mood and sleep. For Manoj, sport is also about personal growth, mental relief, and community building. “Sport is something that invites you, makes you get up and go,” he says. His focus is on team sports, as they help foster a sense of belonging and accountability. He points out that, if someone on his team misses a wheelchair tennis match or training session, the whole team’s performance can be affected. “It helps you feel valued – people will check on you to see why you were absent, but you also realise how important you are as part of that team,” Manoj explains.
HELPING OTHERS
Staying active has amazing benefits for you, and can even benefit others too. One running duo, both aged 66, have raised thousands of pounds for disability charity Leonard Cheshire. In April, Jagjit Singh ran his 600th marathon by taking part in the London Marathon. Jagjit was joined by his good friend and fellow marathon veteran Arnie. Known as ‘the Turbanator’, Arnie began running in his early fifties and has completed more than 121 long distance races.
The pair’s fundraising efforts support disabled adults living at Symonds House, a residential care home in Hertfordshire, run by Leonard Cheshire. Jagjit says: “It’s great to complete my 600th marathon with my friend as a kind of celebration. Arnie has always encouraged me a lot, and I’m really pleased to run for Leonard Cheshire. Knowing we’re helping others gives us extra energy.”
While starting might feel daunting, taking part in regular physical activity offers so many benefits, especially as you grow older. As Paul Farmer, CEO of Age UK, concludes: “By focusing on fun, inclusivity and removing the pressure to perform, we can help people overcome concerns about ability or fitting in. The result is not just improved physical health, but greater confidence, connection and overall wellbeing.”
