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Home Page > Leisure and culture > Sport and Physical Activity > Physical Activity Opportunities in Melton > Activities for the over 50s
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Activity for the over 50s

 
Taking part in regular physical activity is important for all age groups, especially for those aged 50+. Bring active will make a difference to your quality of life.

 

The benefits of physical activity include:

  • More energy
  • Sleep better
  • Better body shape and appearance
  • Increased self confidence
  • Meeting people and making new friends
  • Achievement- learning something new

Taking part in physical activity can also help to tackle health problems through the management and control of:

  • Type II diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Joint and bone problems e.g. Arthritis
  • High cholesterol

It can also reduce the risk of:

  • Heart disease and stroke
  • Some cancers
  • Falls and injuries

How much should I be doing?

 

For health benefits all adults should be achieving 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on 5 or more days a week

  • Moderate intensity describes any activity that makes you breathe slightly heavier and makes you feel warmer; you should still be able to hold a conversation at this level
  • You do not have to complete 30 minutes all in one go. You can break down the 30 minutes into three 10 minutes or two 15 minutes bouts throughout the day

What activity should I be doing?

 

There are specific activities that are beneficial for older people and which should be included in the 5 X 30 minutes of physical activity a week:

 

Stamina activities

  • e.g. Brisk Walking, aerobics, dancing, swimming, cycling or any other sports such as badminton or football
  • Stamina activities help to keep your heart, lungs and circulation healthy and in good working order.

Strength activities

  • e.g. Climbing the stairs, walking uphill, lifting and carrying the shopping, digging the garden
  • Strength activities maintain muscle and bone strength. Stronger, larger muscles also burn up more calories so can help you to keep a healthy weight. Strength activities will help with good posture and balance.

Flexibility activities

  • e.g. Gentle bending, reaching and stretching of muscle groups. Tai Chi, yoga, pilates, dancing, swimming and golf
  • Flexibility activities help to improve daily performance, reduce the risk of injury and also to help and maintain a full range of movement
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