Age Well

We are living longer than previous generations but spending more of our later lives in poor health. We want people to spend more years in good health.

Good health is fundamental to our quality of life, it allows us to remain independent, to work and be involved in our local community, to maintain relationships with friends and family, and to carry out activities that give us meaning and purpose.

Physical Health

Reasons to be Active

Moving more can help older people to stay independent for longer. It’s recommended that adults should:

Break up sitting behaviour
Be active everyday
Do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, every week AND
Strength exercises on two or more days a week that will work all the major muscles.

Evidence shows that physical activity can;

Improve the health of our heart and blood vessels, which can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease

Reduce the risk of some types of cancer (particularly breast and colon cancer), stroke and type 2 diabetes
Improve physical fitness – maintaining strong muscles and flexible joints can help us maintain independence for longer
Improve our ability to dress, clean, cook and perform other daily activities
Help to keep bones strong and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Social Health

The Benefits of Belonging to Groups

We also believe you can improve your health and wellbeing by being part of social groups. There is academic evidence to support this.

Groups give us a sense of meaning, purpose and belonging
They are an important source of support
They motivate us to do things that make a difference to our health and wellbeing.

This has been called the ‘social cure’.

Research has shown that if you are over 50 and join a social group, you cut your risk of developing conditions including depression and strokes. With every social group that you become a part of after retirement, your quality of life improves and your life expectancy increases.

We are bringing people together using the things they have in common – supporting the same football team, an interest in football, or living in or coming from the same community. Our Extra Time are Hubs are reaching more and more people. Find out about them here.