Over 50s Activities
Over 50s activities
The key to a long and health life is regular exercise and keeping active both physically and mentally. For the over 50s, there are many ways that this can be achieved. As well as the health benefits most exercise can be extremely enjoyable.
Walking
Walking is an excellent way to exercise and costs nothing! Most over 50s can spare 30 minutes a day to walk around the park or to the local shops and back. Every little helps. Many walkers choose to join walking or rambling clubs and attend regular guided walks. These organised walks are tailored for all ages and abilities. More information can be found at the Ramblers association
Cycling All forms of exercise are beneficial to the body but cycling is especially good for the over 50s because the bicycle supports the body during exercise which eliminates the impact injuries normally associated with other types of sport such as jogging. It’s never been safer to be a cyclist in the UK because of the National Cycle Network. This is a great network of cycle paths which covers the country with thousands of miles of traffic free lanes, paths, canal tow paths etc. According to the British Heart Foundation, cycling around twenty miles a week reduces the risk of heart disease to less than half that for non cyclists who don’t do any other form of exercise.
Swimming
Swimming benefits the whole of the body, especially the heart and lungs. One advantage of swimming is that if you suddenly get tired, you are only inches away from the side of the swimming pool unlike if you were walking or cycling where you may be miles from anywhere! An increasing number of leisure centers now hold organised water aerobic sessions which can be great fun as well as just a work out. |
Swimming is a form of exercise that can be undertaken at any time of the year regardless of the weather.