New research by Age UK reveals that three quarters (74%) of adults aged between 50–65 (equivalent to 10 million), worry about staying healthy as they age, and two thirds (65%) or 9.2 million worry about losing their independence as they age.
When asked how they feel about how physically active they are, 6.6 million (47%) said they felt that they don’t do enough or don’t do any physical activity.
While many adults are taking positive steps to age better, misconceptions and barriers to participation in physical activities are holding others back, threatening long-term health outcomes.
Age UK has launched a new preventative campaign “Act Now, Age Better”, which hopes to start a national conversation about how becoming more physically active in midlife can ensure a happier, healthier, more independent later life.
The knowledge gap
Alarmingly, the analysis shows that over half (54%) of adults aged 50-65 equivalent to 7.6 million in the UK substantially underestimated (by 20% or more) the recommended weekly guidelines for physical activity which include at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, aiming to combine this with muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.
This lack of awareness could lead to missed opportunities for preventative health benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mobility, and fostering good mental health.
With an ageing population everyone is living longer but not necessarily living longer in good health. With the right choices in midlife, we can help ourselves to maintain a healthier later life. Simple steps in our 50s and 60s can lead to major benefits down the road.
Paul Farmer, CEO at Age UK, said: “Age UK’s first major campaign aimed at people aged between 50 and 65 is driven by a major concern for the country’s physical and mental wellbeing as we age.
“Yet evidence shows that being more physically active, in whatever way works for us, and within our own capabilities, is great for our physical and mental health. Even a small amount of movement can make a big difference. Making regular physical activity a key part of our routine is one of the best ways to stay well and therefore sustain our health, wellbeing and independence in later life.”
Encouraging trends
Despite this knowledge gap, there are encouraging signs of progress. Of the 30% of people who increased their physical activity in the past year, 63%, equivalent to 2.7 million, did this for their physical health:
• 54% for mental health benefits
• 50% to lose weight
• 46% for better mobility
• 40% to enhance their chances of ageing well
These statistics highlight a growing awareness of the importance of staying active, particularly in promoting long-term health and independence.
Barriers to physical activity
However, barriers persist for many in this age group. Women, people on lower incomes and those with disabilities are less likely to say they are active enough and were more likely to say they felt discouraged from being physically active.
Age UK’s poll shows the common challenges include:
• Health issues (22%) preventing participation. Out of those, 26% were women compared to 18% of men, and 12% of those living comfortably on their present income, compared to 47% of those finding it very difficult to live on their current income.
• Feeling unfit (19%). Out of those 22% were women, compared to 17% of men, 27% had a disability, compared to 14% without, and 12% of those living comfortably on their present income, compared to 28% of those finding it very difficult to live on their current income.
• Fear of injury (13%). Out of those 18% had a disability compared to 10% without, and 8% of those were living comfortably on their present income, compared to 27% of those finding it very difficult to live on their current income.
• Lack of time (18%). Out of those 25% of Black people, compared with 24% of Asian people, and 17% of White people.
• Cost concerns (11%). Out of those 13% were women, compared to 9% of men., 14% had a disability, compared to 9% without, and 1% of those living comfortably on their present income, compared to 23% of those finding it very difficult to live on their current income.
• Embarrassment (9%). Out of those 11% were women, and 7% were men, 16% were LGBT+ and 9% of others. 12% of people had disabilities and 7% of people without. 6% of those were living comfortably on their present income and 14% of those finding it very difficult to live on their current income.
• Or intimidation (6%). Out of those 14% were LGBT+ compared with 6% of others. 9% of people had a disability compared to 5% without. And 11% were carers compared to 5% of non-carers.
Sadly, 4% of respondents believe it’s too late to make a difference and 5% say they’re too old, underscoring the need for messaging that emphasises the lifelong benefits of starting or maintaining an active lifestyle.
The case for staying active after 50
Paul Farmer continued: “It’s never too late to start. Physical activity is one of the most impactful steps individuals in their 50s can take to ensure a healthier future and a chance to maintain independence. Exercise improves strength, mobility, and mental health, and it reduces the risk of conditions like heart disease, frailty, diabetes, arthritis and some cancers.
“Research shows that even small increases in physical activity can have significant effects on overall health, mobility, and mental well-being, providing a strong foundation for ageing well.
“This means that people with long-term illnesses or disabilities can also feel the benefit from moving more – getting active looks different for everyone. It is also important not to become overwhelmed by the idea of finding the time to become physical active. Being active doesn’t mean you need to buy the latest trainers, join a gym or sign up to a dance class. If you are working from home in an office or busy caring for someone, you will have been active simply by engaging in basic daily activities.
“Small, consistent changes will have a significant impact over time, leading to more energy, greater independence, and fewer health concerns in the future.”
Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer said: “In the CMO 2023 annual report on the theme of health in an ageing society, we explained that to help older people to maintain their independence we need to take measures to prevent, delay and minimise disability and frailty.
“We also included evidence demonstrating the beneficial effects of exercise, proposing that this should be one of our main preventive strategies for maintaining health into older age and for counteracting frailty-related physical impairment.
“I am therefore delighted that Age UK is launching a campaign targeted at people in mid-life that encourages them to be physically active and I wish the charity success with its important initiative.”
The campaign is backed by Age UK celebrity supporters
Dame Helen Mirren, Age UK ambassador, said: “Whatever you may think about ageing, it’s something we must all try to embrace rather than fear.
“This is why I’m supporting Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign, they’re encouraging everyone in their 50s to make little changes now to help them later on in life. It doesn’t have to be joining a gym; it can just be small changes like taking a short walk or yoga which I still enjoy. It’s never too late to start doing something, so why not give something a go while you’re younger?”
Denise Welch, Age UK ambassador, said: ”It’s never too little and it’s never too late to help make a difference. Your future self will thank you.”
Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign raises vital awareness of the importance of making small changes in midlife to help improve the quality of our later years. For more information, visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/actnow.
