A new campaign from Age UK is calling on the nation to “Act Now, Age Better”
New research reveals that negative early PE experiences are one of the barriers stopping millions of those aged 50-65 from being physically active – and for many, this began decades ago as nearly half used to dread school PE lessons.
With 4.1 million mid-lifers still feeling traumatised by PE lessons and a similar number, Age UK is now bringing together the world of sport, physical activity and movement, on a scale not seen before, to inspire and encourage mid‑lifers to give PE another go.
And for those who used to enjoy it but may have fallen out of the habit, to rediscover the joy that sport can bring.
The campaign encourages mid-lifers to be active so they can live their best possible later life.
With sports groups now more inclusive, supportive and welcoming than they were 30-40 years ago, there’s never been a better time for mid-lifers to reconnect with fitness and find a community that truly embraces them.
The Charity is working with over 50 sporting partners, including Badminton England, British Cycling, British Rowing, EFL in the Community, England Boxing, England Netball, Everyone Active, Lawn Tennis Association, Muslim Sports Foundation, Pickleball England, Rugby Football Union, Ramblers, Sport England, Swim England, Team England – the nation’s Commonwealth Games Team and Women in Sport.
The aim is to help to bring sport back into people’s lives – but this time without the trauma – and to help them find an activity that suits their goals and their lifestyle and most importantly something that they enjoy!
The new research shows that many mid‑lifers are still held back by the emotional baggage of school‑day PE, with millions remembering feeling self‑conscious about their body (40%) or being picked last for teams (40%), but Age UK believes that with the right opportunities and support, mid‑lifers can get active, connected and motivated for the long term.
Empowering
Act Now, Age Better is empowering those in midlife to let go of these past experiences and embrace this time in life by investing in their future.
Sports activities have evolved significantly over the years, with better facilities and support, as well as a strong community spirit no matter what your background or experience, there has never been a better time to give it another go and discover the joy of moving in a way that works for them.
Despite the bad memories held by many, Age UK found that many in midlife do want to get moving, in terms of what would motivate them to get more active:
• One quarter (23%, equivalent to 3.3 million) said age specific classes or groups
• One fifth (19% equivalent to 2.6 million) said more beginner only sessions
• Almost one in five (17% equivalent to 2.3 million) said a more inclusive and welcoming feel to classes or groups
• Almost one in five (16% equivalent to 2.3 million) said increased accessibility of classes or groups
• Almost one in five (16% equivalent to 2.3 million) said the potential to make new friends
With 5.9 million (42%) anxious about joining a sports group or class at their age Age UK has teamed up with sports organisations across the country to offer mid-lifers inclusive activities, from beginner classes to age-specific groups.
The campaign will showcase a wide range sports and activities to try, with many of the sporting partners offering free taster sessions and a range of resources to make it easy for people to try something new.
Futureproofing yourself
Sports presenter, podcast host and Age UK supporter, Gabby Logan, says: “I think Act Now, Age Better is my current life philosophy. I exercise because I love it, it gives me a great feeling when I do it, I like being able to play lots of different sports and move well, but I’m also doing it to futureproof myself so that, when I’m in my 70s and 80s, I’m still as active as I can be.
“My motivation is to be able to play tennis with the grandchildren I haven’t got yet. So, I am completely aligned to this campaign.”
As well as showcasing a variety of sports and group activities, Age UK is offering practical tips and ideas to help even the most sport-sceptical give movement a go.
To find out more and download the Charity’s new information leaflet visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/actnow
