New research from Age UK shows that lack of confidence and self-perception are holding many 50–65 year-olds back from group activities and team sports.

As the nation gears up for a summer of sport with Wimbledon and the World Cup just weeks away, Age UK reveals new data, as part of its Act Now, Age Better campaign, showing that even though the health and wellbeing benefits of team sports and group activities are well known, confidence and self-perception are holding many people in midlife back from taking part.

With the UK’s ageing population, alongside a declining healthy life expectancy and increasing pressure on the NHS, staying active in midlife has never been more important.

However, Sport England’s Active Lives survey shows a quarter (24%; equivalent to 1.8 million) of people aged 55-64 in England are physically inactive (they do less than 30 mins a week of physical activity)

Age UK’s latest research adds to the growing evidence that shows people from the UK aged 50-65 report positive benefits after taking part in exercise classes, group activities or team sports. Of those surveyed:

• 23% (equivalent to 3.2 million) said they felt healthier
• 20% (equivalent to 2.8 million) felt happy
• 20% (equivalent to 2.8 million) said they felt motivated to take part again

NICE’s Independent Clinical Experts and Age UK believe that simple steps taken in our 50s and 60s can deliver major benefits later in life. Becoming more physically active or joining team activities can reduce the risk of long-term health conditions and frailty, improve mobility, boost mental health and help maintain independence.

The importance of physical exercise and its role in preventing onset of dementia, disability and frailty in later life was prioritised by NICE in 2015. In its guidelines on midlife approaches to reduce the risk of dementia, disability and frailty, it made a number of key recommendations aimed at commissioners, mangers and practitioners with public health as their remit. 

One of which is being more active, along with having a healthy diet, losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight.

However, there is little evidence these have been adopted in any meaningful sense. Age UK’s own recent polling showed only 23%, a quarter, of people over 50 said that their GP had spoken to them about physical activity despite being a key recommendation of NICE.

Confidence and fear of judgement remain major barriers

Sadly, the research shows that concerns about ability and belonging are widespread among 50–65-year-olds:

• Over a third (36%, equivalent to 5.1 million) worry they will not be good enough at the team sport or group activity. Women are more likely to feel this way (44%) than men (26%)
• A similar proportion (34%, equivalent to 4.8 million) worry about not fitting in because of their age. Again, women are more likely to feel this way (39%) than men (28%)

The survey also revealed a high percentage of people in this age group agreed that social factors and how competitive the environment they are playing in, are key to their participation in team sports or group activities.

Non-competitive environments and having support 

When thinking about team sports or group activities, certain circumstances may make it easier to join:

• Half (50%, equivalent to 7 million) agreed having someone to go with would make it easier to join a team sport or group activity. This is similar for both men and women with 52% of women compared with 48% of men agreeing
• Half (51%, equivalent to 7.2 million) agreed they would prefer a noncompetitive environment. 62% of women agreed with this, compared with 38% of men

Putting fun, inclusion and enjoyment first 

Nearly half in this age group would feel happier about taking up a team sport or group activity if there was less focus on competitiveness and how good they were at it:

• Overall, nearly half (45%, equivalent to 6.3 million) agreed they would feel happier about taking up a team sport or group activity if the focus was on fun, inclusion and enjoyment rather than ability and competition
• 48% of women agreed, compared with 42% of men

Low-pressure, inclusive formats could unlock participation

• More than a third (37%, equivalent to 5.2 million) said they would feel more comfortable in a low-pressure environment such as walking football or social netball.
• Women (39%) were similarly likely to agree with this to men (36%). 

Experiences of age-related discrimination

A minority (8%, equivalent to 1.1 million) feel they have experienced age-related discrimination or bias while taking part in group activities or team sports. This was experienced equally between both men and women (both 8%).

Age UK says it is vital to challenge outdated perceptions about age and physical activity and ensure that opportunities to take part in team sports and group activities are genuinely inclusive.

A clear opportunity to get more people active

Age UK’s earlier Act Now, Age Better findings show that mid‑lifers face multiple barriers to physical activity – from health concerns and fear of injury to lack of time and cost pressures. Many are part of the “sandwich generation”, balancing care for children and ageing parents, often at the expense of their own wellbeing.

Paul Farmer, CEO of Age UK, said: “By focusing on fun, inclusivity and removing the pressure to perform, we can help people overcome concerns about ability or fitting in. The result is not just improved physical health, but greater confidence, connection and overall wellbeing.

“Age UK would like to see all adults aged 50 and older start preparing for their health in later life as they would prepare financially with a pension. The message is clear: it’s never too late to make meaningful changes. By incorporating regular physical activity into daily routines, or joining a team sport or group activity, individuals can secure a healthier, happier and more independent future.”

For more information and to find out more go to: www.ageuk.org.uk/act-now