Physical activity rates have increased amongst older adults across Herefordshire

Sport England's Active Lives Survey Data has shown that Herefordshire adults over the age of 55 have become more active since the survey first began.

The data shows that there has been an increase across Herefordshire and Worcestershire of older adults doing at least 150 minutes of physical activity from 52.25% in November 2015-2016, to 57.61% in November 2022-2023.

Herefordshire jumped from 52.1% to 57.2%, and Worcestershire rose from 52.4% to 58.02%.

This comes as part of a broader effort to promote positive ageing during Positive Ageing Week (30 September – 6 October), a global initiative celebrating older people.

Regular exercise, particularly strength-building activities, can play a crucial role in maintaining health as we get older. It helps reduce the risk of frailty, prevents falls, eases arthritis pain, improves sleep, and boosts both mood and memory.

The NHS recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, along with two sessions focused on strength and balance.

Recognising the importance of healthy ageing, Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire have teamed up with Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council to raise awareness about the benefits of staying active later in life.

Throughout Positive Ageing Week, they will be sharing tips, guidance, and resources across social media to help residents stay fit and independent as they age.

Dr Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire County Council and Cate Carmichael, Director of Public Health for Herefordshire Council, said:

"It's incredibly encouraging to see that more people are staying active in later life, as highlighted by this survey from Sport England.

"Maintaining physical activity is vital for everyone, but it becomes especially important as we age.

"Resistance exercises, in particular, play a key role in strengthening our arms, legs, and improving our balance, which are essential for our overall health and wellbeing.

"Maintaining PA is an important part of staying healthy for everyone, and sometimes we forget this includes older people. Strength and balance activities are the most important type of exercise to do as you age. It will keep your muscles strong, improve your mental health and can reverse problems such as frailty, and so keeps you living your best life. Unfortunately many older adults don't participate in PA and this is something we want to change through positive ageing week."

For more information about ageing positively, visit the Talk Community website.