Act Now, Age Better: Your Next Move
Published on 30 April 2026 01:39 PM
We're living longer, and with the right choices, we can also live better...
Whilst we can't prevent ageing, we can all take action to help us age well, our way. Regular movement is one of the most powerful tools you have to feel your best now and protect your future health, a bit like paying into a physical pension plan. Movement can cut your risk of dementia, lower cardiovascular disease, reduce depression and decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes. Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be a stimulating hobby, a social opportunity, or even a simple integration into your day-to-day life by choosing to walk more instead of getting transport. Whether you bolster your brain through team sports, keep your heart healthy by walking or build balance with yoga, you’ll be making the right move.
Age UK Gloucestershire can help you take the right steps towards a healthier lifestyle; we can tell you about your local fitness opportunities. To keep up-to-date with ways to age well your way, subscribe to our Age Better eBulletin for community news, updates on our services, and ways to get involved.
What is Act Now, Age Better?
Our Act Now, Age Better campaign highlights how adopting healthier lifestyles earlier on in our lives could increase our chances of a rich and full later life - even just small steps can make a big difference. So let’s change how we age by making the move to a more active life.
It’s never too late to start. Simple but sustained steps can lead to major benefits as we age, giving us the boost in energy and mood to keep up with the demands of modern life. Lots of us are living longer than ever before, with the average life expectancy in the UK now standing at 79.1 years for males and 83 years for females, so it’s important to secure the healthiest later life we can. By being active, you could have a sharper mind, better mood, a stronger heart, healthier metabolism, balance and stronger bones. It can also help to prevent or delay the likelihood of developing a long-term condition. It all starts now, with your next move.
Find your Fitness...
Cardiovascular - for a healthier heart and improved blood circulation
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Cricket |
Helps build coordination, balance and stamina, improves strength and cardiovascular fitness. |
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Cycling |
A great way to prevent age‑related muscle loss, supports your immune system to work effectively, and lowers blood pressure to sustain healthy cholesterol levels. |
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Running |
Strengthens your heart and lungs, improves bone health, and reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes. |
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Swimming |
Keeps your heart healthy, and builds full‑body strength and flexibility - which help reduce your risk of falling. |
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Walking |
Improves heart health and keeps your blood pressure in check, builds balance, and can help boost your mood. |
Resistance - for muscular fitness, strength and endurance
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Boxing |
Builds upper‑body and core strength, improves balance, endurance and focus, and easy to adapt to any level of fitness. |
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Cross-fit |
Trains all major muscle groups to reduce the risk of falls and frailty later in life, strengthens muscles, and supports joints. |
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Football |
Increases muscle and bone strength, lowers blood pressure and reduces body fat, and is a great way to improve your overall fitness and endurance. |
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Mountaineering |
Improves balance, mobility and stamina, which can help reduce your risk of falling, lowers blood pressure, and can help improve your mental health. |
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Nordic Walking |
Engages 90% of your muscles, improves your overall fitness, builds stamina and can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and can help improve anxiety. |
Balance - for improved joint control, motor skills and agility
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Badminton |
Provides short bursts of activity – great for your heart and your metabolism, which can help you live longer. Keeps you agile and gives your brain a workout too! |
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Bowls | Playing regularly can improve balance and functional mobility, reducing the risk of falling as you age. |
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Tennis |
Improves coordination, builds muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness, and is a great way to stay connected socially. |
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Table Tennis |
Builds strength and helps keep bones healthy, good for overall physical fitness. For those with Parkinson’s, it’s been shown to help improve motor skills and balance. |
Wellbeing - for mood improvement, confidence and focus
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Group Exercise Classes |
Exercising with others can help reduce anxiety and keep you socially connected. |
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Dancing |
Improves coordination, balance and posture. Movement to music lifts mood, reduces stress and stimulates memory. |
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Hiking |
Improves heart health and keeps your blood pressure in check, builds balance and can help boost your mood. |
