Act Now Age Better Campaign

People in midlife have often been put off exercise for life by memories of school PE lessons. A new Age UK campaign calls on Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to Act Now, Age Better which is part of national charity Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign, which reveals that negative early PE experiences are one of the barriers stopping thousands of those aged 50-65 from being physically active with data showing that for many, this began decades ago as 440,000 people (33%) in East of England used to dread school PE lessons. 

What’s the campaign all about?  

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. That’s why Age UK launched Act Now, Age Better. We see every day the challenges that getting older can bring, particularly around health and wellbeing. We want to get people in mid-life (aged 50-65) thinking, talking and taking actions that are going to be help them in their years to come. 

Why this campaign matters  

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. However, many people in the UK spend the later years of their life in poor health. One in six deaths in the UK is linked to physical inactivity. Regular movement can cut your risk of dementia, lower cardiovascular disease, reduce depression and decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes. By being active, you could have a sharper mind, better mood, a stronger heart, healthier metabolism, balance and stronger bones through menopause – and it can also help to prevent or delay the likelihood of developing a long-term condition. It all starts now, with your next move. 

We’re living longer, and with the right choices, we can also live better. While we can’t prevent ageing, we can all take action to help us age in the best way possible. 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. Whoever you are, and whatever your lifestyle, there’s an activity for you. And the benefits to your long-term health can be incredible. Whether you bolster your brain through team sports, keep your heart healthy with swimming, improve endurance through strength training, or build balance with yoga, you’re making a move towards a stronger, healthier future. It’s never too late to start. Simple but sustained steps in your 50s and 60s can lead to major benefits later – and give you the boost in energy and mood now to keep up with the demands of modern life. So let’s change how we age by making the move to a more active life. Because if we act now, we can age better. 

Here are some local companies, activities and clubs you can join to get moving: