Skip to content
Please donate

Being active as you get older

A man doing exercises with a red ball at an exercise class

Our bodies were made to move

Getting older doesn't have to mean an end to being active. We can help you keep moving, whatever your age.

Being active is a great way to stay healthy – but what we’re able to do varies from person to person. It can change as we get older, too. The most important thing is to find something that works for you. Whatever you're able to do, we can help you get moving more so you'll feel better for longer – physically and mentally.

Getting started

I want to get active but find exercise difficult

We all know moving more is good for us. But knowing what kind of activity is right for you can be difficult – especially if you've just had a fall, an operation, or if you're living with a long-term health condition.

Get inspired

Want to get active but not sure where to start? Try out some of these simple activities that fit around your day to day. 

Staying steady

Worrying about falling or losing balance can make it harder to stay active as we get older. Here are a few things to think about when getting active. 

  • Preventing falls

    As we get older, lots of us may start to feel a bit unsteady on our feet and become worried about falling. The good news is there are lots of things you can do to stay steady on your feet and prevent falls.

  • Staying steady information guide

    Many of us may start to feel unsteady on our feet as we get older. Although most falls don’t cause serious injury, they can leave you shaken up. But there are simple things that you can do to help you avoid a fall.

  • How to look after your feet

    Problems with your feet and footwear can stop you getting out and about. They can also affect your balance and increase your risk of falling – so it’s important to look after your feet and make sure you're wearing appropriate footwear.

Or dive straight in...

Lots of local Age UKs run exercise classes – ranging from chair-based exercise sessions to ballroom dancing and Zumba! Enter your postcode below to find your local Age UK and see what they offer.

Find out what sort of exercise classes your local Age UK runs

Errors

  • Please enter a valid postcode

We Are Undefeatable

Life with a health condition can make getting active challenging, and some days it's not as easy to get up and go. But when you find something that works for you, a little bit goes a long way.

Age UK is proud to be part of the We Are Undefeatable campaign, helping to show that when you're living with a long-term health condition, every step forward is a step in the right direction. 

Whether you’re living with a health condition or supporting someone who does, finding little ways to move more throughout the day can make all the difference. Taking a few more steps on your walk or stretching during the advert breaks when you're watching the telly all adds up.

Not sure where to start?

We Are Undefeatable has lots of ideas, inspiration and resources to help you get started.

Visit their website

We're here to help

You can call our free Advice Line on 0800 678 1602, open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.

If you're experiencing a medical emergency or need urgent mental or physical health support, please call 999 or NHS 111.

Free interpreted calls are available through our partner Wordskii. Visit their website and choose your language to find the best number to call.

Stay up to date with the latest news from Age UK

Get regular updates on our information and advice, campaigns, and more.

Sign up to our newsletters

This content has been produced with the support of the Morrisons Foundation.

Become part of our story

Sign up today

Back to top