People in midlife put off exercise for life by school PE lessons - as new Age UK campaign calls on Norwich to Act Now, Age Better
Published on 21 April 2026 07:40 AM
New research released today, as part of national charity Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign, reveals that negative early PE experiences are one of the barriers stopping thousands of those aged 50-65 from being physically active with the data showing that for many, this began decades ago as 710,000 people (53%) aged 50-65 in the East of England said they used to dread school PE lessons.
The campaign, which launches today, encourages mid-lifers to be active so they can live their best possible later life. With 450,000 mid-lifers in the East of England still feeling traumatised by PE lessons and 440,000 people aged 50-65 in the East of England put off exercise and sport for life by PE at school, Age UK, the national charity, is bringing together the world of sport, physical activity and movement, on a scale not seen before, to inspire and encourage mid‑lifers to give PE another go. And for those who used to enjoy it but may have fallen out of the habit, to rediscover the joy that sport can bring.
With sports groups now more inclusive, supportive and welcoming than they were 30-40 years ago, there’s never been a better time for mid-lifers to reconnect with fitness and find a community that truly embraces them.
That’s why the national Charity is working with over 40 sporting partners, including Badminton England, British Cycling, British Rowing, EFL in the Community, England Boxing, England Netball, Everyone Active, Lawn Tennis Association, Muslim Sports Foundation, Pickleball England, Rugby Football Union, Ramblers, Sport England, Swim England, Team England - the nation's Commonwealth Games Team and Women in Sport*, to help to bring sport back into people’s lives - but this time without the trauma – and to help them find an activity that suits their goals and their lifestyle and most importantly something that they enjoy!
The new research shows that many mid‑lifers are still held back by the emotional baggage of school‑day PE, with millions across the UK remembering feeling self-conscious about their body (40%) or being picked last for teams (40%), but Age UK believes that with the right opportunities and support, mid‑lifers can get active, connected and motivated for the long term. Act Now, Age Better is empowering those in midlife to let go of these past experiences and embrace this time in life by investing in their future. Sports activities have evolved significantly over the years, with better facilities and support, as well as a strong community spirit no matter what your background or experience, there has never been a better time to give it another go and discover the joy of moving in a way that works for them.
Despite the bad memories held by many, Age UK found that across the UK many in midlife do want to get moving, in terms of what would motivate them to get more active:
- One quarter (23%, equivalent to 3.3 million) said age specific classes or groups
- One fifth (19% equivalent to 2.6 million) said more beginner only sessions
- Almost one in five (17% equivalent to 2.3 million) said a more inclusive and welcoming feel to classes or groups
- Almost one in five (16% equivalent to 2.3 million) said increased accessibility of classes or groups
- Almost one in five (16% equivalent to 2.3 million) said the potential to make new friends
With 5.9 million (42%) in the UK anxious about joining a sports group or class at their age Age UK has teamed up with sports organisations across the country to offer mid-lifers inclusive activities, from beginner classes to age-specific groups. From 21st April and throughout the summer, the campaign will showcase a wide range sports and activities to try, with many of the sporting partners offering free taster sessions and a range of resources to make it easy for people to try something new.
Dan Skipper, Chief Executive at Age UK Norwich said
“Our Health Coaching and Clubs like Walking Football are key services, to support people to reconnect with physical activity and embrace new healthy ageing behaviours. Any life change needs help and support, and that’s what our qualified staff do.”
Act Now, Age Better is being supported by a number of sporting figures and health experts including Sally Gunnell, Mark Foster, Dame Denise Lewis, Gabby Logan, Sir Muir Gray, Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi and Dame Kelly Holmes.
Double Olympic Champion, motivational speaker and Age UK supporter, Dame Kelly Holmes, said: “The benefits of sport and exercise are endless. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a professional athlete competing on a world stage, or a busy parent who has just managed to carve out a few hours for yourself one evening a week to head along to your local netball group.
“It’s about self-care, making new connections, feeling team spirit, supporting mental health, getting outside and feeling strong and capable for as long as possible. Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign is a fantastic reminder of all those things and how important they can be for someone in midlife who is looking to increase their chances of living a better later life.
“It might feel like a small thing, or a task that can be shoved to the bottom of a never-ending to-do list, but trust me – it can make a world of difference.”
Sally Gunnell, Olympic Gold medallist and Age UK supporter, said: “I’ve been lucky enough to represent Great Britain and experience some incredible highs in my career, but for me, being active has always meant far more to me than medals or podiums. It’s about feeling strong in your body, clear in your mind and connected to the people around you. That feeling doesn’t end when the competitions do – it’s something we all deserve at every stage of life.
“That’s why I’m supporting Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign. You don’t have to be an athlete to get moving and it doesn’t have to feel daunting. It might be getting back into a sport you once loved or trying something completely new.
“I know from my own journey and from being part of a team, that taking that first step is often the hardest, but it’s also the one that changes everything. There are so many options out there from local exercise classes, to badminton and bowls, and cricket to pickleball, there has never been a better time to make your next move to step towards a healthier later life, and a small step today can make a real difference to how you feel tomorrow.”
Sports presenter, podcast host and Age UK supporter, Gabby Logan, says: “I think Act Now, Age Better is my current life philosophy. I exercise because I love it, it gives me a great feeling when I do it, I like being able to play lots of different sports and move well, but I’m also doing it to futureproof myself so that, when I’m in my 70s and 80s, I’m still as active as I can be. My motivation is to be able to play tennis with the grandchildren I haven’t got yet. So, I am completely aligned to this campaign.”
Act Now Age Better
As well as showcasing a variety of sports and group activities, Age UK is offering practical tips and ideas to help even the most sport-sceptical give movement a go. To find out more and download the Charity’s new information leaflet visit their website
Clubs
Our range of clubs & trips in local communities across the city are places where you can learn new skills, socialise with new people, and keep your body and mind active.
Act Now, Age Better Leaflet
Download our leaflet, written by Dr Hussein Al-Zubaidi, to discover how sport and activity can help boost your health as you age.