Exercise & Physical Activity Report

During July - September 2025, 145 older people in Redbridge completed our survey on exercise and physical activity.

We found that most respondents (84%) engage weekly in exercise or physical activity, while for 16% this is more occasional.

Of those not currently exercising or undertaking physical activity, half (49%) say they would like to, and an additional 35% might consider it. Just 6% say they would not.

Walking is clearly the most popular activity, with three quarters of respondents (74%) regular walkers. The next most-popular is exercise or dance classes (42%) with Zumba, Yoga, Tai-Chi and Pilates cited.

By some margin, social interaction is the greatest motivation to stay active (72%). Weight management (47%) and stress relief (46%) are also key factors.

On barriers to exercise and physical activity, the biggest issue, by far is health – with over half of respondents (56%) citing this.

Transport and cost are also significant issues (25%) along with a lack of motivation (23%).

The likelihood of a fall also significantly rises with both older age, and poor health, we found.

Click here to read the full report.