- · Many Scots in their 70s remaining fit and active with regular exercise classes, gym visits and walks
- · 70 + year olds do on average 2.8 hours physical activity a week
- · 32 per cent of older non-exercisers confess they have no reason not to
- · Royal Voluntary Service says it’s possible to get in shape in later life and never too late to be active
- · Ambassador Elaine Paige reveals why getting older won’t slow her down
Hundreds of thousands[1] of Scotland’s exercise conscious elders are giving younger people a run for their money by hitting the gym, striking yoga poses and playing sports at 70+.
According to Royal Voluntary Service research, 81 per cent of over 70s in Scotland regularly exercise with walking, playing a sport and swimming all proving popular choices. The charity, whose volunteers run a broad range of activities to help older people stay fit and active whatever their fitness and mobility level, strongly believes regular exercise is vital to ageing well.
The study, which assessed the fitness levels of older people, found the average 2.8 hours of physical activity they do on a weekly basis – whether it be an exercise class, housework or gardening – is standing them in good stead. More than half of over 70s (57 per cent) say they can touch their toes, 82 per cent can stand on one leg for 10 seconds and 79 per cent have no problem walking a mile or more.
Many also recognise the value of staying physically active with 81 per cent saying they believe it’s important to look after yourself as you age and two thirds (67 per cent) agreeing they are responsible for their own wellbeing.
The research found regular exercisers aged 70+ saw notable benefits from keeping fit, both physical and mental. 43 per cent feel more flexible, 33 per cent have more energy and 25 per cent feel stronger. Half also say they feel happier (51 per cent) and more positive (56 per cent) as a result and nearly one fifth (19 per cent) find exercise helpful for dealing with conditions like depression and anxiety. One in ten (10 per cent) said regular exercise helps them cope better with loneliness.
Not all over 70s are able to exercise regularly. 39 per cent of non-exercising seniors surveyed in Scotland have long-term health conditions preventing them from doing regular physical activity. However, nearly a third (32 per cent) admit there is no reason for them not to exercise.
Royal Voluntary Service wants to encourage and inspire more older people to stay physically active. The charity’s volunteers run a range of activities to help older people improve their fitness from chair-based exercise dance clubs to walking groups, yoga and tai chi. Supported by funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, there are clubs and social activities to suit all interests and levels of fitness.
According to a recent study published in The British Medical Journal[2], middle aged and older people can increase their fitness level to that of an average person a decade younger by regular exercise. The article also highlighted a growing body of evidence that fitness improves cognitive ability and the risk of dementia, referencing the benefits of gyms, walking groups, gardening, cooking clubs, and volunteering in improving the health and wellbeing of people at all ages with long term conditions.
Catherine Johnstone, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service said: “The science is compelling. The process of ageing is not fixed, you can change your trajectory and even if you start to gently exercise in your later years you will reap health dividends.
“Exercise in later life doesn’t have to mean joining the gym or playing sport, although many older people enjoy this kind of exercise well beyond their 70s. What’s important is to find activities that you enjoy, that are social and that you are happy to do regularly, like joining a dance, tai chi or yoga class, getting a group of friends together for a weekly walk or even volunteering in your local community. There are good reasons to don your trainers and give it a try.”
Royal Voluntary Service Ambassador Elaine Paige, 70, has not let getting older slow her down and still enjoys a busy social lives and professional career. She said: “Life doesn’t have to slow down as we get older. In fact, our health, wellbeing and quality of life can be greatly enhanced by keeping busy, active and social.
“I love meeting up with friends, I enjoy playing tennis and taking long walks and of course I’m still performing and working. There are so many options available to older people it’s just about finding something you love that you will enjoy doing.”
Clara Govier, Head of Charities/Deputy Managing Director at People’s Postcode Lottery said: “There’s no age limit on being fit and active and any of us can make a decision to get fitter. There are many different ways to be active and players of People’s Postcode Lottery make it possible for Royal Voluntary Service volunteers to run hundreds of social and other activities for older people across the country.”
Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with over 25,000 volunteers supporting thousands of older people each month in hospitals and the community. The focus is on building confidence, improving well-being and keeping loneliness at bay through an array of social activities and more structured support. The charity is also one of the largest retailers in the NHS, with its network of cafes and shops providing a valued haven in hospitals.
To find out more about local Royal Voluntary Service clubs and activities for older people, visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.
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