Being active
It's never too late to start being active.
Being active is one of the most important things we can do to keep enjoying life as we age. It can:
- Help you feel stronger, more energetic, and more confident
- Improve your sleep, lift your mood, and support your mental wellbeing
- Keep you connected with others and a part of your community
- Reduce your risk of falls, and enhance recovery from illness and injuries
Support weight management, reduce the risk of heart issues, cancers, breathing problems and diabetes
What does being active mean?
Being active doesn't mean you have to join a gym or run a marathon. It simply means moving more in ways that feel right for you.
That could be a gentle walk in the park, dancing in your living room, stretching while watching TV, or joining a local class with friends. You can start small, with achievable steps that help you challenge yourself bit by bit, but most importantly, find something you enjoy!
It is important to stay safe when out and about being active - for tips and advice on getting started with running or walking outside see our running and walking safety tips.
To get started, explore the options on Ready to Change or by using the links below:
Moving more
- We are undefeatable - Provides workouts, resources, and an app
- Fun and moving - A digital solution to medically approved routines
- Every Move - Provides 'low Impact' exercises such as Nordic Walking groups, walking netball, aqua aerobics and yoga
- Age UK Norfolk - under the diary dates, you can find details of activities such as walking groups
Strength and balance
- NHS balance exercises - Provides balance exercises approved by the NHS
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy - Provides videos, exercises and downloadable content
- NHS sitting exercises - Provides sitting exercises approved by the NHS
- NHS flexibility exercises - Provides flexibility exercises approved by the NHS
- Your Health Norfolk - Includes DVDs, digital downloads, and in-person classes
Falls prevention, bone health and reducing osteoporosis
- Active Norfolk - Active Norfolk falls prevention videos and exercises
- Age UK Norwich YouTube Page - Age UK Norwich Falls prevention exercise videos
Additional class finder
- Your Health Norfolk - Your Health Norfolk group classes
- Move it or Lose it! - Find a suitable class with Move it or Lose it!
- Moving Medicine - Activity finder for health conditions
- Age Space - Find gentle, social classes near you
- Norfolk County Council - More ideas to help you stay active at your own pace
- Healthy Fans - classes for over 55s at the Nest near Norwich
- EPIC Norfolk - Over 50s online exercise classes
Being active is also a part of the five ways to wellbeing - find out more at Take 5 to look after your wellbeing
