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Staying active as you get older
Getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop being active. Keeping active is good for both your mind and body. In fact, exercise can be as effective as medication for mild to moderate depression.
There are many ways to become more active, including on your own or with others. Whether it’s walking, dancing, or gardening, find something you enjoy and start small – every little bit helps.
Leeds has many places for older people to exercise, including leisure centres, parks, and programmes for people with health conditions:
- Active Leeds: Offers a variety of activities for older people, including Age Friendly programmes, gyms, fitness classes, and swimming. They also have programs for people with health conditions, such as Keep Moving, a low-impact exercise class.
- Age UK Leeds: Hosts regular wellbeing and exercise events, including a new Moving with Confidence programme.
- Parks and green spaces: Leeds has plenty of green spaces for activities like walking, cycling, and games.
- Falls Prevention Postural Stability Classes: A structured program for people at risk of falls that includes chair-based and standing exercises to improve strength, balance and co-ordination.
- Leeds Encouraging Activity in People (LEAP): Provides personalised support to people with health conditions who want to move more.
- Neighbourhood Networks: Locally-led organisations that help older people live independently and stay active in their communities.
- Older Wiser Local Seniors (OWLS): Help seniors in Burley, Hyde Park, Little Woodhouse, Headingley, and Kirkstall stay healthy and independent.
For more tips and ideas, visit our Exercise and Move Your Way section or download our Move Your Way resource for advice on moving more at home and outdoors.
Moving more if you have persistent pain
People who have pain will often reduce their levels of exercise but we know that inactivity actually leads to increased weakness, tiredness and muscle pain. For most people, getting fitter and moving more can improve the quality of their life.
It is important to know how to get active effectively. Some people can get stuck in a pattern of pushing through the pain, doing too much and then having to rest for too long. This often leads to increased flare ups of pain and an overall reduction in activity levels.
It can be hard to be active when you have a disability or a health condition. There is lots of useful information on the NHS website about getting active if you have a disability or health condition.
It might be helpful to focus on finding accessible activities and classes or look at our Exercise Videos which include exercises for people with specific health conditions.
If you would like more support with managing your persistent or chronic pain, please visit your GP who can make a referral to the Leeds Community Pain Service.
Connect through regular social and wellbeing activities
Take a step towards prioritising your mental wellbeing and explore the diverse range of wellbeing groups and activities available online or in your local community, including:
- Regular wellbeing groups and activities
- Creative groups and activities
- Physical exercise groups and activities
- Outdoor groups and activities
- Peer support groups
Connect through volunteering
Volunteering can help you feel less lonely and more connected with others. Studies have shown that it boosts mental wellbeing and helps create a sense of purpose.
Explore our volunteer section for ideas on how to get involved. Or why not volunteer with MindWell and apply to become a MindWell Champion!
Ageing Well in Leeds report by Leeds City Council
A recent report asked over 900 people aged 50 and over, plus 150 professionals, about their experiences of ageing in Leeds. It showed how important it is to be active, stay connected with others, and look after your health physical and mental health.
You can read the full Ageing Well: Our Lives in Leeds report by Leeds City Council or watch the video about it below.