How To Stay Fit As You Age - Tonight
As we age, physical activity can help to protect our brain, heart and bones, as well as improving balance and energy. But a third of Brits over the age of 55 are physically inactive. So is it ever too late to get fit?
Tonight meets Dr Bradley Elliot, a Physiologist from the University of Westminster, who sets two volunteers; 62 year old Carol and 74 year old Jane a Tonight fitness challenge. Carol and Jane are theatre enthusiasts and take part in weekly group acting sessions. They both acknowledge the benefits to their well being of being part of the theatre group; reading helps to slow age-related cognitive decline, and social interaction boosts our mental health as we grow older. However, both women struggle with maintaining physical fitness and would like to do more with the aim of living independently for as long as possible.
Dr Elliot has designed a programme of activity for the two ladies to minimize the number of hours they are inactive in a day. He says they must aim to not sit down for too long, walk up and down stairs or escalators and park slightly further away if you go to the supermarket. He is hoping to prove it's possible for the two women to increase their levels of fitness in just 3 weeks.
With a rise in fitness related content on social media It’s estimated that 63% of gym users follow at least one fitness influencer. Tonight discovered 88 year old Mick, who isn’t your typical gym influencer.
Mick posts videos documenting his weight lifting routines and has become a social media star. He only began exercising at age 81 after his wife Margeret passed away. Since Mick’s videos have gone viral he has been contacted by superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold messaged to say he would like to introduce Mick to his team in America.
“Life doesn't get better than that, does it?” says Mick.
One man who has always found time to exercise is fitness guru Mr Motivator. He became a household name in the 1990’s with his breakfast TV workouts. Now, the 73 year old regularly visits care homes to help residents exercise from the comfort of their chairs.
In this episode Mr Motivator visited a care home in the North-West to encourage the residents to stay active as they age.
“I come to care homes because they're often the kind of forgotten groups of people. If I can put a bit of joy, a bit of laughter, a bit of fun into their lives, it makes me feel good.” - Mr Motivator.
The episode also features Morag, aged 71, who over the past 10 years has become an Aikido Black Belt. Tonight spoke with Morag about the importance of motivation and getting started with exercise as you age.
In the meantime Jane and Carol have finished the 3 week fitness challenge. The tests are complete and we wait to find out, has their grip strength and balance improved? Have they improved their cardio fitness and do they intend to continue building activity into their daily routine?
Useful links:
For more information on how to implement physical activity into your day to day life as you age visit the NHS website:
Additional information on exercises that you can do whilst sitting down:
Age UK - information on functional fitness and movement for better ageing visit:
Functional fitness – movement for better ageing
Age UK - additional Information on exercise and physical activity classes taking place near you:
Exercise and keep fit classes for older people | Age UK
British Aikido Board - for more information on martial art Aikido:
Be Great Fitness - for more information on nationwide seated exercise sessions in care homes visit:
For more information on the prime ministers plans for a new national care service, visit GOV.UK