Older People and Physical Activity

Some Facts (Nationally)

  • Athletics CompetitionParticipation in sport declines with age, and by 2020 almost half of the UK population will be over 50 years old.
  • Regular lifestyle activity is particularly important for older people for the maintenance of mobility and independent living.
  • Strength-training exercises can improve muscle strength, which is important for tasks of daily living such as walking or getting up from a chair.
  • Physical activity and particularly training to improve strength, balance and co-ordination has also been found to be highly effective in reducing the incidence of falls.
  • Physical activity can help improve the emotional and mental well being of older people. It is associated with reduced risk of developing depressive symptoms and can be effective in treating depression and enhancing mood.
  • Physical activity may improve at least some aspects of cognitive function, which are important to tasks of daily living. It is also associated with reduced risk of developing problems of cognitive impairment in old age.

Some Facts (Kent)

  • There are currently over 111, 000 Kent residents aged over 75 years old.
  • The Kent FANS Scheme supports the county’s talented and elite sports performers of all ages and abilities. 26% of the Kent FANS Scheme membership is made up of people aged 40 years and over. This is a total of 111 out of 430 members.
  • 6% of the Kent FANS Scheme membership is made up of people 60 years and over. This is a total of 26out of 430 members.
  • The oldest Kent FANS member is an 83 year old masters swimmer.

NEWS

Kent gets Active – Active Kent website goes live!


Are you interested in becoming more active and healthy - not sure where to begin, or what is available where you live? If so, then Active Kent is the site for you! The site includes tips and information, not just on becoming more active, but on making successful lifestyle changes that will benefit both you and your family.

Visit: www.activekent.co.uk