People in midlife put off exercise for life by school PE lessons - as new Age UK campaign calls on South East to act now

New research from Age UK says 950,000 people in the South East used to dread PE lessons at school.

The charity says those bad experiences are still affecting many aged 50 to 65, with 560,000 still feeling traumatised.

A new campaign is now urging mid-lifers to become more active and enjoy healthier later lives.

With sports groups now more inclusive, supportive and welcoming than they were 30-40 years ago, there’s never been a better time for mid-lifers to reconnect with fitness and find a community that truly embraces them. 

That’s why the national Charity is working with over 50  sporting partners, including  Badminton England, British Cycling, British Rowing, EFL in the Community, England Boxing, England Netball, Everyone Active, Lawn Tennis Association, Muslim Sports Foundation, Pickleball England, Rugby Football Union, Ramblers, Sport England, Swim England, Team England - the nation's Commonwealth Games Team and Women in Sport*, to help to bring sport back into people’s lives - but this time without the trauma – and to help them find an activity that suits their goals and their lifestyle and most importantly something that they enjoy!

The new research shows that many mid‑lifers are still held back by the emotional baggage of school‑day PE, with millions across the UK remembering feeling self-conscious about their body (40%) or being picked last for teams (40%), but Age UK believes that with the right opportunities and support, mid‑lifers can get active, connected and motivated for the long term. Act Now, Age Better is empowering those in midlife to let go of these past experiences and embrace this time in life by investing in their future. Sports activities have evolved significantly over the years, with better facilities and support, as well as a strong community spirit no matter what your background or experience, there has never been a better time to give it another go and discover the joy of moving in a way that works for them.

Despite the bad memories held by many, Age UK found that across the UK many in midlife do want to get moving, in terms of what would motivate them to get more active:

• Almost a quarter (23%, equivalent to 3.3 million) said age specific classes or groups 
• Almost a fifth (19% equivalent to 2.6 million) said more beginner only sessions 
• Almost one in five (16% equivalent to 2.3 million) said the potential to make new friends 

With 5.9 million (42%) in the UK anxious about joining a sports group or class at their age Age UK has teamed up with sports organisations across the country to offer mid-lifers inclusive activities, from beginner classes to age-specific groups. From 21st April and throughout the summer, the campaign will showcase a wide range sports and activities to try, with many of the sporting partners offering free taster sessions and a range of resources to make it easy for people to try something new.   

Jo Clarke, Deputy Chief Executive at Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove said: “Many people think Age UK is just for those who are frail or need support, but we’ve got a huge range of clubs and classes that are open to anyone over 50. People can try things like pilates, spin classes, Zumba and martial arts in our centres. Our gym in Bognor Regis can cater to anyone, whether they are marathon training, or recovering from an operation. Why not see what’s on near you? Not only will you get the immediate benefits in midlife – you’re likely to stay spritely later on too.” 

Act Now, Age Better is being supported by a number of sporting figures and health experts including Sally Gunnell, Mark Foster, Dame Denise Lewis, Gabby Logan, Sir Muir Gray, Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi and Dame Kelly Holmes.

Double Olympic Champion, motivational speaker and Age UK supporter, Dame Kelly Holmes, said: “The benefits of sport and exercise are endless. It’s about self-care, making new connections, feeling team spirit, supporting mental health, getting outside and feeling strong and capable for as long as possible. Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign is a fantastic reminder of all those things and how important they can be for someone in midlife who is looking to increase their chances of living a better later life. It might feel like a small thing, or a task that can be shoved to the bottom of a never-ending to-do list, but trust me – it can make a world of difference.”

Locally, Bognor Regis based Jacqueline Hooton, Personal Trainer, Pro-age champion, and Author said: “I’m always encouraging people to live stronger for longer, so it’s fantastic to see this national campaign getting such widespread support. If you get moving in your 50s or 60s, you’re likely to thank yourself for that in your 70s and 80s. It’s an incredibly sound investment in your future.”

As well as showcasing a variety of sports and group activities, Age UK is offering practical tips and ideas to help even the most sport-sceptical give movement a go. To find out more and download the Charity’s new information leaflet visit www.ageukwsbh.org.uk

Age UK WSBH relies on donations to help purchase new sports equipment, pilot new clubs and classes and run activities to help older people age better. Those who would like to support the charity’s work can donate online at www.ageukwsbh.org.uk or text 'livewell' to 70191 to give £10. The organisation is a network partner of Age UK, but is an independent charity, raising its own funds which are all spent locally.