A July 2019 study by University East Anglia found that,
“In England, participation in physical activity tends to decrease around the age of 55.”
"Frailty and pre-frailty - the decline in health, resilience and mobility often associated with ageing - are conditions previously expected to be found in people at retirement age and over. But now these conditions affect a third of British adults aged 50-65.”
"Adults are spending more years of their life working than ever before. Retiring is a life-changing event which provides all sorts of opportunities - but it coincides with declining physical activity, health and wellbeing.”
"From the age of around 55, people begin thinking about retirement and making plans for their future.”
"In order to enjoy a fit and healthy retirement, a really key thing is that people need to maintain their physical fitness through their fifties and beyond.”
"But we found that there are many barriers to this - from poor health, lack of motivation, and the cost and availability of sports, activities and fitness classes, to not having enough time - due to work or in many cases because of caring responsibilities.”
"Many respondents also felt excluded and said that sports facilities and fitness classes tended to appeal to a much younger market.”
"While retirement can free up time, deteriorating health and wellbeing often become a new barrier.”
"That's why it's so important to maintain fitness in the lead up to retirement.”
"Supporting older adults to lead active lifestyles ahead of and at retirement could ensure people are more mobile, capable and healthier once retired.”
"There is no one-size-fits all approach. But we found that activity that is combined with socialising, or other purposeful actions such as dog walking, gardening, housework, childcare or volunteering, were all good ways for over-55s to remain active.”
"With an ageing population there is also an ageing workforce who need support to age, work and retire actively,"