HealthInfo Canterbury
Keeping active for older adults
Staying active throughout your life is essential for enjoying a better quality of life. This is still true when you get older. It is also true if you suffer from a serious illness or disability.
Physical activity can help to:
- keep you strong and healthy
- reduce the risk of dementia
- reduce the risk of many cancers and cardiovascular disease
- manage arthritis
- improve your mental health
- reduce the effects of respiratory disease
- reduce the risk of falls
- improve your sleep
- provide opportunities for social interaction.
In later life, many people have fewer time and family pressures. This allows you to explore different activities and hobbies.
If you are starting out, or you aren't sure what activity is right for you, talk to your GP about a Green Prescription. This includes a free consultation with a physical activity coach to create a personal activity plan suited to you. It also gives you the opportunity to take part in group physical activity sessions.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Active Canterbury – Physical activity for older adults
This page has information about how older adults can improve their health and wellbeing by staying active.
- Aspire Canterbury – Leisure & recreation
A list of community groups, activities, and support services.
- Christchurch City Council – Older adults recreation guide
This leaflet has information about many activities in your area.
- YouTube – European masters indoor athletics championships – March 2015
This video shows that age isn't a barrier to staying active.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. January 2016.
Review key: HIKEA-53695
