Older people are being warned to take control of their bad health habits and make one new step towards a healthier later life‚ as part of Age Concern Week. 

During this year’s Age Concern Week we are‚ supported by TV Doctor‚ Chris Steele‚ reminding older people that it is never too late to cut down salt‚ eat more fresh fruit and veg and take up sensible exercise.

According to research by Age Concern Research Services‚ only 17% of 60-somethings say they try to keep fit‚ which means 83% may not be making the effort. Government figures show that as many as 76% of 65-74 year-old men and 70% of women of the same age are obese.

Older people are also heavy salt-users. Flying in the face of expert health advice‚ more than half of all over-60s add salt to their cooking and just under half of over-60s sprinkle extra salt on their plates.

Yet‚ taking up safe physical exercise in later years can mean significant improvements in blood pressure‚ a reduction in coronary heart disease and less risk of contracting life-threatening diabetes. It is also proven to keep the mind lively.

TV’s Dr Chris Steele‚ said:

“People are living longer now‚ but the quality of those extra years will depend on how you treat your body. Too many older people say it’s too late for them to develop a healthier routine. It's never too late for older people to make a difference - giving up smoking‚ taking regular exercise‚ reducing your salt intake‚ and eating more fresh fruit and veg can add years to your life. This will boost your energy‚ health and positive attitude. During Age Concern week I am asking older people to look more closely at their lives and take their first step towards a healthier retirement.”

73 year-old gym user‚ Stan Mumby from Hull took up weight training at Age Concern Hull’s Healthy Living Centre‚ after having heart attacks. Before joining the gym Stan says he had difficulties bending and used to just sit in front of the TV at home.

Stan says: “Going to the gym has helped me no end. I sleep better‚ I am much more flexible and I don’t spend nearly so much time just sitting there in front of the TV. My sleep has also improved. I get down to the gym twice a week and I’ve increased the weights I lift‚ gradually and sensibly.  Going to the gym has really improved my life and I’ve met plenty of ladies.”

Age Concern’s Director-General‚ Gordon Lishman said:

“Once and for all‚ lets dispel the myths about health in older age and about ‘old dogs’ and ‘new tricks’. Experts tell us that people who take sensible steps towards leading healthier lives in older age‚ are likely to reap the benefits. During Age Concern Week we are asking all older people to make one small step towards a healthy later lifestyle. Your local Age Concern should be able to help you with information‚ advice and services. ”

Age Concerns across the country offer a massive range of active ageing activities for older people – from Tai chi to self-defence‚ dancing to seated exercise. To find out what’s on offer or for information and advice on staying healthy‚ contact your local Age Concern. 

Our top tips for staying older‚ fitter and quicker:

• Keep active – gentle movement‚ walking or gardening. There’s something for everyone and Age Concern can help.
• Eat a rainbow of fruit and veg – five a day‚ every day.
• Quit sprinkling the salt  - it may look harmless but it is a high risk habit for older people.
• Lose the cigarettes – the good news is that older people are most likely to kick the habit.
• See age as just a number – stay busy and keep socialising. It’s your date of birth not what you are about.

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