A poll by Age UK and Yonder found that 29% of adults aged 50-65 feel 'traumatised' by school PE lessons. According to an Age UK survey, an estimated 4 million British adults in this age group say bad experiences at school have put them off exercise for life. The same survey indicates that 42% of adults aged 50-65 feel anxious about joining a sports group or class at their age.
Current physical activity levels are concerning, with Sport England figures showing fewer than two in three adults (63.7%) in England meet the Chief Medical Officers' guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week. This shortfall comes despite widespread recognition of exercise's health benefits.
Our research shows that millions of mid-lifers feel held back by past sports memories. Challenging PE lessons, worries about judgment and feeling self-conscious, can make physical activity feel out of reach – and can feel like something 'only young people do'.
Age UK is now urging people aged 50-65 to overcome their fears and take up sport by joining inclusive classes and activities. The charity's chief executive Paul Farmer said in an official statement that their research shows millions of mid-lifers feel held back by past sports memories, with challenging PE lessons, worries about judgment and feeling self-conscious making physical activity feel out of reach. Farmer emphasized that sports groups are now more inclusive, supportive and welcoming than they were 30 to 40 years ago, according to Age UK.
To facilitate participation, Age UK has partnered with major sporting bodies to offer free taster sessions this spring and summer, including badminton, cycling, rowing, boxing, netball, tennis, swimming, and rugby. The exact number of sessions and their locations have not been specified, nor has the campaign's timeline and budget been disclosed. Farmer added that with Act Now, Age Better, and the support of their many sporting partners, their aim is to create inclusive, enjoyable opportunities that genuinely meet people where they are.
With Act Now, Age Better, and the support of our many sporting partners, our aim is to create inclusive, enjoyable opportunities that genuinely meet people where they are.
The campaign has received high-profile backing from Olympians Dame Kelly Holmes and Sally Gunnell, according to multiple media reports. Holmes, a double Olympic champion and Age UK supporter, said at a press conference that the benefits of sport and exercise are endless, whether for professional athletes or busy parents, and it's about self-care, making new connections, feeling team spirit, supporting mental health, getting outside and feeling strong and capable. Gunnell, another Olympian and Age UK supporter, echoed this sentiment, stating that being active has always meant far more than medals or podiums, and it's about feeling strong in your body, clear in your mind and connected to people, with many options available that don't have to feel daunting.
Farmer framed physical activity as crucial for long-term health, saying that being active is an investment in your future, like paying into your own physical pension plan, and he knows from personal experience what a difference being active makes to physical and mental health. The specific health outcomes targeted by the campaign, such as reductions in obesity rates or mental health improvements, have not been detailed. Additionally, data on how many people have already participated in similar Age UK initiatives remains unavailable. The methodology used in the Age UK/Yonder survey, including sampling methods and margin of error, has also not been publicly specified.
Being active is an investment in your future, like paying into your own physical pension plan. I know from personal experience what a difference being active makes to my physical and mental health.