According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy and reduce your risk of illness as you age. If you’re over 60 and stepping into retirement, staying active can help keep you independent, prevent falls, and boost your quality of life.
Whatever the season - sunshine or showers - there’s no shortage of ways to keep moving. Whether you enjoy a calm countryside stroll or fancy a splash in the water, the key is to find something you enjoy.
Staying active in retirement can give you more energy, support stronger bones, and improve balance, posture, and flexibility. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are four simple and enjoyable exercises to help you get started.
our body will thank you for making stretching part of your daily routine. A few simple stretches can help you stay flexible, ease stiff muscles, improve circulation, and even boost your mood by releasing feel-good endorphins.
Not sure where to begin? Start small - try reaching for your toes to strengthen your back or gently rotating your ankles to support balance. You don’t need to join a class (unless you want to). There are plenty of free resources online, like this 25-minute workout on YouTube from SeniorShape Fitness, which shows seated and standing stretch routines you can follow from home.
Swimming is a fantastic full-body workout that’s gentle on joints. It helps build strength, boost heart health, and improve flexibility - all without putting stress on your body. You don’t have to swim laps to benefit. Water aerobics is a fun, social way to move and is ideal if you’re easing into exercise or have joint concerns.
Whether you’re at your local pool or taking a summer dip in the sea, water-based exercise can lift your mood, sharpen your mind, and strengthen your heart. Are you feeling a little adventurous or needing motivation to try something new? These 5 fresh ways to keep fit in your retirement could inspire you to begin a new hobby!
Walking is free, easy to do, and one of the best all-round exercises. A brisk daily walk can tone your legs, strengthen your heart, and boost your energy.
Here are a few easy ways to walk more often:
Walking doesn’t have to be limited to just a casual stroll, walking sports such as walking football and walking netball are quickly gaining popularity. Walking sports are designed so that anybody can play, no matter what your fitness level is. Plus, these sports can be a great way to socialise in your retirement and make new friends.
Gardening isn’t just about beautiful flowers — it’s also a fantastic way to stay active. Whether you’re digging, planting, pruning, or mowing, you’re getting a solid mix of strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular exercise.
Gardening can help improve hand strength, lift your mood, and even reduce the risk of heart problems. And with summer around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start your own project — maybe even an evening garden where you can relax or host friends and family.
No garden? No problem. Indoor gardening is a fun and rewarding alternative, with the added bonus of greenery inside your home.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to fitness in retirement. The key is to find something you enjoy so you’ll stick with it. Start small, listen to your body, and build up at your own pace.
For more guidance and safe exercise tips, check out the Age UK website, which offers great advice for staying active as you get older.
Thinking About a Lifestyle Change?
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Try our quick and simple calculator to see how the Home for Life Plan could help you save thousands on your next move and make a fresh start in the place that suits your lifestyle best.