If you’re looking for ways to improve your wellbeing, keep healthy, have fun and meet new people, there are lots of sport and physical activity groups and sessions across Lincolnshire designed specifically for older adults.
Make new friends and boost your mood
As we get older it can be easy to be less physically active, and once you’ve retired maybe your getting out and about a lot less and meeting less people. One of the best things about joining a sport or fitness group is the chance to meet new people. Whether you take part in an aqua aerobics sessions at your local pool, join a local wellbeing walk, try a new sport or you join a activity group for older adults, physical activity is is a great way to combat loneliness and make new friends who share your interests. Plus, having regular activities on your calendar means you’ll have more reasons to get out of the house and socialise.
Physical Activity is a great mood booster, and when you combine it with social interactions the benefits are even better. The camaraderie of working out with others can all help you feel happier and more relaxed. It’s a natural way to fight off stress and improve your overall mood. What’s more, trying out new activities or sports is a great way to keep your mind sharp and curious. Learning something new—whether it’s a different exercise or a new sport—can keep your brain engaged and gives you something to look forward to.
If you’ve not been active for a long time, or are feeling a unconfident about your fitness levels, don’t worry, there are lots of activity sessions in Lincolnshire that welcome adults of all different fitness levels, and you can always go at your own pace.
Many venues and leisure centres offer groups aimed specifically at older people, with a focus on fun and sociability. We’ve listed some groups in Lincolnshire below:
Activity Groups tailored to older adults
Lincolnshire City Foundation Extra Time Hubs
LCF Extra Time Hubs sessions are designed to increase social interaction and physical activity for over anyone who is retired, semi-retired or approaching retirement. Sessions typically involve multisports such as table tennis and carpet bowls. There’s also the chance to enjoy a hot drink, biscuits and a chat with like minded people from your area. The sessions are inclusive to all levels of fitness and skill – and the emphasis is on movement and fun!
Extra Time Hubs are currently held in four locations around the Lincoln area: Bracebridge Heath, Skellingthorpe, LNER Stadium (Lincoln), Bridge Central (Lincoln).
Boston United Community Foundation Golden Goal session
Boston United Community Foundation Golden Goal session is a great opportunity for men and women who are aged 55 and over to meet new friends, socialise and take part in a variety of fun indoor activities such as table tennis, pool, archery and basketball.
Members also do light fitness exercises and play table top games like draughts and dominoes.
Sessions take place in the community hub area at The Jakeman’s Community Stadium.
Magna Vitae -Ageless and Agile Sessions
Magna Vitae’s community team delivers weekly Ageless & Agile sessions. These are catered towards older people that may want to keep their fitness levels up while finding a new hobby!
Activities you can enjoy at sessions include local walking routes, sporting memories sessions, walking cricket, a range of seated exercises and a simple “cuppa and a chat”.
Sessions cost £2 per person, per session ( free for members!)
Over 50s Club Sessions at One NK and Sleaford Leisure Centre
Aimed at the over 50s Senior club sessions held at Better venues One NK in North Hykeham and Sleaford Leisure Centre are a great way to try a variety of sports in a friendly and sociable environment. At Sleaford Leisure Centre, you can have a go at table tennis, pickleball, badminton and indoor bowls, whilst One NK sessions offer pickleball, badminton and indoor bowls.
Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire Sports Activities
Age UK Lincoln offer lots of sport activities for adults aged 50+ from their Park Street Activity Centre. Sports on offer include table tennis, indoor bowls, and kurling. The sports activities are crafted to cater to all skill levels, cultivating a sense of community and well-being. Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire also offer, walks, dance sessions, snooker and ten pin bowling activities at various locations in South Lincolnshire.
Give it a go
So why not give it a go? It’s never too late to start, and the benefits are definitely worth it. Find more suggestions of activities suitable for older adults on our Ageing Well page, or have a look on our activity finder for gentle activities such as walks, walking sports or fitness sessions. Keeping fit and active at any age, is all about finding something you enjoy, and will be more likely to stick to.
You might also be interested in trying seated exercise classes – find out more about them here.