Being active can help us stay strong and well in later life, enabling us to keep independent for longer.
Taking part in physical activity can also improve mental health and keep older adults connected socially to the community.
As we age, we are increasingly likely to be living with a health condition. This can make it harder to get the motivation to be active, or limit how you are able to get active.
However, for most health condition staying active and participating in physical activity can be beneficial. Visit our Getting Active With a Health Condition page for more information.
Use our activity finder to discover activities across Lincolnshire that are lower intensity and low impact so you can be active at your own pace.
From walking groups and walking sports to dance and fitness classes aimed at older adults, find something you enjoy to keep active in a way that works for you.
One You Lincolnshire’s Strength and Balance Programme offers older adults structured physical activity sessions which are designed to improve and develop strength and mobility, and reduce the risk of falls.
Participants must be referred to the programme from a Healthcare professional.
Find ideas below for gentle, low impact activities suitable for older adults. You can search for more activity sessions near you on our activity finder (see above).
Lincolnshire Co-op Wellbeing Walks are short walks led by friendly volunteers.
Joining a walk is a great way to get active, meet new people and explore your local area. The walks are all free and are often followed by the chance for a hot drink and a chat.
There are lots of walks happening each week across the county. With some catering for particularly needs.
Whether you want to return to the sport you love, or just want to try something new, walking sports are a fantastic way for older adults to keep active in a social setting.
In Lincolnshire you can participate in Walking Football, Walking Netball, Walking Cricket and Walking Tennis.
Sessions are held at various venues across the county.
Seated Exercise sessions are ideal for those needed a gentle form or exercise, whether that’s because of injury, a health condition or simply being older.
Often taking place to music, sessions are generally fun and sociable, with many classes offering time for a chat and cuppa afterwards.
Sessions are offered at leisure centres and community venues across the county.
Aquacise and aqua aerobics are water-based work outs, that are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
The buoyancy of the water means it is a low impact form of exercise that is beneficial for individuals with arthritis, or joint pain, or those recovering from injury.
Leisure centres and community venues across the county run activity sessions aimed at older adults.
The sessions typically include fun activities such as table tennis, pickle ball or new age kurling, alongside refreshments and a chance to socialise and make new friends.
Played indoors on a carpet, with smaller and lighter bowls than outdoor bowls, Short Mat Bowls is a game of skill rather than strength and is suitable for all ages an abilities.
Although not physically demanding, if played regularly it can improve the strength of muscles in your arms, shoulders and legs.
If you’re not able to get out to activity sessions or classes, find exercises to do from the comfort of your own home online. Take a look at our recommendations below.
Gentle sitting exercises that can be done at home and will help improve your mobility and prevent falls.
A series of simple balance exercises that can be done at home to help improve your health and mobility.
Flexibility exercises that can be done at home to help improve your health and mobility.
A set of fun 10-minute, audio and video routines intended to easily fit into your day to help you get stretching and moving at home. It has been designed by and for older people to keep you physically active, boost your wellbeing, and help maintain your mobility and balance.
A series of fitness videos for older people by exercise instructor Julie Robinson.
Julie founded the initiative in 2010 because of her passion to motivate older people to stay active throughout their lives.
Take a look at our stories from Lincolnshire residents who are keeping active and healthy as they age.
