The Importance Of Staying Active As We Age

At Home Instead, we’re always looking for ways to better understand the needs of older adults, which is why we launched our New Ageing Index Survey this year. This comprehensive survey, the largest of its kind, gathered insights from 1,000 people to explore how we feel about ageing and the factors that effect our quality of life as we get older. From health and well-being to technology and politics, the survey touched on a wide range of important issues.

One finding stood out to us: 85% of respondents agreed that staying active is crucial as we age, with that number rising to 89% among people over 75. This got us thinking about the resources available locally to help older adults maintain or improve their fitness, and we are pleasantly surprised by what we discovered.

A wealth of local resources to stay active.

In our local area, there’s a fantastic range of programs designed to keep older adults moving, no matter their age or ability. From table tennis for people living with Dementia or Parkinson’s, to falls prevention programs, aqua fit classes, and even ballet for the over 55’s – there’s something for everyone. It’s clear that staying active is not only important but also widely accessible, with new initiative popping up all the time.

One such initiative we recently learned about is Bike Therapy, a dedicated cycling class designed for people living with Parkinson’s. Launched by Everybody Health and Leisure, this program caught our attention because of the significant benefits it offers to participants.

What is Bike Therapy for people living with Parkinson’s?

Bike Therapy is a specially tailored group cycling class for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease. According to the Everybody Health and Leisure website Leisure Charity Launch Bike Therapy for People Living with Parkinson’s • Everybody Health and Leisure research shows that cycling on a stationary bike can reduce Parkinson’s motor symptoms by as much as 35%. These classes are adapted to cater to each individual’s needs, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their fitness level or stage of Parkinson’s can participate.

The class begins with a gentle warm-up, followed by approximately 30 minutes of cycling at 80-90 RPM with added resistance. Afterwards, there is a cool down and some stretching. Regular participation has been shown to help reduce tremors, alleviate rigidity, improve aerobic capacity, and even enhance cognitive function.

But the benefits extend beyond the physical. Bike Therapy also has a positive impact on mental health, boosting mood and helping to combat social isolation – something that many older adults experience.

Hearing from participants

After attending one of the Bike Therapy sessions, we had the privilege of speaking with some of the participants. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants sharing how much the support and camaraderie they experience during the classes. For many, it’s not just about the physical benefits; it’s also about the social connections they’re building and the sense of achievement they feel each week.

80 year old Gordon Whitehead has been attending classes for around 6 months now and told me “I am 80 years old, and these classes keep me going. When you take part in the class you forget that you have Parkinson’s and you just get on with the exercises and what you have to do. I have been attending for 6 months and it has helped me with my balance. I live alone so I find the social aspect very pleasant.”

Stephen Shingler has also been attending for around 6 months now and he said “I have found that it has helped with my stamina to the point where I am now thinking about purchasing a bike for home to keep building on that. It has also helped me with my balance and walking. I enjoy the social aspect of coming and meeting other people and we stay for tea and coffee after once a month.”

Glynis Watton told me “Attending has helped build my confidence in going out again as I was very anxious about meeting new people since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but now I’ve grown confidence to try new things. We also share events and other information going on in the area and we have a Whatsapp group to share news and information. It has helped me to spread my wings in the local area.”

Gavin Mckeith who is the Health Referral Lead for Everybody Health and Leisure told me “The Bike Therapy for people living with Parkinson’s has had such a positive impact on not only the participants, but also for all staff involved in the class. It’s great to see not only just the physical improvement the class has made, with 100% of participants reporting improvement in their balance and strength, but also the difference it has made for them mentally and socially too. The class has been so successful we are hoping to expand our offering for Parkinson’s but also to support people with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and Strokes.”

It was truly inspiring to see how something as simple as cycling could make such a big difference in people’s lives. The joy and enthusiasm were contagious, and it was clear that these classes were not only helping to improve physical health, but also offering a sense of community.

Staying active is key

The findings from our New Ageing Index Survey – and the experiences we’ve had with the local initiatives like Bike Therapy for people living with Parkinson’s – reinforces the importance of staying active as we age. It’s heartening to see so many accessible programs available to older adults, from fitness classes tailored to specific needs to social activities that promote well-being and reduce isolation. Whether you’re looking to improve your physical health, meet new people, or simply feel more energised, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active as you age. And as we’ve seen, the benefits are undeniable – both for the body and mind.

At Home Instead, we are committed to supporting older adults to live their lives to the fullest, and we encourage everyone to explore the many resources available in their local area. Staying active is one of the best things we can do for ourselves as we age – and it’s never too late to start!