Being physically active plays a key role in helping us to age well. Ageing well means we live with good health for longer. The national advice is that adults should do 150 minutes of physical activity each week.

Why does this matter?

Being active and keeping moving is important as doing strength and balance exercises has shown to reduce the risk of falls in later life. For some, physical activity has declined throughout COVID, as many people remained within their homes, particularly older adults and those who were shielding. This can lead to muscle deconditioning which can make long-term conditions worse.

By setting a weekly goal to increase your activity levels, you can reverse some of the ill effects of the pandemic. Take control of your health by starting small, building up your goals, and remember you can get more active within your home as well as out in the community. Additionally, physical activity can help to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

Help and support for staying active and mobile

• Warrington Talking Points connect people, places and communities - no appointment is needed, just come along to a session for friendly advice and support
• Livewire Lifestyles team can support you to be more active within the home and community. Email [email protected] or call 0300 003 0818
• The Lifetime centre provides a range of activities, including health and fitness classes
• Mature Movers sessions support adults to stay active using dance as method to stay fit while increasing mobility. For more information on getting involved, email [email protected]
• Run Together – Warrington Plodders is a running group which ranges from beginners to more advanced runners. They offer a 12 week programme for anyone who wants to join for £1 per session
• This Girl Can – exercise with your child is a virtual service all about celebrating women getting active with their children through dancing to the songs they love, breaking out a sweat and having fun

Self-help resources and information

• You can find ideas for increasing physical activity levels by viewing our timetable of physical activity classes and activities in Warrington

• The NHS’s Better Health website has resources and ideas on how to get active
• LiveWire has a variety of free active at home videos available on YouTube
• We Are Undefeatable helps support people with a range of long term health conditions to stay active

NHS health and care app library

The NHS digital app library has a variety of free apps to help support you in increasing your activity levels and mobility. Apps that you can access include:

• Active 10 is a walking tracker, which helps you to keep track of your daily 10 minute walks to improve your general health and wellbeing
• Couch to 5K is a gentle step-by-step guide to running with the goal of completing a non-stop 5km run
• NutraCheck Calorie Counter is a food and exercise diary app. It helps you reach and maintain your weight and fitness goals for a small monthly cost