Yoga Wellbeing have more and more yogis that are over-60′s joining our group and private yoga sessions. Bupa has revealed that the over-60s are fitter than ever, leaving their younger counterparts behind when it comes to exercise. Research from the Bupa ‘How are you Britain?’ report reveals that UK residents who are 60 plus are three times more likely to exercise every day than those in their 20s. Having more awareness for their overall wellbeing and health.
In fact, nearly a quarter (22 per cent) of over 60s exercise, at least five times a week, with just 15 per cent of 20-somethings making a similar effort.In fact, nearly a quarter (22 per cent) of over 60s exercise, at least five times a week, with just 15 per cent of 20-somethings making a similar effort.It’s age-defying celebrities who are spurring on the athletic older people (AOPs). Bupa’s research placed the yoga-toned Helen Mirren (aged 65) at the top of the list of such inspirational celebrities (19 per cent), closely followed by Joanna Lumley (15 per cent).As a result of exercise, the over 60s are enjoying a greater quality of life, with a third (33 per cent) losing weight and over a quarter (26 per cent) feeling less stressed. A few even attribute their better luck with the opposite sex** to exercise.All this physical activity is helping the 60 plus generation to feel younger than their years (70 per cent***) as well as doing wonders for their health.
Simon Fairthorne, musculoskeletal physiotherapist from Bupa’s Barbican Centre for Sports Medicine, London, said: “The benefits this generation is experiencing from exercise are substantial – they are less likely to suffer from chronic illness than their parents and have a longer life expectancy. It also helps reduce the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol, as well as improving mental health and overall wellbeing.
The emergence of the AOPs is very encouraging as more than a third (37 per cent) of over 60s feel they are exercising more now than they did 10 years ago.”Not content with general exercise, some AOPs are going one step further and competing in endurance sports events.In fact, the Bupa Great North Run has experienced a 14 per cent boost in entries over the past five years in the older age group.
