Getting Started

Being active helps you stay steady, independent and healthier as you age. This page explains why movement matters and how to get started safely.

Keeping active is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy and reduce your risk of falling. It keeps your muscles strong, improves your balance and supports your heart, brain and mood.

Even small amounts of movement can make a big difference. Whether it's a short walk, chair-based exercises or light gardening, moving more helps you stay confident on your feet and live life on your terms.

What to Aim For

The NHS recommends that adults aged 65 and over should:

• Be physically active every day, even if it’s light activity
• Do activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility on at least 2 days a week
• Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity a week - or 75 minutes of vigorous activity
• Reduce time spent sitting still — break up long periods of rest with short bursts of movement

Getting Started Safely

If you haven’t exercised in a while or have a health condition, it’s sensible to check with your GP first.

Here are some simple ways to begin:

• Start small - even a few minutes at a time helps
• Build up gradually and listen to your body
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes
• Keep a glass of water nearby
• Make sure you have something stable nearby for balance if needed
• Choose something you enjoy - it’s easier to stick with it

What Counts as Activity?

• Walking, gardening or dancing
• Chair-based exercises
• Housework like vacuuming or tidying
• Exercise classes, swimming or yoga
• Strength and balance routines at home

Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once, and every little bit helps.

Explore Exercises

Ready to move more? Visit our Exercise Library for videos and ideas suited to your level and confidence.

Find Support

Please find below useful links, relevant resources and contact information. All links open in a new window and may include links to websites, videos, and PDF files for downloading and printing. 

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Local Support 

Ageing Well Hub (Middlesbrough)
The Ageing Well Hub is based in the Live Well Centre to help people stay active and independent, and reduce loneliness and isolation.

Everyone Active (Redcar & Cleveland)
Everyone Active’s Exercise Referral scheme is the perfect way for people with long-term health conditions to move more to improve their health and wellbeing.
https://www.everyoneactive.com/content-hub/health/exercise-referral/ 

Age UK Teesside 
Activities for people aged 50+ in Teesside. Regular activities take place at our centres in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool and Redcar. 
View activities in Middlesbrough
View activities in Stockton
View activities in Redcar

For a full list of organisations in your local area that can support you, help you to stay active, and improve your home safety, please visit our help and contacts section.

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Helpful Links 

Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults - NHS
Getting active with Better Health - NHS
Act Now, Age Better - Age UK 
Being active as you get older - Age UK
Physical activity for older people - We are Undefeatable

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More on this website

Visit our Information and Advice section
Visit our Staying Active section
Visit our Home Safety section
Visit our Help and Contacts section 
Start your online Self-Assessment

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