I agreed to do the blog for active ageing week as it’s something close to my heart. I’m getting very near to 50. I’ve collected lots of things over 50 years and a few of those are long term conditions. But despite them, I would still consider myself to be reasonably fit, now I can’t run, I walk, when I can’t walk I cycle. My partner has a debilitating lung condition – we started cycling on the flat, driving for miles to find a circular flat route, first on a mountain bike, then on a road bike, more gears, thinner tyres for less traction, in the end we bought an electric bike and now we can bike anywhere we please and she’s nearly 73. There’s always something we can do, even if the bandwidth gets smaller and smaller.
Initiated in 2003 by the International Council on Active Aging, Active Aging Week takes place each year during the last week of September. The weeklong campaign calls attention to and wholeheartedly celebrates the positivity of aging today. It showcases the capabilities of older adults as fully participating members of society and spotlights the role models that lead the way.
Active Aging Week challenges society’s diminished expectations of aging by showing that, regardless of age or health conditions, adults over 50 can live as fully as possible in all areas of life—physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational and environmental. The objective of the annual health-promotion event is to give as many older adults as possible the means to experience wellness activities and exercise in a safe, supportive environment. It also promotes the benefits of healthier, more active lifestyles across the life span. In 2018, the observance will be held September 23 – September 29.
No matter your age or physical condition you are likely to benefit from being more active.
Aim to be active daily. At least 150 minutes (2½ hours) of moderate intensity activity in bouts of 10 minutes or more every week.
Alternatively, comparable benefits can be achieved through 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity spread across the week or combinations of moderate and vigorous intensity activity.
Aim to also undertake physical activity to improve muscle strength on at least two days a week.
Minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary for extended periods.
Older adults at risk of falls should incorporate physical activity to improve balance and coordination on at least two days a week.
For more information:
https://www.activeagingweek.com/about.php
https://active.leeds.gov.uk/classesandactivities/sports/active-ageing
https://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/A5_Booklet-FINAL-reduced.pdf
Regards
Debbie (CBT Therapist at Touchstone IAPT)
Artwork by Geraldine Montgomerie-Greenwood (Touchstone IAPT)
