Act Now, Age Better
Steps you can take to help you age healthily
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN
We’re living longer, and with the right choices, we can live better too.
Taking simple steps in our 50s and 60s can lead to major benefits in the years ahead. Staying active now is an investment in our future - much like paying into a physical pension plan - boosting our chances of living the life we want later.
Physical activity can be powerful, rewarding, and even social; it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Every step, pedal stroke, paddle, dance move, or even bit of housework contributes to a healthier, stronger future.
It’s time to shift our mindset from seeing exercise as an obligation to embracing movement as a form of empowerment. Together, we can change how we age.
Ageing Debunked
GP, personal trainer and health coach Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi is supporting Act Now, Age Better by sharing tips to help us get active and busting the myths about movement in later life.
Small Changes, Big Difference
By making a few small changes, you can make big improvements to your physical and mental health – and it’s never too late to start! All the factors below can impact your health and wellbeing, and ultimately, your risk of frailty in later life.
Thinking about what we eat
Making a few small changes to our diet can make a big difference to both our physical and mental health. Eating well doesn't mean you have to diet or cut out everything you enjoy – but being aware of what is good for you and keeping everything in moderation can help to keep you healthy in later life.
Useful links
British Nutrition Foundation - Nutrition for older people
NHS - 8 tips for healthy eating
Giving up the habit (Smoking)
Smoking is bad for your health and puts you at risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic bronchitis. But it’s never too late to quit. People who kick the habit at 60 can add years to their life and enjoy a happier, healthier old age.
Useful links
Thinking about our drinking (Alcohol)
Drinking too much alcohol and can have an impact on your health in later life, and by staying within the low risk drinking guidelines will help you to have healthy overall lifestyle.
Useful links
Drinkaware - Alcohol Unit Calculator
Drinkaware - Advice and Support
NHS - Risks of drinking too much
Social health
Connecting with other people can have a huge impact on your mental and physical health. Research shows that social isolation and loneliness are linked to higher risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, depression, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Talking, sharing, and being socially connected can help reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing in later life.
Useful links
NHS - Loneliness in older people
Age UK - Combating elderly loneliness
Age UK Norwich - Befriending Service
Are you getting enough or too much?
Sleep is really important to help our body recharge and wind-down. But how much sleep we need changes as we age, and certain life changes can have a bit impact on our stress and anxiety levels.
Useful links
NHS - How to get the right amount of sleep
NHS - 10 tips to beat insomnia
Mental Health Foundation - How to sleep better
Being Active
The more active you are, the greater the health benefits – and it's never too late to start. Begin with small steps and find what works for you:
• Go for a short walk at lunchtime
• Swim a couple of lengths at your local pool
• Join a club, group, or class
Useful links
NHS - Exercise as you get older
Expert Support &
Community Action
We’ve teamed up with Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi – lifestyle medicine doctor, personal trainer, and health coach – to offer practical tips and guidance.
Speaking about his motivation to support the campaign, Dr Hussain said: “10 years ago, I was 26kg heavier, sedentary, highly stressed, and diagnosed with fatty liver disease and high blood pressure. The turning point came when I realised how much my lifestyle was shaping my future – what kind of life would I have at 70 if I continued on that path?”
Having formed habits that have helped him prioritise physical activity in his own life, Dr Hussain has worked with Age UK to create a free, downloadable leaflet. “I’ve summarised the evidence behind longevity and shared practical strategies to help you train for your 70-year-old self,” he says.