Being Healthy – Being Happy

Research shows that most of us are too inactive to benefit our health, but age should never be used as a barrier to keeping healthy – as the saying goes – you are never too old.

Keeping physically active has a huge number of benefits: its helps to reduce the risk of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and strokes, it strengthens your muscles which aids mobility, encourages healthy appetite, regular bowel movements and good sleeping routines. Importantly, it can also reduce the risk of falls, osteoporosis, stress and depression which can be very common amongst those over the age of 50.

Being physically active, doesn’t necessarily mean joining a gym(all though it could). It may involve taking up a dance class or just walking to the shops instead of talking the car or bus – even maintaining the garden. As the latest Moving More Often Project and Olympage event shows, you have to be fit and mobile to enjoy activity, there are many seated exercises that you can enjoy on your own or with a friend or short walks to enjoy the fresh air. If you enjoy walking and would prefer to walk in a group rather than walk alone, there are a number of opportunities within Bridgend County Borough.

If you are already quite active and want to explore the countryside, contact your local Ramblers http://www.bridgendramblers.org.uk/ However if you prefer to walk at a steadier pace you can join a Thursday morning walking group organized by Groundwork Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot. These walks are graded so you can choose the difficulty level you feel comfortable with. Contact Jade on 01656 727800.

Specifically for those over 50 and live in the Ogmore or Garw Valley contact the Venture Out Project http://www.bridgend.gov.uk/Web1/groups/public/documents/services/020415.hcsp who organize a range of activities from Social Strollers to Nordic Walking. Other such activities can be beneficial also, Bridgend County Borough Council provide a range of activities across the Borough within leisure services and adult community learning. Remember, the benefits do not stop at getting healthy – they also offer a great opportunity to make new friends and gain new social opportunities.

So remember

** Growing older doesn’t have to mean you become less able **

** Find a forum of exercise that suites you. Something that is able to keep you mentally stimulated **

** find out what’s happening locally by visiting www.bridgend.gov.uk **