FITNESS THROUGH THE DECADES

No matter what age you are, you should do your best to look after your body with cardio workouts for heart and lung health and weight-bearing exercises for strong bones, strength and suppleness.

20s Build stamina, strength and suppleness with regular, varied workouts. Don’t forget weight-bearing exercises that will build strong bones.

30s You should continue doing regular and varied workouts to keep up levels of strength and flexibility but now is also the time when you need to start thinking about good nutrition that will nourish your body and help to keep you in shape.

40s People often slow down in their 40s but this is the decade to do more, not less. Exercise will help combat menopausal symptoms and prevent weight gain. Be sure to take up any offers of medical screening, for example for cervical or breast cancer.

50s Regular exercise will help you to avoid getting middle-age spread. This is the decade to maintain strong leg muscles and bones to ensure you remain fit and physically independent. After the menopause, calcium and vitamin D are essential to maintain strong bones and avoid osteoporosis. Ask your GP if you need to take a supplement.

60s Maintaining your fitness levels throughout this decade will give you extra energy to get full enjoyment out of life. You need to keep an eye on your weight and make sure you keep your muscles strong and supple. Maintaining a good sense of balance will help you avoid falls.

Take up offers of medical screening for breast and bowel cancer.

70s + This is the time to ensure you maintain stamina levels which will help to keep both your heart and your lungs healthy. Make the effort to take adequate and regular exercise such as going for a stroll with friends which is a fun and sociable way to keep fit. You should try to keep an open mind towards life and challenge yourself to give new things a go.