You’re never too old to start weightlifting

OLD age is often described as a second childhood, and now sports bodies are tapping into that sense of playfulness in later life to encourage more elderly people to exercise.

Although volleyball and weightlifting may not seem obvious activities for pensioners, sports groups have rewritten their rules to get more older people involved.

In a project funded by Sport England, Volleyball England is now running classes where older people can play from their armchairs, using an inflatable ball, and nets made from bunting. Likewise British Orienteering has altered its trails to allow the elderly to take part without venturing too far.

British Weightlifting is also running modified sessions where pensioners are encouraged to lift water bottles and foam bars to keep up their strength.

Although the changes may appear infantilising, they have been greeted with enthusiasm. Reenie Boot, 93, of Welwyn Garden City, said: “I absolutely loved it, so much fun.”

Oomph! Wellness, the group behind the project, is now in talks to make more sports available to the elderly.