Super-fit OAPs leave youngsters trailing

THE elderly are exercising more regularly than millennials, research shows.

The over-65s are the most physically active age group in Britain, with more than four in ten taking part in sport or exercise at least eight times a month, a poll found. This compares with a third of those aged 25 to 34.

Among the over-65s, swimming was by far the most popular activity, with 38 per cent saying they exercise in this way. Meanwhile, 29 per cent said they attend a gym, 21 per cent cycle, 19 per cent go hiking or trekking, and 11 per cent go camping.

After this age group, among whom 44 per cent exercise eight times or more a month, those aged 55 to 64 were the second-most active, with 41 per cent doing so much. Nicola Barnabo, from outdoor retail chain Decathlon, which commissioned the poll of 7,600 adults, said of the findings: ‘This could be down to over-65s today being more aware of the health benefits of exercise or that the younger generation are less active due to technology advances. It is also encouraging to see how many… are preferring to participate in sports or exercise outdoors.’