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Keeping Fit After 60: How Exercise and Physiotherapy Help You Stay Strong, Safe and Happy

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  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. therapy-help-you-stay-strong-safe-and-happy.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, December 6th 2025 at 13:57 GMT by The Independent

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Keeping Fit After 60: How Exercise and Physiotherapy Help You Stay Strong, Safe and Happy

The Independent’s recent feature, “Keep fit over 60s: how exercise and physio can help”, lays out a clear, evidence‑based roadmap for older adults who want to stay active, maintain independence and ward off the many age‑related health risks that can creep in if we become sedentary. Drawing on a mix of NHS guidance, specialist bodies such as Arthritis Research UK and everyday stories of people who have turned to exercise to reclaim their lives, the piece offers practical advice, realistic goals and a comforting reminder that it’s never too late to start.

Why Exercise Matters After 60

The article opens by summarising the mounting evidence that regular movement is one of the most powerful tools for healthy ageing. It points out that:

• Strength & Balance: Loss of muscle mass and coordination can lead to falls—a leading cause of injury and hospitalisation among older people. Resistance training, combined with balance drills (for example, standing on one leg, heel‑to‑toe walks), can improve stability by 15–30 % (source: British Journal of Sports Medicine).

• Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health: Moderate‑intensity aerobic activity (e.g., brisk walking, swimming) for at least 150 minutes a week keeps blood pressure and cholesterol in check and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. The NHS’s “Exercise is Medicine” campaign emphasises that even 10‑minute bouts of activity spread across the day can add up to significant health benefits.

• Mental Well‑Being & Cognitive Function: The piece cites a 2023 review published in Lancet Psychiatry that shows regular exercise is associated with a 20 % lower risk of depression and a 12 % lower risk of mild cognitive impairment. Tai Chi, in particular, is highlighted for its meditative quality and its impact on both mind and body.

• Chronic Pain & Joint Health: For those dealing with arthritis or osteoarthritis, the article underscores that carefully prescribed physical activity can reduce pain, increase joint range of motion and actually slow disease progression. A link to Arthritis Research UK’s page on “Exercise and Arthritis” gives readers deeper insights into joint‑friendly workouts.

The Role of Physiotherapy

A key feature of the article is its focus on how physiotherapists (often referred to simply as “physios”) can provide personalised, safe pathways to fitness.

1. Assessment & Goal‑Setting
   A physio will first evaluate strength, mobility, gait, and any existing injuries. From there, they craft a tailored programme that balances aerobic, strength, and flexibility components. The article cites the NHS Physical Activity Service as a resource where local physiotherapists can be found: [ NHS physical activity services ].

2. Progressive Training
   Rather than a “one‑size‑fits‑all” approach, physiotherapists monitor progress and adjust intensity to avoid over‑exertion—a common barrier in older adults. The article shares a case study of 72‑year‑old Margaret, who, after starting a home‑based resistance routine guided by her physio, lifted her independence in daily chores.

3. Fall Prevention
   The piece highlights how physiotherapists can integrate fall‑prevention strategies such as balance boards, Tai Chi sequences, and gait training, referencing the British Heart Foundation’s fall‑prevention advice: [ BHF fall prevention ].

4. Chronic Condition Management
   For people with conditions like osteoporosis or diabetes, physios can adapt exercises to reduce fracture risk or blood‑sugar spikes. The article links to the NHS guide on exercise for diabetes, underscoring the importance of timing meals and medication around activity.

Practical Steps for Getting Started

The article is careful to make the transition to an active lifestyle feel achievable, especially for those who might feel intimidated by gyms or group classes.

The article also offers a downloadable “Getting Active After 60” checklist (linked directly from the Independent’s website) that summarises these points and provides a printable copy.

Common Barriers & How to Overcome Them

The piece candidly discusses the psychological and practical hurdles that older adults often face:

• Fear of Injury – Addressed by professional assessment, proper warm‑ups, and the use of low‑impact exercises.
• Time Constraints – The article emphasises “micro‑workouts” – short, 5‑minute bursts that fit into a busy day.
• Cost – Many NHS physiotherapy services are free or low‑cost; community groups often run free sessions. The article links to the UK government’s “Physical Activity Guidelines for Older People” which outlines free resources: [ gov.uk physical activity guidelines ].
• Motivation – Setting realistic, measurable goals (e.g., “walk 10 k steps a day”) can help. A short interview with a 68‑year‑old runner shows how tracking progress on a phone can keep enthusiasm high.

The Bottom Line

The Independent’s feature presents a hopeful, evidence‑driven narrative: after 60, staying fit isn’t just about longevity—it’s about quality of life, mental resilience, and the confidence that comes from knowing you’re physically capable. By combining moderate aerobic activity, strength training, and balance exercises—often under the guidance of a physiotherapist—older adults can reduce the risk of falls, manage chronic pain, protect cardiovascular health and even keep the mind sharp.

If you’re over 60 and looking to start, the article encourages you to:

1. Consult a healthcare professional for a personalised assessment.
2. Explore local resources—many NHS trusts run “physical activity hubs” for seniors.
3. Pick a few simple movements that you enjoy and build from there.
4. Stay consistent, track progress, and celebrate every milestone—whether it’s a new personal record or simply the fact that you made it to the gym or park.

Exercise and physiotherapy are not a cure‑all, but they are proven, accessible, and most importantly, empowering. So lace up those shoes, grab a resistance band, or simply step outside for a walk. After all, as the article quotes a physiotherapist who has seen 150 patients transform their lives, “The best medicine is movement.”