Almost a third of middle-aged people have been turned away from physical activity "for life" because of negative experiences during physical education classes at school, a charity has warned.
Age UK is urging citizens to overcome these fears and get back into physical activity through inclusive classes and activities, which can improve health and self-confidence.
A recent survey showed that 29% of adults still feel "traumatized" by their experiences in physical education, while 28% say they have been discouraged from sports and exercise "for life."
The study, conducted with 2,385 people in the United Kingdom aged 50–65, found that 40% still remember being selected last in teams, while just as many continue to feel affected by feelings of body insecurity during those hours.
According to Age UK, sports groups today are much more inclusive, supportive and welcoming than they were 30-40 years ago. The organisation stresses that there has never been a better time for middle-aged people to get back into physical activity and find a community where they feel accepted.
As part of this initiative, free trial sessions have been organized during the spring and summer for activities such as badminton, cycling, rowing, boxing, netball, tennis, swimming and rugby.
Age UK chief executive Paul Farmer said millions of people in this age group still feel held back by memories of their past in sport. He said challenging experiences in physical education, fear of judgement and feelings of insecurity can make physical activity seem unattainable, even as something “just for young people”.
He added that the initiative aims to create enjoyable and inclusive opportunities that suit people's real needs.
The latest data shows that only 63.7% of adults meet the recommendation for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, while this percentage drops to 58% for people over 55 years old.
The campaign is also supported by former Olympic champions Kelly Holmes and Sally Gunnell.
Holmes stressed that the benefits of exercise are endless, and it doesn't matter if someone is a professional athlete or just finds some time for themselves during the week. She highlighted the importance of self-care, creating new connections, improving mental health and feeling physically strong.
While Gunnell added that physical activity for her has always been about more than medals or podiums — it's a way to feel good in body and mind, as well as to stay connected to others. She emphasized that you don't have to be an athlete to be active and that even small steps can bring big changes in well-being. /GazetaExpress/
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