Getting Started

Being active helps you stay steady, independent and healthier as you age. This page explains why movement matters and how to get started safely.

Keeping active is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy and reduce your risk of falling. It keeps your muscles strong, improves your balance and supports your heart, brain and mood.

Even small amounts of movement can make a big difference. Whether it's a short walk, chair-based exercises or light gardening, moving more helps you stay confident on your feet and live life on your terms.

What to Aim For

The NHS recommends that adults aged 65 and over should:

• Be physically active every day, even if it’s light activity
• Do activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility on at least 2 days a week
• Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity a week - or 75 minutes of vigorous activity
• Reduce time spent sitting still — break up long periods of rest with short bursts of movement

Getting Started Safely

If you haven’t exercised in a while or have a health condition, it’s sensible to check with your GP first.

Here are some simple ways to begin:

• Start small - even a few minutes at a time helps
• Build up gradually and listen to your body
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes
• Keep a glass of water nearby
• Make sure you have something stable nearby for balance if needed
• Choose something you enjoy - it’s easier to stick with it

What Counts as Activity?

• Walking, gardening or dancing
• Chair-based exercises
• Housework like vacuuming or tidying
• Exercise classes, swimming or yoga
• Strength and balance routines at home

Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once, and every little bit helps.

Explore Exercises

Ready to move more? Visit our Exercise Library for videos and ideas suited to your level and confidence.

Find Support

Please find below useful links, relevant resources and contact information. All links open in a new window and may include links to websites, videos, and PDF files for downloading and printing. 

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Staying Active and Healthy

Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent ICB
Preventing falls – Stay steady, stay independent

Active Communities Stoke
Specialist-led sessions for physical and mental wellbeing, community-based activities in local venues and green spaces and supportive programmes for older adults, carers, and those with long-term conditions.

City of Stoke on Trent - Helping you stay active
For more information on events, organisations and technology that can support you, visit the Get Active webpage.

Everyone Health - Staffordshire
Everyone Health offers simple, long‑term support to help you stay healthy. Services are available both virtually (by phone) and face‑to‑face. 

Move More Staffordshire Moorlands
To get everyone across Staffordshire Moorlands to move more every day.

Age UK Stafford & District
Offers lots of services for older people and their carers.

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Community Directory

Stoke on Trent Community Directory
Community directory is an online tool to help you find out about activities, clubs, support, health services, and what’s on in your local area.          

Live Well at Home - Staffordshire County Council
Your guide to living safely and confidently in your own home, with practical tips and local support.

Staffordshire Connects - Adults and Communities
Find details of community-based support, groups, organisations, and services that are available on your doorstep.

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Helpful Links 

Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults - NHS
Getting active with Better Health - NHS
Act Now, Age Better - Age UK 
Being active as you get older - Age UK
Physical activity for older people - We are Undefeatable

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More on this website

Visit our Information and Advice section
Visit our Staying Active section
Visit our Home Safety section
Visit our Help and Contacts section 
Start your online Self-Assessment

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