Tunde’s Story Act Now, Age Better

Tunde’s Story

At 58, Tunde’s life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a stroke, leaving him with paralysis on his left side. “It came as a real shock to a lot of people who knew me because I was always very active,” he says. Tunde’s recovery was supported by the Over-50s Black Men's Forum (O5BM) and its members. He started attending in early 2023 and credits the group with keeping him active and connected during his recovery.

“I was really thankful I had joined before it happened,” Tunde shares. “The group was very supportive. A place to get out, to socialise and banter with the guys, and to keep moving.”

Now almost back to full fitness, Tunde encourages others in their 50s to take action before it’s too late.

“Use it before you lose it. You don’t appreciate the freedom to move until you can’t.”

You can contact Age UKs around the UK, they hold movement classes, many of which cater for ages 50+ from Bollywood Dancing to Walking Tennis, to Air Boxing.

Age UK’s preventative campaign ‘Act Now, Age Better’, hopes to build on the national conversation which started in April, about how becoming more physically active in midlife can ensure a happier, heathier, more independent later life.

Celebrity Support

The campaign has had celebrity support from Dame Helen Mirren, Debbie Mcgee, Denise Welch and Shaun Wallace as well as expert commentary from Professor Chris Whitty and Doctor Hussain Al-Zubaidi.

Call to Action

Age UK calls on all adults aged 50 and older to start preparing for their health in later life as they would prepare financially with a pension. The message is clear: It’s never too late to make meaningful changes. By breaking down barriers and incorporating regular physical activity into daily routines, individuals can secure a healthier, happier, and more independent future.

Key Messages

Everybody, no matter what race, gender, ability or sexual orientation should feel they can’t become more physically active and reap the benefits that being more physically active can provide in later life.
It’s never too late to start. Physical activity is one of the most impactful steps individuals in their 50s can take to ensure a healthier future and a chance to maintain independence.
Exercise improves strength, mobility, and mental health, and it reduces the risk of conditions like heart disease, frailty, diabetes, arthritis and some cancers.
Research shows that even small increases in physical activity can have significant effects on overall health, mobility, and mental well-being, providing a strong foundation for ageing well. This means that people with long-term illnesses or disabilities can also feel the benefit from moving more.

Over half of mid-lifers substantially underestimated the weekly recommended guidelines for physical activity.
Gender, disability, and lower incomes are just some of the challenges the UK’s 50–65-year-olds face preventing them from becoming more active.
Being more active in our 50s and 60s can lead to major benefits in later life.

Data shows income is a key driver in mid-lifers having the opportunity to be physically active.

Age UK analysis shows that over half (54%) of adults aged 50-65 equivalent to 7.6 million in the UK substantially underestimated (by 20% or more) the recommended weekly guidelines for physical activity.

These guidelines include at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, aiming to combine this with muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.

This lack of awareness could lead to missed opportunities for preventative health benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mobility, and fostering good mental health.

Women, those on lower incomes, and those with disabilities fared the worst when it came to being able to do enough physical activity. The figures also reveal that the more income a person has, the less likely they are to say they don’t do enough or don’t do any physical activity.

The respondents of Age UK’s polling were asked: ‘which statement is closest to how you feel about how physically active you are?’

59% of people with disabilities said they don’t do enough/don’t do any physical activity, compared to 38% of those without a disability.
51% of women and 42% of men said they don’t do enough/don’t do any physical activity.
54% of people with incomes under £12k said they don’t do enough/don’t do any physical activity. This compares to those with 50% earning £12-30k, 46% earning £30-60k and 39% earning £60k+.