Staying active and connected in the digital age
Discover how autum, the app for over 50s, aims to transform ageing. With simple lifestyle changes, it can help you live healthier for longer.
25 June 2024
As we get older, staying physically active and socially connected becomes increasingly important for maintaining good health and overall wellbeing. In the digital age, there are numerous tools and resources available to help us stay engaged and connected with others.
Organisations such as The National Health Service (NHS) and British Heart Foundation are examples of where research has been used to provide tips on how to stay healthy in later life.
The importance of physical activity
Research carried out by autum life found that regular physical activity has numerous benefits, especially for those over 50. It helps improve cardiovascular health, maintain muscle strength, enhance flexibility, and boost mental wellbeing.
Staying active can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. 1.
Ways to stay active
Join fitness classes
Many community centres and gyms offer classes tailored to older adults, such as yoga, pilates, and water aerobics.
Walking groups
Joining a walking group is a great way to stay active and meet new people. It’s a low-impact exercise that can be easily adjusted to different fitness levels
Home workouts
There are many online resources and fitness apps that offer guided workout videos. These can be a convenient way to stay active from the comfort of your home.
The benefits of social connections
Autum's findings also highlight the vital role that social connections play in mental and emotional health. Engaging with others can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, provide emotional support, and contribute to a sense of purpose and belonging. 2.
Ways to stay connected
Join clubs and groups
Whether it’s a book club, gardening group, or volunteer organisation, joining a club can provide regular social interaction and help build lasting friendships
Attend local events
Community events, such as local fairs, festivals, and workshops, offer opportunities to meet new people and engage with your local community
Stay in touch digitally
Use video calls, social media, and messaging apps to stay connected with family and friends, even if they live far away.
Using digital tools to enhance activity and connection
In the digital age, there are many tools available to help you stay active and connected. It’s important you do your own research to find the one that best suits your needs.
Here are some examples of apps you could use:
- ‘Couch to 5k’ app – a running programme provided by the NHS to help beginners get into running, it can be completed at a pace that suits you and works with your music player on your phone whilst also tracking your runs
- ‘Active 10’ app – an alternative to the Couch to 5K, this app tracks your steps when walking and helps you set goals you want to achieve, you can track your progress and get helpful tips for boosting your activity
- ‘autum app’ - designed specifically for individuals over the age of 50 to promote a healthy and connected lifestyle. Their LifeScore tool, asks you to answer 20 questions about yourself, in return it provides you with your biological age based around your submissions alongside tips and guides to improve your health and wellbeing.
Autum's app supports you with:
Finding local activities
Users can discover local activities and events that match their interests. Whether it’s a fitness class, social event, or hobby group, it makes it easy to find activities to stay engaged and active.
Tracking physical and mental activities
The app allows users to set fitness goals and track their progress. This can be a powerful motivator to stay active and achieve your health goals. Regularly tracking your activity can also provide valuable insights into your health and fitness levels.
Staying active and connected is essential for maintaining good health and wellbeing, especially as we age. Autum's research highlights the importance of physical activity and social engagement in enhancing quality of life. The digital age offers a wealth of resources to help us achieve these goals.
By incorporating regular physical activity and social interactions into our routines and using digital tools, we can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Embrace the opportunities technology provides to stay engaged, motivated, and connected with your community.
Note: autum LifeScore is an indicator of health and should not replace professional medical advice.
1. Exercise: Essential tips to maintain strength and resilience
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