Healthy Living Network
Join our healthy living network to get tips and advice on health and fitness related issues. Find information on how to lose weight, keep fit or just try and lead a happier healthier lifestyle and contact us for a free gym induction (Booking is essential). This project is funded by Awards for All, Big Lottery.
How to stay fit after 50
Warm Up - It takes longer to get your muscles working properly as you get older because the various systems take a little longer to fire up. So always perform a light five min warm up first.
Mix it up - Don't keep doing the same thing day in day out. Change your routine regularly. If you lift the same weights or walk at the same speed all the time you won't get any stronger or fitter. Incorporate some interval training, combining high and low intensities, or classes into your fitness programme.
How long? You need to exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes to reap any benefits so aim to work out for 30 minutes to 45 minutes each time. As you get fitter you can increase this to a hour.
Work your core - As we age our core strength suffers, which can result in bad posture and a sore back, hips and knees. So make sure that you incorporate some core strengthening exercises twice a week.
Keeping Active
Regular exercise can help reduce the impact of diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Any form of exercise is good for you. Try to find activities that can be part of your daily routine, such as chair based exercises, walking to the shops, or things that are fun, such as dancing or playing bowls.
If you haven't been very active, you should aim to minimise the amount of time you spend sitting down for extended periods. You could do this by reducing the time you spend watching TV, take regular walks around the garden or street.
Links to health websites
General Health
Arthritis
Arthritis Care
Helpline: 0808 800 4020
Website: https://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/
British Lung Foundation
British Lung Foundation
Website: https://www.blf.org.uk/support-in-your-area/breathe-easy-south-tyneside-support-group
Cancer
Cancer Connections
Address: 258 Harton Lane, South Shields, NE34 0LR
Telephone: 0191 456 5081
Website: http://cancerconnections.org.uk
Cancer Connections is a unique charity serving people affected by cancer living in South Tyneside.
Macmillan
Website: https://www.macmillan.org.uk
Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest British charities and provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer.
South Tyneside Prostate Cancer Support Group
Address: Cleadon Park Primary Care Centre, Prince Edward Road, South Shields, NE34 8PS
Contact: John Matthews
Email: johnhmatthews@virginmedia.com
Telephone: 07437 449589
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis
Website: https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/
Dementia
Alzheimer’s Society
Address: 3rd Floor, Edinburgh Building, 2 Station Approach. South Shields, NE33 1HR
Tel: 0191 427 5443
Email: southtyneside@alzheimers.org.uk
Websites: https://dementiaroadmap.info/southoftyne/groups/alzheimers-society-south-tyneside/#.WXYPabpFxPY
http://www.dementiaaction.org.uk/
Depression
South Tyneside Talking Therapies
Address: Cleadon Park Primary Care Centre, Prince Edward Road, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE34 7QD
Telephone: 0191 283 2937
Heart
Heart
Helpline: 0300 330 3311
Website: https://www.bhf.org.uk/about-us/find-bhf-near-you/south-tyneside-heart-support-group
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis
Email: graeme.weatherall@gmail.com
Telephone: 07979 85236
Website: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/near-me/branches/south-tyneside-branch
Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s
Contact: John Shone
Tel: 0191 536 9687 or 07564 27802
Web: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/local-support-groups/regions/north-east-england/south-tyneside-branch
Stroke
Stroke Association
Address: Hadrian Lodge, Wenlock Road, South Shields, NE34 9BS
Contact: Steve Dunn
Email: southtynesidelifeafterstroke@yahoo.com
Tel: 07516 833249
Web: https://www.stroke.org.uk/finding-support/south-tyneside-life-after-stroke-group