Every birthday, or let’s be honest, every Monday (we all start on a Monday right?) reminds us we need to be doing something! But then we get to the line in the sand and think next week, or I wish I’d started sooner, there is no point now.
Well that’s the point – THERE IS (a point that is).
20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and to infinity and beyond – your body is remarkably adaptable. We may lose some muscle, strength, and mobility as we age, but movement remains one of the most powerful tools we have to improve physical health, mental wellbeing, and quality of life.
Our bodies respond positively to activity at almost any age. In fact, research shows that people who become active later in life can still experience significant improvements in health and longevity.
What the research found
Midlife is not too late to start.
In a study of 315,059 adults, those who were less active for most of their adult life but became more active between the ages of 40 and 61 had a 35 per cent lower risk of death from any cause.
20s / 30s
Generally this is the time of life with nights out, festivals, travel, sports, adventure activities, dating – there is a lot going on, so for you, movement builds the foundation for long-term health, improving cardiovascular fitness, strength, bone density, and resilience.
30s / 40s
If you have kids – keeping up with them, school, outside activities, school friends, schedules, work, home/life, and maintaining energy levels. You want to make sure you have regular activity to offset the natural decline in muscle mass, supporting metabolism, reducing stress, and help maintaining your energy levels in what may be some of the busiest years of your life (we’re feeling it too don’t worry).
50s
Maybe the tail end of kids? personal interests, community groups, entertaining friends, a little more travel, so exercise starts to become more important for you to maintain mobility, strengthening bones, protecting heart health. These are the years of well and truly preparing for future you.
60s
Maybe we’re moving into retirement (who knows really, 60 is the new 50) … but if you are you have more me time, and family time. Physical activity helps maintain balance, flexibility, and strength while reducing the risk of chronic disease and falls. BUT – you can also use your extra time to really build your stamina, energy and strength – never say never.
70s and beyond
Maybe grandkids, community groups, travel, walking trails, clubs, hobbies …. and with movement comes improved quality of life. Simple activities such as walking, stretching, or light resistance training can improve physical function and support healthy aging. Or maybe this is the time of your life when you are thinking about committing to building your power and entering some fitness comps!?!
No matter what your age or your body, we are here for it!
Your body needs to move. It doesn’t matter when you begin, what matters is that you begin.
Small steps, gentle movements – you are looking for progress not perfection.
BeWell · August 2026