Keeping healthy and active: the key to thriving in later life
This is the fourth post in our Grey Matters series exploring the six pillars of wellbeing in later life. After looking at independence, security, and staying connected, we now turn to another cornerstone of wellbeing: keeping healthy and active.
Health and activity are often the first things that come to mind when we talk about ageing. But what does “healthy and active” really mean in the lives of people in their 70s, 80s, and beyond? For most older adults, it’s less about marathons or gym memberships and more about feeling capable, engaged and able to enjoy everyday life.
It’s not just about physical health
When we asked people in our research what being healthy and active means to them, the answers went beyond fitness. Yes, they talked about staying mobile and avoiding illness, but they also emphasised mental and emotional health, a sense of purpose, and the ability to do things that bring joy and fulfilment.
One participant summed it up perfectly:
“It’s about waking up in the morning and feeling like you have a reason to get going.”
The data: the importance of feeling healthy and active
In our study of UK homeowners aged 70-89:
71% said that being in good health made a positive difference to their wellbeing
62% highlighted the importance of having hobbies they enjoy
48% said access to leisure facilities was key
These numbers tell us that health and activity are closely linked. Staying active supports health, and good health makes activity possible. It’s a cycle that feeds itself, and it’s vital to keep that cycle going.
Activity comes in many forms
Staying active doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it’s gardening or a weekly swim. For others, it’s walking the dog, dancing, or simply getting out and about. The key is that activity feels relevant and accessible.
Movement: Everyday mobility, walking, stretching and exercise
Leisure: Hobbies, crafts, social clubs, community groups
Mental stimulation: Learning, reading, puzzles, creative activities
Designing for health and activity means considering all of these dimensions, not just the physical, but the mental and social too.
Barriers to staying active
Of course, staying active in later life isn’t always easy. Some of the barriers people mentioned included:
Health conditions: Chronic illness, pain, fatigue
Mobility limitations: Difficulties getting out or around
Transport issues: Lack of access to reliable, accessible transport
Lack of safe spaces: Concerns about safety in local parks or walking routes
Social barriers: Feeling unwelcome or excluded from activities
Overcoming these barriers is key to enabling people to stay active and engaged.
Healthy and active communities
One of the strongest messages from our research is that people don’t just want individual fitness, they want environments that support healthy living. That means homes designed for accessibility, communities with safe walking routes, local activities that cater to diverse interests, and services that encourage participation rather than just ticking boxes.
When people see their environment as a partner in their health, they’re more likely to stay engaged and proactive.
The link between activity and identity
Staying healthy and active isn’t just about adding years to life - it’s about adding life to years. It reinforces a sense of capability and identity. When people can continue doing the things they love, they maintain a sense of who they are.
As one participant said:
“I don’t want to be written off as old, I want to keep living.”
What brands and services can do
For organisations designing for older adults, the message is clear: supporting health and activity isn’t just about medical care, it’s about enabling people to stay engaged on their own terms.
Design homes and communities that promote movement and participation
Provide access to leisure facilities and hobby spaces
Support affordable, accessible transport options
Encourage social activities that combine movement and connection
Promote lifelong learning and opportunities to try new things
Our view
Staying healthy and active is the fuel that powers a fulfilling later life. It’s what keeps people moving, engaged and feeling like themselves. But it’s not just about exercise classes or healthcare checklists, it’s about creating environments and opportunities that make health and activity a natural, enjoyable part of everyday living.
In our next Grey Matters post, we’ll look at the fifth pillar of wellbeing: having a sense of purpose. Why is purpose so important in later life, and how can we create pathways to meaning and contribution at every age?
source: Boomer + beyond_What's driving wellness_quantitative study