The world is set to mark International Day of Older Persons on the 1st October, which recognises the contribution, rights, wellbeing and active participation of older people in society.
Ahead of this, McCarthy & Stone, the UK’s leading developer and manager of later life communities, has taken a deep-dive to debunk the traditional perceptions of ageing.
One of the bigger shifts is Brits’ approach to fitness as we age. There are now 2.1 million more 55 to 74 year olds - and an additional 700,000 people over 75 - staying active today vs 10 years ago.*
In fact, McCarthy & Stone finds that a fifth of over-55s are clocking up 10 or more hours of physical activity each week, outdoing 15% of 25-34 year olds, while more than half are keeping the heart pumping for anything up to 6 hours weekly.
Improving physical health and maintaining independence for longer are key factors for this demographic, but for many, exercise goes beyond this. Nearly half keep moving to maintain their mental wellbeing, 16% say it gives them a sense of purpose, and a further 14% say it gives them an opportunity to stay connected & sociable.
And the positive impact of exercise doesn’t stop there. One in five over-55s are now keeping their options more open to trying new things than ever before, while a quarter have now tried at least one new physical activity in the past five years.
Later life living, redefined
Yoga and walking groups were among the most popular first-time pursuits, followed by strength training, swimming and pilates. More unexpected activities, like horse riding, Tai Chi and sky diving even made it onto the experimental bucket list.
However, there are also barriers to staying active in later life. Nearly one in five admit a lack of confidence has prevented them from being as physically active as they would like, while 14% point to not having the right environment or access to suitable, age-inclusive facilities.
Supporting an active, independent lifestyle
McCarthy & Stone communities are one route forward to break these barriers. Designed to help homeowners and tenants make the most of later life and support wellbeing, there are opportunities to socialise, take part in activities and build friendships close to home. This ranges from fitness and wellness classes to gardening clubs and nature walks, hosted in its properties across the UK.**
For those less independent, dedicated on-site support teams create a welcoming, accessible environment for more independent living, with reassurance that help is available when needed.
Rebecca Johnson, Group Sales & Marketing Director at McCarthy & Stone, said: Our research shows that as we age, we are embracing new experiences and finding different ways to enjoy later life. From trying a new activity to spending time with friends, it’s about having the confidence to live life to the fullest, whatever your age. At McCarthy & Stone, we’re committed to creating spaces where homeowners and tenants can experience more, with the freedom, flexibility and peace of mind to enjoy later life on their own terms.
Make more of later life
Summary
- A fifth of over-55s clock up 10 or more hours of physical activity each week, exceeding 15% of 25-34 year olds
- One in five (20%) are more open to trying new physical activities than when they were younger, with sky diving and Tai Chi among the new pursuits explored in the last five years
- The interest in exercise goes beyond simply keeping active - having a sense of purpose (16%) and keeping connected & sociable (14%) are among other key factors
- McCarthy & Stone is celebrating a generation that’s challenging the reputation around ageing, offering a range of activities including fitness and wellness classes, gardening clubs and nature walks hosted in its properties across the UK
Research conducted by OnePoll in December 2025 across 2,000 UK adults. Figures for over-55s are weighted calculations combining respondents aged 55–64 and 65 and over; percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number.
*Data from Sport England’s Active Lives Adult Survey - November 2024-2025, published April 2026
** Activities vary across McCarthy & Stone developments
