Thoughtful Thursdays

Welcome to another segment of Thoughtful Thursdays! A space to relax, learn and appreciate life all around you.

See what Mr M has to say about life HERE.

Renny Reads of the week:

Active Ageing: Staying Health in Older Years  

Hey everyone, welcome back to Renny Reads! Today, we’re diving into something that’s been buzzing in the UK: active ageing. Now, ageing is a part of life we all think about sooner or later, but what does it really mean to age actively? Well, it’s about finding ways to stay healthy, connected, and, most importantly, living life to the fullest, no matter our age.
In communities all over the UK, we’re seeing a big shift towards supporting active ageing. It’s no longer just about ticking off years; it’s about embracing each year with energy and purpose. Community centres, for instance, have started offering fitness classes geared towards older adults, from gentle yoga to water aerobics, helping people stay fit in ways that work for them. And it’s not just about exercise- there are social events, hobby clubs, and volunteering opportunities designed to keep people connected and engaged with others.

Staying mentally active is a huge part of it too. Research shows that keeping our minds busy with things like puzzles, learning new skills, or even picking up a new language can boost cognitive health. And many universities and online platforms now offer courses specifically for older learners, making it easier than ever to dive into something new. Whether it’s rekindling an old passion or discovering something entirely fresh, there’s so much potential to keep growing.

Active ageing isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement to redefine what growing older can look like. If you or someone you know is looking to feel a bit more vibrant, consider exploring what’s available in your local area. Going off Mr M’s life lesson today, “life is like Ben & Jerry’s, you have to enjoy it before it melts away”. Ageing doesn’t have to mean slowing down- it can be a time to thrive, to connect, and to enjoy each day in meaningful ways, so why wait?

Dive in these articles to find out more:

• UK Parliament- Healthy Ageing: https://post.parliament.uk/healthy-ageing-and-care-for-older-populations/
• Herriot Watt University- Healthy Ageing: https://www.hw.ac.uk/news/2024/healthy-ageing-is-an-opportunity-we-should-stop-framing-it-as-a-problem
• Gloucester Live- Anti-ageing exercise: https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/health/anti-ageing-exercise-future-proofs-9691455
• The Carer- AgeUK ageing: https://thecareruk.com/age-uk-calls-for-a-radical-sea-change-in-how-we-think-about-older-people-and-about-ageing/