Centre for Health and Ageing
As we go through life our physical activity needs change. The Centre for Health and Ageing (CHA) builds on internationally acclaimed research by Dr Peter Herbert, developing exercise and health programmes that recognise our changing needs as we age.
CHA provides the opportunity for all members of the community who are over 50 years of age to have access to personalised exercise programmes and one-to-one expert advice on aspects of health, fitness nutrition and lifestyle.
We run classes throughout the year and have online videos to support exercising at home. We cater for all abilities of participants. We support people who have not exercised due to health-related conditions, lack of motivation or opportunity, as well as those who are already active or masters athletes to maintain and improve levels of fitness and strength.
Our programmes support and improve quality of life by addressing the unique needs relating to physical activity in middle and later life, ensuring that each of us can enjoy active healthy lives throughout the life-course.
For more information please contact Dr Peter Herbert at p.herbert@uwtsd.ac.uk or Kirsty Thomas at kirsty.edwards@uwtsd.ac.uk.
Fitness and Health Assessments (and Exercise Prescription)
We offer fitness and health assessments as well as tailored exercise prescription to decrease the onset of age-related medical conditions as well as supporting active individuals including athletes. Click on the link below to read about our options.
Fitness and Health Assessment Options
Exercise and Ageing
Health and Fitness
Being physically active on a regular basis is a positive move to achieving better health and fitness. Studies have shown that exercise provides numerous health benefits and that older adults can improve their quality of life by staying physically active. Even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve health and fitness.
Lack of physical activity can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses. Staying physically active and exercising regularly can help prevent or delay many diseases and disabilities. In some cases, exercise is an effective treatment for many chronic conditions. Studies show that people with arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes will benefit from regular exercise. Exercise also helps people who are overweight, have high blood pressure, balance problems, or difficulty walking.
Regular, moderate physical activity can help manage stress and improve your mood. And, being active on a regular basis may help reduce feelings of depression. Studies also suggest that exercise can improve or maintain some aspects of mental function.
Fitness
Being physically active can help you stay strong and fit enough to keep doing the things you enjoy. It enables you to benefit from exercise such as jogging, cycling and swimming and many leisure activities such as hill walking, tennis and golf. Some older adults can be reluctant to exercise and concerned that exercise will be too hard or will harm them. In fact, inactivity is regarded by many scientists as the greatest cause of ill health in later life.
Exercise or Physical Activity?
Physical activity describes activities that get your body moving such as gardening, walking the dog, going to the shops and taking the stairs instead of the lift. Exercise is a form of physical activity that is specifically planned, structured, and repetitive such as weight training and aerobics. Including physical activity and exercise in your life will provide you with health benefits that can make you feel better and enjoy your life much more as you age.
Who can benefit?
Sedentary who do not currently exercise
It is never too late to reap the benefits of increasing activity levels. If you have not exercised for many years you will be provided with a personal programme that will gradually introduce you to exercise that will be both beneficial and enjoyable.
Sedentary who have medical conditions
Appropriate staff will be assigned to safely supervise your progress. They will have professional qualifications in working with clients who have medical issues.
The healthy and fit who require a higher level advice from experts
You have achieved good health and fitness standards and need extra motivation to achieve more. Possibly entering a local fun run or charity cycle or perhaps you want to look the absolute best you can.
Healthy, fit people who wish to be super fit, possibly already competing and wish to receive the latest information and training regimes from international coaches
You will be provided with short and long term goals utilizing the best and latest research findings in exercise science and sports performance. Progress can be monitored in our Performance Laboratory utilizing the latest, state of the art equipment. Staff who have coaching and personal experience at national and international levels will be available to advise you.
