England legend Sir Geoff Hurst has revealed the exercise regime that keeps him fit and mentally sharp at age 84. The World Cup final hat-trick hero told how he stays active after losing many of his 1966 teammates to dementia. He is speaking out along with other sports stars and celebrities as part of Age UK’s drive to get older adults active so that they age well.
The charity has released polling suggesting lack of confidence is holding 50–65 year-olds back from group activities and team sports. One in four people in this crucial age bracket are estimated to be “physically inactive”.
Sir Geoff’s Daily Exercise Regime
Sir Geoff said: “At nearly 85 I am still working and headlining speaking tours, which I have done for the last 10 years. I try to keep physically and mentally fit, and I am a huge supporter of the benefits of physical exercise, after the loss of many of my 1966 team mates to dementia.”
“Four mornings a week I go for a 30-minute walk through the park, before doing a 20-minute Joe Wicks workout at home on alternate days. This daily exercise regime keeps me feeling far younger than my years, and mentally sharp too. Anyone of any age can reap the benefits of physical activity and moving more and even joining a team and making new connections.”
Joe Wicks, also known as The Body Coach, champions High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and quick, healthy meals. He became a household name during the Covid-19 pandemic for his "PE With Joe" livestreams, which kept millions active.
Loss of 1966 Teammates to Dementia
Sir Geoff famously scored the hat-trick in the final against West Germany 60 years ago that led England to their only World Cup win. He is the last surviving member of the team. Exercise is known to help prevent or delay dementia. Five members of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad have died with dementia - Nobby Stiles, Jack Charlton, Ray Wilson, Martin Peters, and Sir Bobby Charlton. Manager Sir Alf Ramsey also had dementia before his death in 1999.
Health Challenges Overcome
Sir Geoff told five years ago how he had been fitted with a pacemaker because of atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat. He also described having a “mild stroke” a few years earlier. Two years ago he was forced off stage with repeated nosebleeds during an event as part of his speaking tour.
Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better Campaign
Sir Geoff is speaking as part of Age UK's Act Now, Age Better campaign highlighting the health and wellbeing benefits of exercise, particularly of team sports and group activities. Its polling of 2,700 people in the UK aged over 50 shows lack of confidence is holding people back.
He added: “I know from my own career that being part of a team can give you an incredible sense of connection, along with shared experiences and unforgettable highs. But as life gets busier and we get older, keeping that physical activity going can start to feel out of reach.”
“The truth is, when you find yourself putting off making that first move, that’s exactly the moment to just get out there - because even the smallest steps towards moving more can bring big rewards. It’s never too late to start. Anyone, at any age, can benefit from being more active, and even rediscover the joy of joining a team and building new connections.”
Polling Reveals Confidence Barriers
Some 36% of participants - equivalent to 5.1 million people - worry they will not be good enough at the team sport or group activity. A similar proportion at 34%, equivalent to 4.8 million people, worry about not fitting in because of their age. Women were more likely to feel this way.
Age UK chief executive Paul Farmer said: “We would like to see all adults aged 50 and older start preparing for their health in later life as they would prepare financially with a pension.”
MPs Report on Lack of Exercise
It comes as a report by MPs on the Commons Health and Social Care Committee blames lack of exercise in later life on increasing health conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. It said lack of activity is associated with one in six deaths in the UK and is estimated to cost £7.4 billion a year.
Professor Sir Chris Whitty, England's Chief Medical Officer, said: “We know that making it easy and attractive for people to exercise throughout their lives is one of the most effective ways of maintaining independence in older age.”
The MPs report called for more "social prescribing" to patients of exercise such as yoga and swimming but warned inactivity is “designed into daily life, particularly for older people”. It continued: “This includes local action to remedy poorly paved streets, unsafe crossings and a lack of toilets and seating, combined with national transport and planning decisions that make moving easier.”
In the UK, chief medical officers recommend older people should aim to accumulate 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity a week and do activities aimed at improving or maintaining muscle strength, balance and flexibility at least twice a week. Figures suggest that 44% of people aged 75 and over are doing less than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
