Carrying the shopping, gardening, or vacuuming can help older people lead healthier lives for longer, according to leading physiotherapists. They warn that millions of older people risk falls because they are failing to maintain their strength.
Nearly a quarter of over-65s do not do any strength exercises, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) says. And it warns that the rise of internet shopping means fewer people carry home their groceries.
Physiotherapists say not enough people realise the need to maintain strength as we age. NHS guidelines suggest people do two strengthening sessions a week, such as exercising with weights, or lifting and carrying heavy loads like groceries.
A survey of more than 2,000 older people in the UK, carried out on behalf of the CSP, found nearly a quarter do no strengthening exercises at all. Nearly one in five said they did not know how to do them, while a similar number said they just did not want to.
Falls among the elderly cause the vast majority of hip fractures and cost the NHS around £1bn each year. Physiotherapists say maintaining strength into old age can help avoid falls and other ill health.
Prof Karen Middleton, chief executive of the CSP, said: 'Research shows getting stronger brings a whole host of health benefits so it is incredibly important that people don't overlook strengthening when being active.' She suggested digging in the garden or standing up out of a chair 10 times as simple exercises.
