Real stories. Real experiences.
We’ve been bringing real-life stories together to inspire, empower and connect people. Discover more of the experiences shared through Movement for Everyone.
What is active ageing?
Part of HFE’s long-term commitment to creating a more inclusive health and fitness industry includes helping people to age actively. With people living longer than ever before, it’s important to create environments that allow the older generation to maintain independence and quality of life.
Alongside insights from 72-year-old World Record holder, Christine Hobson, our goal is to raise awareness of active ageing and help make a difference for older adults. Because movement is for everyone. Education helps make it possible.
Why it matters
Too many people are spending their senior years in poor health. Active ageing is about getting and staying fit enough to get old with dignity. It's about maintaining functional independence and a good quality of life.
Strategies that support active ageing deal with many issues around physical health, wellbeing, frailty and inequalities within the older generation. The impact of these strategies help to support older individuals and their families, while also reducing the demand placed on the NHS and social care system.
- Adults over 65 are the fastest-growing age group in the UK, making up 18.5% of the population.
- Low levels of physical activity is the fourth leading risk factor contributing to deaths and the burden of disease globally.
- Research shows that 42% of this age category are inactive, compared to 29% of the overall population.
- Taking part in physical activities every day clinically helps to reduce long-term health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
Sources: Active Ageing Research (2022) and UK Parliament Report (2026).
Christine Hobson's Story
Former headteacher, Christine Hobson, set herself the challenge of completing 100 marathons when she retired. She had no prior experience and didn't start running until she was 60. Now, with 125 marathons complete, including a Guinness World Record for being the oldest person to complete the Antarctic Ice Marathon, she’s on a mission to share the benefits of exercise and physical activity in later in life.
Being able to maintain her independence and live life on her own terms has been a huge benefit for getting fit for Christine. Whether it’s simple body movements to help her with everyday tasks, like opening a jar, carrying the shopping, or putting out the bins, Christine sees exercise as a way of life to ensure she gets to live well for longer.
Finding the right coach
When Christine was looking for a fitness coach, she wanted someone that could encourage and push her, but within her own capabilities and limitations. Unfortunately for Christine, this wasn't a straightforward process and she didn't have the best experience with some fitness professionals.
Fitness coaches working with older adults need to be technically knowledgeable and competent, with strong communication skills. They need to be patient, empathetic, and willing and able to adapt various types of exercise to meet their client's needs. Above all, they need to be client-centred, putting their clients at the heart of everything they do.
To work with older adults as a fitness coach, you will need a specialist older adult qualification, like the Level 3 Exercise for Older Adults course. This qualification will provide the foundational knowledge, skills and confidence to work with active agers, so that you can deliver safe and effective exercise to this population. It's important to emphasise, however, that it takes more than a qualification to become a great fitness coach capable of working with older adults. You must posses, or be willing to develop the soft communication skills that build trust and rapport between you and your clients.
Be part of our mission
Together we can raise awareness and create a more inclusive fitness industry where access to wellbeing isn’t optional; it’s non-negotiable. Join the conversation on Instagram where we’re shining a light on the people creating a healthier future for everybody no matter their ability.
Whether you’re a professional or have lived experience, we want to hear your story about why movement matters to you. Use #MovementMatters and tag us in your post @hfe1.
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