Free swimming for over 60s - a welcome Government Initiative?

Due to budget constraints the Government has cancelled the Free Swimming Initiative for the over 60s.

From April 2009 the government introduced free admission for over 60s to public swimming pools across England*. Promoted ahead of the London Olympics to raise awareness of the need for physical activity for older citizens, this is a step in the right direction for safeguarding their health. In fact people over 50 have enormous needs for plenty of exercise and stimulation to improve their physical and mental well-being. However, often financing such activities may become more difficult once you have reached retirement and become a pensioner.

Help the Aged welcomed the government initiative but pointed out that swimming is only one of many possible activities that are valuable for those who are 60+. Pamela Holmes, head of Healthy Ageing also added 'Free swimming for the over 60s will help those older people who like to swim and local authorities will welcome the financial support for this programme. But for those people who don't enjoy swimming, or for those with problems such as poor strength, uncertain balance and weak bones, swimming classes offer nothing at all.'

'This is a step in the right direction, but we need to stride towards providing a range of options for activity.'

'Older people face rising costs of living across the board - the Government must ensure that many of the necessary staples of life are equally affordable.'

So while the swimming initiative is good news for 50+ swimmers who are approaching retirement and those over 60, 70 and even 80, the rest of us will have to wait for the introduction of free admission to other sports activities for older people.

It is also worth pointing out that if you are over 50 and want to keep healthy and fit, it seems there is no better way to do so than running! There is a new study from Stanford University School of Medicine that has found regular running slows down ageing. In fact older runners cut their chances by half of dying prematurely.

Meanwhile there is much that over 50s and over 60s can do to keep interests and activities going that cost little or nothing! Take walking if you are fit enough, taking advantage of public libraries to increase reading opportunities and perhaps seeking out a free computer course to keep the grey cells active!

It is well known that keeping active busy and above all engaged with life, helps tremendously in staving off the years and preventing illness and disease. So the motto is keep busy both physically and mentally however old you may be!

* Not all councils have approved free swimming. Please check with your local council to confirm free swimming is available.