Contents - 3 minute read:

• Inform - Should you consider giving up your favourite active past time?

• Motivate - How you can still rock it, no matter what your age

• Celebrate - Crown green bowling - Summer is well and truly here, lets enjoy some socialising and serious outdoor challenge

All too often , I hear stories of people choosing to retire from their sporting hobbies. They do this with a heavy heart as it is an activity that has given them much pleasure through the years and has provided them with a challenge and social scene. There is unfortunately a misconception that you should slow down as you age. This belief may be recommended from well meaning family members and sadly may be a suggestion from health professionals. As a physiotherapist it is extremely rare for me to suggest that someone gives up their active hobbies. Taking the decision to reduce activity and give up friendship opportunities can really impact emotional and physical well being. If someone is struggling with an injury or illness , you might require a little lateral thinking, but waving goodbye to your activity levels should be a last resort. Lets look at options that you should consider instead:

• Pacing - If you have taken a break from an activity due to injury or simply not had time to fit it in , then don’t expect to start where you left off. You might have been able to swim 20 lengths without a break 3 months ago but don’t get frustrated if you are gasping for breath after the first 5 lengths. Expect to start at a lower level and make a plan to build up . Only increase one aspect at a time. For instance if you are returning to swimming then plan a leisurely 30 minute swim, enjoy yourself and then focus on upping the distance at a later stage.

• Impact - If you are struggling to enjoy your activity due to a stiff knee or painful joint then consider reducing the impact. Choose the cycle instead of the treadmill for your cardiovascular fitness and leg strengthening. Consider a brisk walk on the flat rather than the steep hike with uneven ground if your hip is complaining more than usual. Keeping the blood flowing and your joints moving, means you are much more likely to resume your preferred activity at a later date.

• Modifications - There are ALWAYS ways to modify activity. If you can’t think of any, ask within your circle and you will be surprised at the alternatives available. There are chair based exercise groups , fall groups, equipment to help you continue to be active. Think walking netball or football if the original sport is becoming difficult. Think Tai Chi or pilates if your cross fit is too hard. Alternatively chat with your instructor, they are trained to provide modifications and would be delighted to help

• Technology - Thanks to the COVID pandemic, there has never been so much information accessible online. If you are stuck at home for whatever reason then there are countless yoga classes, meditation starter programmes , apps for home fitness. Fire up your computer and see what you fancy. Age UK has a good range of resources to help point you in the right direction.

• Take a short break - If you have a sore, swollen joint or are recovering from an operation or hospital stay, then you might need to rest up more than usual. That doesn’t mean you can’t move other parts of your body. Keep yourself moving where and when you can. Nothing wastes muscles quicker than a day of bed rest , so keep unaffected parts of your body moving as much as you can. Even taking regular deep breaths is a start

The path of life doesn’t run smooth, it was never meant to. Be prepared to adapt and flex to meet the needs of your body but in short , do not give up!

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Wednesday's tips look at 3 ways to work on your balance as you brush your teeth ? As this is a task we all do at least twice a day, it is an ideal opportunity to work on your balance

I couldn’t let this week pass with out a nod to Sir Elton John who demonstrates that age is not a factor when it comes to achievements and living your best life. He drew in the biggest ever audience for the Glastonbury Festival which peaked at 7.9 million viewers. At age 76, he’s still got that rock and roll and continues to bring pleasure to many all over the world.

Here we are in the height of Summer and the height of the Crown Green Bowling Season. It is a sport to be celebrated and enjoyed for those who like to get outdoors, meet new people and challenge themselves. Bowling requires balance, focus and hand eye co ordination. It gets you walking, keeps your shoulders and legs mobile and requires considerable strength both in the upper and lower body.

Bowling fun facts  

• It is called crown green bowling due to the uneven nature of the bowling green and it traditionally has a raised centre known as the crown

• Sir Frances Drake in 1588 was enjoying his game of bowls when he was informed that the Spanish Armada was on the way, he reportedly insisted on finishing his game before tackling the Spaniards

• It is played in 52 countries in 6 continents of the world

• Bowls was not in the commonwealth games in 1966 as there were not enough bowling greens in Kingston, Jamaica

• A bowl that comes into contact with the jack is known as a “toucher”

• Shakespeare was a member of a bowling club and referenced the bowling Jack in his play in 1610 Cymbeline

• Adam Dalley and Karl Rattley hold the world record for the longest game of single bowls. It was set in 2022 in Earls Barton, Northamptonshire and lasted a whopping 32 hours and 34 minutes

• On a Sunday in Sept 1968 a BBC TV camera crew established itself outside the Waterloo Hotel in Blackpool to film a crown green bowling tournament. It was groundbreaking as it was the first time a major competition for prize money was played on a Sunday.

• If you want to read about the names, faces and achievements of the finest players in the last 100 years then look no further than “Bowling Legends “ by Alan Ward. You will find it on Amazon. Prepare yourself to relive memorable matches from top bowling tournaments such as the Talbot and the Waterloo.

Are you active and would like to feature here? We would love to hear from you! Get in touch, preferably with a picture so we can celebrate and promote you living your best life. Just reply to this newsletter