Being physically active will help your heart and blood circulatory system to work more efficiently. It will also help to lower your cholesterol and keep your blood pressure at a healthy level, which may decrease your risk of developing dementia.
Find out more about different types of physical activity and the guidelines for adults on the NHS website.
There is also guidance for how to start getting active at thinkactive.org.
Any movement is beneficial, so building more movement into everyday life is a good place to start. There are lots of ways to be active including riding your bike, mowing the lawn, swimming, going to the gym or dancing. Further information on activties can be found at Moving More - Warwickshire County Council.
Walking
Walking is one of the easiest ways to get more active and become healthier.
- Find out more about walking for health on the NHS website.
- Walk Finder provides details of ‘Walking for Health’ walking groups in Warwickshire.
- Rambler’s Wellbeing Walks are England’s largest network of health walks with over 400 active schemes, helping people across the country lead a more active lifestyle and meet local people in their area. They have lots of walks in Warwickshire, including groups in Warwick, Stratford and Rugby.
Running
Running can also be a good way of getting active.
- The NHS’s Couch to 5k running plan provides support to begin running, helping you build up to running 30 minutes over 9 weeks.
- For those able to run 5km, parkrun can be a great way of taking part in physical activity – it’s a free community 5k walk, jog or run that is positive, welcoming and inclusive. Find your local parkrun.
Advice and tips on getting active
Think Active Warwickshire also provides lots of tips on how to get active, including in specific scenarios such as if you have a long-term health condition, while working from home or while pregnant/after birth.
Healthy Lifestyles Warwickshire provides simple, helpful advice and expert local support to help you feel better and live healthier in Warwickshire. This includes support for weight management and physical activity you can refer into this service if you are eligible.
Find out more about the link between physical activity and dementia (alzheimers.org.uk).
When you are being active, try to avoid walking or running down busy roads to reduce your exposure to air pollution. Spending time in green space is good for your mental health and wellbeing and lead to less exposure to air pollution, which can also increase risk of developing dementia.