Sport and fitness for older adults
Activity self-assessment tool
As an older adult living in or around Cambridge, there are plenty of opportunities available to you, which will help you to live an active life.
If you are unsure as to what activity is most suited to you, the activity self-assessment tool will signpost you to local physical activity opportunities that are most likely to benefit you, based upon your current levels of mobility, strength and balance.
This is specifically useful to do if you:
- are starting exercise for the first time or after a sustained period of inactivity
- are over 65 years old
- have a long-term condition or disability that affects your balance, strength or mobility
Following your results, you can also contact us to request further advice on your score from our Active Lifestyles team.
The Department of Health also provides information about the national recommendations for the physical activity levels of older adults, based upon evidence which has been shown to help maintain good physical and mental health.
Bowls
There are indoor and outdoor bowls clubs around Cambridge. Visit Bowls Cambridgeshire to find your local club.
‘Bowl and chat’ with Newnham Bowls Club
- Thursdays, 10.30am to 12.30pm from 9 May until 20 June
- At Newnham Bowls Club, Lammas Land
- £3 per session, with a free taster session on 9 May
- Booking is essential. Reserve your place on a session
Cambridge Gymnastics Academy
Cambridge Gymnastics Academy runs fun and welcoming active lifestyle sessions for people aged 50 and older to help you keep healthy and learn new skills.
- Mondays, 12.45 to 1.45pm at North Cambridge Academy
- £10.25 per session
Cambridge United Foundation
The Cambridge United Foundation provides a weekly programme of activities for the over-50s called Forever United. Activities include walking football, wellbeing walks, as well as afternoon tea events.
Visit Cambridge United Foundation to find out more and check their weekly schedule.
Exercise referral
Our Exercise Referral Service provides individualised exercise programmes in both a gym and class environment to any adult living with a long-term condition or disability.
It’s delivered by specialist exercise professionals who are specifically qualified to prescribe exercise programmes to adults with health needs. The service is delivered across several sites in Cambridge and includes the option for home exercise too.
For more information, visit fitness for adults with long-term medical conditions.
Falls Management exercise classes
The Healthy You Fall Management Exercise programme helps to improve your strength, stability, and confidence.
It's delivered by specialist qualified exercise instructors who understand the age-related changes that happen in the body and the medical concerns that you may have.
Visit Healthy You for more information.
Forever Active
Forever Active provides exercise, fitness and sport sessions for people aged 50 and older who are returning to physical activity. Activities are suitable for people with mobility problems.
The more active classes include:
- exercise to music
- pilates, tai chi, strength and balance
- fitness and yoga, and much more
Visit Forever Active to find out more.
Racquet sports
These weekly sessions can be adapted for a livelier workout or a slower pace if you prefer. Sessions are facilitated and are ideal for anyone looking for a friendly and supportive activity to try. Equipment will be provided.
Social badminton and pickleball (indoor)
- Wednesdays, 12.15 to 2.45pm at David Lloyd Sport Centre
- £3.50 per session, or £3 for block bookings
- Reserve your place on a session
‘Bat and chat’ - informal badminton, pickleball and table tennis
- Mondays, midday to 2pm at Cherry Hinton Village Centre
- Thursdays, 10.30am to 12.30pm at Meadows Community Centre
- Tea, coffee and socialising in the last half hour
- £3.50 per session, or £3 for block bookings
- Reserve your place on a session or use the Better app if you are a Better member
Tennis and table tennis (indoor and outdoor)
Informal opportunities to play tennis are available across the city’s public courts.
Table tennis is available across the city’s outdoor permanent tables and at the Ping Parlour in the Grafton Centre.
These are available to play on at any time and without the requirement for booking. There is no cost to use a court.
Visit our tennis and table tennis pages for more information.
Strength and balance classes
These classes are chair based and designed to improve your strength and balance, reducing your risk to falling
- Tuesdays, 11.30am to 12.15pm at St Thomas’s Hall, Ancaster Way
- Tuesdays, 2 to 3pm at Talbot House, Cherry Hinton
- Tuesdays, 3.45 to 4.45pm at Mansel Court, Arbury
- Wednesdays, 10.30 to 11.30am at Ditchburn Court, Mill Road
- Fridays, 11am to midday at Ditton Court, Ditton Lane
- £2.50 to £3 per session, first class is free
Contact us if you would like to attend any of the above classes.
Swimming
If you live in Cambridge and are 60 or older, you can swim at any of the GLL-managed swimming pools in Cambridge for £2.35 per visit. You just need to buy a Better card for £5 per year.
For information on GLL managed pools, read our swimming pages.
Walking sports
There are several free health walks in Cambridge, led by qualified walk leaders. Visit Ramblers Wellbeing Walks and search for ‘Cambridge’ to find out more.
Walking football
- Thursdays, 10 to 11am on the Abbey Leisure Complex all-weather pitch
- £4 per session
- Run by Cambridge United Community Trust
Walking netball
- Wednesdays, 2.30 to 3.30pm at Cherry Hinton Village Centre
- £2 per session
Walking rugby
- Sundays, 10 to 11am at Histon and Impington recreation ground
- Thursdays, 6 to 7pm at Cambridge Rugby Club
- Free – just turn up or register on the Cambridge Rugby website
