There are many opportunities to stay fit and healthy available to older adults in Cambridge, helping you to live an active life.
If you are not sure what activity is most suited to you, try using our self-assessment tool. It will help you find local sessions that match your current levels of mobility, strength and balance.
The tool is specifically useful if:
- you are starting exercise for the first time or after a sustained period of inactivity
- you are over 65 years old
- you have a long-term condition or disability that affects your balance, strength or mobility
After you have used the tool, we can give you further advice – contact us if you want to discuss your results.
If you are unsure how much activity you should do, check the government’s recommendations for physical activity levels [PDF]. These are based on evidence that has been shown to help maintain good physical and mental health.
If you have difficulty using public transport to access sessions, Community Transport might be able to help you.
Bowls
There are indoor and outdoor bowls clubs around Cambridge. Visit Bowls Cambridgeshire to find your local club.
Swimming
If you live in Cambridge and are 60 or older, you can swim at any of our pools for £2.35 per visit. You just need to buy a Better card, which costs £5 per year. Read more about swimming in Cambridge.
Tennis and table tennis
We have 18 tennis courts around the city. You can reserve them in advance, and most of them are free to use. You need to bring your own rackets and balls.
We have installed more than 20 table tennis (also known as ping-pong) tables at popular locations around Cambridge. We have also provided roll-away tables at many community centres and similar venues. They are all free for anybody to use.
Physical activity sessions
In addition to the sessions listed here, check Forever Active, Cambridge Gymnastics Academy, and Cambridge United Foundation’s Forever United programme. They provide a range of exercise, fitness and sport sessions for older people.
If you need prescribed exercise and activity because of a long-term medical condition or disability, read about our Exercise Referral Service. We can provide support and activity to match your current medical and health needs.
Racquet sports
The weekly sessions listed here 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
- £4 per session at reception, or £2.50 through the Better app if you are a Better member
- Thursdays, 10.30am to 12.30pm at Meadows Community Centre
- £3.50 per session, or £3 for block bookings
- Tea, coffee and socialising in the last half hour
- Reserve your place on a session
Strength and balance classes
These classes are chair based and designed to improve your strength and balance, reducing your risk to falling
- Mondays, 10 to 11am at School Court, Mill Road
- Mondays, 2 to 3pm at Lichfield Community Hall, Lichfield Road
- Tuesdays, 11.30am to 12.15pm at St Thomas’s Hall, Ancaster Way
- Tuesdays, 1 to 2pm at Nightingale Pavilion, Nightingale Avenue
- 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
- £3 per session, first class is free
Contact us (details below) if you would like to attend any of the above classes.
Healthy You’s fall prevention service can help improve your strength, stability, and confidence. It's delivered by qualified instructors who understand the age-related changes that happen in the body and the medical concerns that you may have.
Tai chi
Learning tai chi and chi kung (qigong) can be a rewarding and effective antidote to the physical, mental and emotional stresses of everyday life. The disciplines can become part of a healthy lifestyle and help you to manage health problems relating to stress, posture and circulation.
- Fridays, 10.30 to 11.30am at Nightingale Pavilion
- £4 per session or £3.50 for course tickets
- Reserve your place on a session
Walking and 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
