Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, has welcomed Age UK’s “Lets get moving” campaign which aims to get older people active. The campaign was launched last week in the Scottish Parliament by asking MSP’s what they do to keep fit.
Only 55% of people are getting the recommended minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week. The Age Scotland campaign aims to encourage people to keep active by telling the stories of what other people do to keep fit.
The campaign will run until March when Age Scotland will announce the results of their Coastline Challenge. The challenge is designed for older people to travel both the literal and figurative distance of Scotland's coastline. The charity is encouraging their 1000 member groups to take part in any activity and measure the distance travelled by the group. The total distance of the Scottish mainland is 6,160 miles and whether you can walk a few miles of actual coast, or contribute mileage covered from a local group, all the extra activity you can get will be very beneficial.
Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The older you get, the more difficult it becomes to keep active and even the smallest amount of activity can improve your overall health.
“As an MSP you spend a lot of time sitting so it’s my rule to avoid the lift and take the stairs whenever possible, and in the Scottish Parliament there are a lot of stairs.
“Staying active is not just about scaling mountains and running marathons but can be as simple as going out for a good walk. Getting out and staying fit can help prevent Type 2 diabetes and I would like to wish Age Scotland all the best in their campaign.”
Keith Robson, Head of Charity Services for Age Scotland, commented:
“Instead of telling people off for not doing exercise, Age Scotland is taking a different approach and telling the stories of what people do to keep active and why. We’ve heard from 81 year old ladies who can plank for a minute, grandads taking part in Walking Football and hundreds more and by telling these stories, we hope to inspire more people to get moving!”