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84-Year-Old World Cup Hero's Fitness Secrets
22 May
Summary
- Sir Geoff Hurst maintains fitness with daily walks and home workouts.
- He stays active to combat dementia risks after losing teammates.
- Age UK campaign encourages older adults to overcome inactivity.
England football icon Sir Geoff Hurst, at nearly 85, is championing an active lifestyle to combat the effects of aging and dementia. The last surviving member of England's 1966 World Cup-winning team revealed his regimen includes four morning walks a week and a 20-minute workout on alternate days.
Sir Geoff's commitment to fitness is partly driven by the loss of several 1966 teammates to dementia, including Nobby Stiles and Sir Bobby Charlton. He supports Age UK's initiative to encourage older adults to engage in physical activity, as polling indicates a significant number in the 50-65 age bracket feel insecure about group activities.
Age UK's 'Act Now, Age Better' campaign aims to address the 'lack of confidence' issue, with a third of older adults surveyed worrying about their abilities in team sports or group settings due to age. The charity stresses that regular exercise is crucial for maintaining health and independence in later life.
Evidence suggests that regular physical activity is key to preventing or delaying cognitive decline. Experts and government reports highlight the substantial cost of inactivity to the UK's health system, estimated at £7.4 billion annually, and its association with serious health conditions and premature death. National guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly for older adults.
