Poor pensioners exercise less than their rich counterparts because gym’s ‘are too expensive’

November 28, 2016

A survey of 1,000 Britons over the age of 65 revealed the truth of exercise
It found more 1 in 5 who earn over £50,000 keep active for 7 hours a week
While more than a quarter who earn less than £20,000 say they do none
A lack of exercise is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease

Stephen Matthews For Mailonline

Published:
10:30 EST, 28 November 2016

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Updated:
10:30 EST, 28 November 2016

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Less affluent pensioners are putting their health at risk by exercising less, new research has found.

One in five of those with a household income of above £50,000 exercise for at least seven hours each week – well above the 150 minutes recommended.

While more than a quarter of those in households earning less than £20,000 admit that they don’t do any exercise in a typical week.

It is widely known that a lack of exercise increases blood pressure and is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease – the world’s leading killer.

One in five of those with a household income of above £50,000 exercise for at least seven hours each week. While more than a quarter of those in households earning less than £20,000 admit that they don’t do any exercise in a typical week, a survey found

A survey of more than 1,000 Britons over the age of 65 found nearly half are not worried about getting enough exercise as they age further.

While 91 per cent believe something needs to be done to help get them to exercise more regularly.

The survey also revealed that the cost of exercise is a major issue and one which is especially pronounced for the less prosperous.

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Some 46 per cent of respondents with a household income of less than £50,000 think that exercise facilities should be more affordable.

While one in ten go so far as to state that they are prevented from exercising because it is too expensive.

People in lower income households were also found to neglect their health in other ways, with the study suggesting that those on lower incomes are less likely to cut down on alcohol and smoking.

People in lower income households were also found to neglect their health in other ways, including being less likely to cut down on alcohol

Patrick Stannah, managing director at Stannah Stairlifts, who commissioned the survey, said: ‘What these findings indicate is that more needs to be done to encourage people to get the exercise they want and need.

‘There is no reason why people can’t continue to exercise at any age – but they do need the proper support to help them do so.

‘Whether at home or in a more formal setting, it’s incredibly important that people continue to take care of their bodies as they get older.

‘Regular exercise decreases the chance of illness and is a great way to socialise, so more needs to be done to help people be active and healthy, without worrying about the cost of doing so.’