Older people outpacing youngsters in physical fitness, study finds

July 8, 2026

Some 58.9% of 60 to 69-year-olds are meeting physical activity guidelines compared with 57.6% of 18-29 year olds, according to a study of about 1.9 million UK adults.

The Our Future Health study also points to a “mid-life exercise gap” as the amount of exercise sharply drops off among those aged 30 to 50.

Meanwhile, women appear to do less exercise than men until retirement age, when more women than men meet exercise targets.

At the age of 65 some 58.1% of men and 58.6% of women meet exercise goals.

And while younger people did the most vigorous exercise, adults aged 70 to 79 did the most moderate exercise, researchers found.

Dr Raghib Ali, chief executive of Our Future Health, said: “The data appears to suggest that during the mid-life period of adulthood, which is typically a busier phase of life, the amount of exercise people take drops significantly. LBC