65% would adapt lifestyle for healthy later life

Just over a third (35%) of office workers do an hour or less of physical exercise a week, according to research by charity Age UK and healthcare provider Bupa.

The research, which surveyed more than 2,000 UK adults, also found that 9% do not engage in any form of physical exercise.

In addition, the research, which also looked at the wellbeing of office-based workers, found that 52% do not spend any time on mental wellbeing activities and just over a quarter (27%) make an effort to recognise and deal with stress.

However, office workers are looking for ways to enhance their health and wellbeing by making small changes to their daily routine. Over half (53%), for example, shun the lift in favour of taking the stairs.

The research also found that 65% would like to adapt their current lifestyle in order to improve their health in later life. Meanwhile. attempting to lower the risk of future health conditions was a motivating factor for 64% of respondents who already have a healthy lifestyle.

Richard Adams, chief nurse at Bupa UK, said: “It’s really important that we all take steps to think about how our everyday actions could affect our health when we are older.

“The good news is that it’s not difficult to make simple changes that can have a positive effect today and help us all live longer, healthier and happier lives in the years to come.

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 “As well as employees thinking about their health, we would urge employers to create an environment where their workforce can take time to lead healthy, active lifestyles, and lead by example. The risks of not thinking ahead are high. Dementia, diabetes are just two examples of diseases that are potential outcomes of unhealthy lifestyles.”