Sports and activities for over 60s in Wales

Pickleball

Fun, fast-paced and perfect for all abilities

What better way to release those endorphins than by hitting a ball around a court? Pickleball allows you to do just that - without the need to use too much energy.

The perfect racket sport for over 60s or those less mobile that will still get you moving and improving. 

Where can I play pickleball? – Anglesey, Gwynedd, Newport, Powys

Climbing

Physical problem solving that will take you to new heights

You're never too old to reach new heights. So why not test yourself by scaling a climbing wall? 

Angela Howells “I wasn't really expecting to enjoy it (rock climbing) as I am scared of heights and my joints aren't good due to my age and arthritis, but I have loved the climbing sessions. 

“I can't do as much as others, but I am so happy with my own achievement. I have met lovely people there who are really encouraging, and I am so grateful to be given the chance of a new experience.”

Where can I go climbing? - Swansea

Nordic Walking

Taking the weight off your walks while raising your pulse.

You don't have to go to Norway to try Nordic Walking. The Active 60+ scheme means you can do it amongst the beautiful scenery of Wales. Not only taking in the sights of Wales but improving muscle strength and endurance at the same time.

Using lightweight poles for additional support exercises 90% of your muscles! The poles offer support on uneven terrain to take the load off and make it easier.

The Wales Activity Tracker shows that walking for leisure is the most popular form of activity for older adults with 72% of the age group reported to participating in it.  

Where can I go walking? – Bridgend, Cardiff, Ceredigion, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Swansea

Exercise Classes & Low Impact Gym

Strength, stretch and socialise at classes for you

The gym doesn’t have to involve treadmills, rowing machines, bikes, and intense exercise classes. From gentle circuits to movement and mobility sessions, there are loads of classes tailored for the over 60s that you can enjoy with the support of trained instructors.

Donald, who is 90 years old, has been envjoying exercise classes at Chepstow Leisure Centre since 2018. 

Despite a fall which resulted in a broken femur, his daughter Claire said: “The surgeon believes his remarkable recovery is down to his fitness from his exercise classes. Dad is now back in his weekly class enjoying the banter and exercise with the rest of the class.”

Where can I take part in exercise classes? – Anglesey, Bridgend, Cardiff, Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd, Monmouthshire, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan, Wrexham

Yoga and Pilates

Breathe, balance and build your core

Find your inner zen with Yoga and Pilates. The slowed-down exercise focuses on gentle movement and breathing exercises that people of all abilities can do. 

Carole Puttock takes part in classes in Pembrokeshire, including yoga.

Where can I do yoga or Pilates? – Anglesey, Cardiff, Conwy (online), Monmouthshire, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Vale of Glamorgan, Wrexham

Aqua Aerobics

Move with the music and make a splash

For a full-body workout that helps your arthritis and is easy on the joints, aqua aerobics is perfect. Group classes can be a great way to socialise and meet new people whilst reaping the rewards of a full-body workout.

Lon, 64, started going to classes when she was diagnosed with polymyalgia. She said: “I was really stiff and my body was very sore and I must say that the water has helped me. It helps me physically and also helps the mind.”

Where can I do aqua aerobics? – Anglesey, Bridgend, Monmouthshire, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wrexham

Swimming

Get stronger with every stroke

Did you know over 60s in Wales can swim for free? The Free Swim scheme, which is different to Active 60+, means over 60s can take to a swimming pool in Wales for free.

Swimming is an excellent all-round activity that improves fitness, supports joints, and helps you feel refreshed.

Rory, 61, has secondary MS. Swimming has helped him loosen up, feel better and improve his life at home.

Rory’s wife said: “Since we started coming again, it’s a lot easier to make the transfer from wheelchair to bed, or chair to wheelchair, and he’s a lot brighter in himself as well.”

Some local authorities such as Active Carmarthen also offer dementia friendly swimming sessions. The sessions are a relaxed and inclusive safe space for anyone living with age-related memory loss.

Where can I go swimming? – Everywhere in Wales

Why it’s important to keep active as you grow older?

Age Cymru say: “Physical activity is a cornerstone of healthy ageing. It slows muscle deterioration, improves balance, and helps maintain independence”

56% of older adults exercise to manage physical health. But that’s just one of the many benefits of physical activity. Some of the benefits include:

• Maintain mobility, strength and balance
• Boosts your mental wellbeing
• Social interaction
• Recover from illness or injury
• Help manage health conditions

Age Cymru is the national charity for older people in Wales. They recognise the importance of staying active as you grow older.

They said: “Beyond the physical benefits, exercise also fosters social connections, which are crucial for mental health and emotional wellbeing. We believe that staying active is essential for maintaining independence, wellbeing, and quality of life as we age.” 

What is Active 60+?

Funded by Welsh Government and Sport Wales, the 60+ Active Leisure Scheme helps give people aged over 60 more access to take part in sports and physical activities so that they can live healthier and happier lives. 

Each year, £800,000 is distributed to the 22 local authorities across Wales to deliver the scheme, which offers free and subsidised activities.

What sport can over 60s do in my area?

The Active 60+ scheme is available in every local authority in Wales, though it might go by a different name where you live. Contact your local council or leisure centre to find out what's on offer near you.

• Anglesey – Active 60+
• Blaenau Gwent – Older People Services
• Bridgend – Ageing Well
• Caerphilly – Contact your local leisure centre
• Cardiff – Active Leisure Scheme
• Carmarthenshire - 60+ Activities
• Ceredigion – Health Intervention Programmes
• Conwy – Active 60+
• Denbigh – Active Communities 
• Flintshire – Contact your local leisure centre
• Gwynedd – Actif Am Oes
• Merthyr Tydfil – Contact your local leisure centre
• Monmouthshire – Active 60
• Neath Port Talbot
• Newport – Active 60+
• Pembrokeshire – Active for Life
• Powys – AAA Sessions
• Rhondda Cynon Taf – Active 60+ Leisure
• Swansea – Healthy Communities
• Torfaen - Thrive: Live Long and Prosper 
• Vale of Glamorgan – Golden Pass
• Wrexham – Active Wrexham 60+