Latest news with #RoyalCollegeofGeneralPractitioners
Powys County Times
27-05-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Exercising in your 50s for a happier healthier later life
Age UK and Dr Hussain Al Zubaidi, long-distance triathlete and Royal College of General Practitioners lifestyle and physical activity lead, have joined forces to talk about how reaching your 50s is the perfect time to 'Act Now to Age Better'. Why Exercise Matters More Than Ever in Your 50s As we age, natural changes occur in the body. Muscle mass begins to decline at a rate of about 1% yearly after 40, bone density decreases, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, and joints may become stiff. These changes can be mitigated—and even reversed—with regular physical activity. Best Types of Exercise in Your 50s Not all workouts are created equal, especially as you age. Here are the most beneficial forms of exercise for those in their 50s: Strength Training: Resistance exercises, such as lifting weights or using resistance bands, are critical for preserving muscle mass and improving bone density. Cardiovascular Exercise: Activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling improve heart health and endurance. Flexibility and Mobility: Yoga or stretching exercises can enhance flexibility, reduce stiffness, and improve balance—essential for staying mobile. Balance Exercises: Simple practices like standing on one leg or Tai Chi can reduce the risk of falls. Adapting Your Routine If you've been exercising for years recovery may start to take longer, or high-impact activities may feel harder on joints. Listening to your body and modifying workouts is essential. Starting slow and gradually building is key to avoiding injury. Consider consulting a professional to help design a tailored program. Staying Motivated Staying active in your 50s is as much about mindset as it is about movement. Practical tips include: Setting Realistic Goals: Focus on small, achievable milestones, like walking a certain number of steps daily. Make It Social: Join a fitness class or find a workout buddy to keep things fun. Track Your Progress: Use a journal or app to monitor achievements and activity levels. Choose activities you genuinely enjoy. Consult Your Doctor Before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any long-term illnesses, consult your healthcare provider. A Healthier Future Exercising in your 50s is one of the best investments you can make for your future health and happiness. It's never too late to start. Age UK's leaflet has more information on how to get started to download please visit Find Affordable Sportswear at Age UK Charity Shops Staying active after 50 is essential for maintaining health and vitality in later life, and finding the right activewear can make it more enjoyable. Age UK charity shops offer a budget-friendly, sustainable way to build your workout wardrobe, while supporting a good cause. The shops often carry a variety of second-hand activewear, fitness dvds or sport accessories, including leggings, tracksuit bottoms, T-shirts, and trainers. Look for comfortable, moisture-wicking fabrics that allow movement. Try on items to ensure the fit suits your needs, especially for flexibility-intensive activities like yoga or Pilates. Beyond affordability, shopping at Age UK supports their vital work with older adults. You can also donate unused items, creating more space in your wardrobe. Once you've found the right clothes and activity, start incorporating more movement into your routine. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or stretching are excellent for building strength and flexibility without straining joints. Group classes or community activities can add a social element, enhancing both physical and mental well-being. Age UK has 276 shops, across England and Wales. Not only will you be saving money, but you'll also be supporting older people too. Find your nearest Age UK shop here: or visit Age UK's eBay page Age UK Encourages Healthy Habits for Later Life New Age UK research shows '49% of people aged 50-65 (6.9 million) in the UK say they are motivated to exercise to improve or maintain their mental health'. Age UK's Tom Gentry emphasises: 'While there's no single magic formula for staying mentally and physically healthier in later life, a combination of regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and staying social are key. "Even small amounts of physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes, certain cancers, and cognitive decline.' 'Whether you're 50 or 85, it's never too late to start. Gradual steps can make a lasting impact on your future health and well-being.'
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Top GP warns NI rise will make waiting times worse
GP waiting times in Wales will get worse as a result of increases to businesses' National Insurance contributions, a senior doctor has warned. Dr Rowena Christmas, chairwoman of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Wales, said the changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Budget felt like an "absolute crisis" and a "crushing disappointment". The UK government said it had provided funding to support businesses with NI increases. But the Welsh government said this was based on England's costs rather than Wales' actual needs and Downing Street had left it with a "significant shortfall". Unlike other NHS services, GP practices operate as private businesses and are funded by government contracts, which means they are not exempt from the NI increases, which came into effect last month. GP partners now have to pay NI at 15% on salaries above £5,000 instead of 13.8% on salaries above £9,100. Back of queue threat for people who miss NHS appointments Under fire GP company hands more surgeries back Monmouthshire-based Dr Christmas said funding cuts, inflation and the rise in the cost of living had made it difficult for GPs to keep going. "It's hard to be so pessimistic, but this is such a catastrophic situation we suddenly find ourselves in out of nowhere," she said. She added the new tax rate would cost her practice £20,000 a year, with larger practices facing additional costs of up to £90,000. In January the BMA's Welsh GP committee voted to accept an updated pay offer, which includes a one-off £23m payment aimed at stabilising practices. Dr Christmas said the new agreement was "a very welcome relief" but warned it would not solve the long-term challenges and called for GP practices to be exempt from the NI rise. "If we can't turn that into recurrent funding, we're back to square one or even worse off. It's a temporary breather," she added. "We all know what's best for patients. But if we're constantly trying to pick up the pieces, we can't do that quality job that we need to that will save the NHS in the long run." Dr Meleri Evans, an Anglesey GP, said her practice expected to pay between £30,000 and £50,000 more a year. She said: "This means we're going to have to change the way that we do business and the reality is that the only way that a GP partner can do that is to look at reducing the services they currently provide. "For the majority of people that comes down to reducing staffing costs. So there are certainly going to be very difficult decisions, including possible redundancies." In response to the Budget and growing worries within the profession, the British Medical Association's Welsh GP committee entered into negotiations with the Welsh government earlier this year to revise the General Medical Services contract for 2024-25. The UK government said health was a devolved matter and was an issue for the Welsh government, but added that ministers in Cardiff Bay had received additional funding on top of £21bn for changes in NI for employers. The Welsh government said: "Our initial estimate is devolved public sector employers in Wales face a £253m extra cost. The approach the UK government is taking leaves us with a significant shortfall." It added increases should be be fully funded by Westminster and it was pressing the Treasury on this issue. Top GP says doctors are united in fear about NHS GPs and Welsh NHS face collapse, doctors say
BBC News
04-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
GP waiting times in Wales 'will get worse' due to NI increase
GP waiting times in Wales will get worse as a result of increases to businesses' National Insurance contributions, a senior doctor has Rowena Christmas, chairwoman of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Wales, said the changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Budget felt like an "absolute crisis" and a "crushing disappointment". The UK government said it had provided funding to support businesses with NI increases. But the Welsh government said this was based on England's costs rather than Wales' actual needs and Downing Street had left it with a "significant shortfall". Unlike other NHS services, GP practices operate as private businesses and are funded by government contracts, which means they are not exempt from the NI increases, which came into effect last month. GP partners now have to pay NI at 15% on salaries above £5,000 instead of 13.8% on salaries above £9,100. Monmouthshire-based Dr Christmas said funding cuts, inflation and the rise in the cost of living had made it difficult for GPs to keep going."It's hard to be so pessimistic, but this is such a catastrophic situation we suddenly find ourselves in out of nowhere," she added the new tax rate would cost her practice £20,000 a year, with larger practices facing additional costs of up to £90,000. In January the BMA's Welsh GP committee voted to accept an updated pay offer, which includes a one-off £23m payment aimed at stabilising Christmas said the new agreement was "a very welcome relief" but warned it would not solve the long-term challenges and called for GP practices to be exempt from the NI rise."If we can't turn that into recurrent funding, we're back to square one or even worse off. It's a temporary breather," she added."We all know what's best for patients. But if we're constantly trying to pick up the pieces, we can't do that quality job that we need to that will save the NHS in the long run." Dr Meleri Evans, an Anglesey GP, said her practice expected to pay between £30,000 and £50,000 more a said: "This means we're going to have to change the way that we do business and the reality is that the only way that a GP partner can do that is to look at reducing the services they currently provide."For the majority of people that comes down to reducing staffing costs. So there are certainly going to be very difficult decisions, including possible redundancies."In response to the Budget and growing worries within the profession, the British Medical Association's Welsh GP committee entered into negotiations with the Welsh government earlier this year to revise the General Medical Services contract for 2024-25. The UK government said health was a devolved matter and was an issue for the Welsh government, but added that ministers in Cardiff Bay had received additional funding on top of £21bn for changes in NI for employers. The Welsh government said: "Our initial estimate is devolved public sector employers in Wales face a £253m extra cost. The approach the UK government is taking leaves us with a significant shortfall."It added increases should be be fully funded by Westminster and it was pressing the Treasury on this issue.
Sky News AU
30-04-2025
- Health
- Sky News AU
Federal Election 2025: Australian Association of Practice Management deems Labor's centerpiece Medicare policy 'smoke and mirrors'
Australia's national association for general practice has deemed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's centrepiece Medicare pledge as 'smoke and mirrors'. Mr Albanese has repeatedly claimed Australians would only need their Medicare cards to see a GP amid a multi-billion dollar pledge to boost bulk billing rates over the next five years. The policy has sparked reaction from medical bodies including the Royal College of General Practitioners, which has warned expanding incentives would not necessarily result in wider access to bulk-billed consultations. The Australian reports the Australian Association of Practice Management is the latest organisation to cast doubt on the idea patients will be able to see a doctor for free. AAPM chief executive Miranda Grace told the masthead this would not be the reality as 'there's no such thing as free'. 'It's a nice vision and a nice political sell, but we are in the business of being practical,' she said. 'The idea that all you will need is your Medicare card to get free doctors' visits – I think that is a beautiful dream to have but I don't know how that's going to translate in reality. I think it's going to be a huge challenge." Ms Grace said many practitioners now bulk bill based on 'particular patient needs' and the community they serve. She said there was 'a bit of smoke and mirrors' involved in the policy, as well as 'a utopian sort of vision'. Australian Medical Association President Dr Danielle McMullen earlier this month slammed the pledge, saying says doctors were frustrated by the 'lack of reform' and that Labor's incentives don't 'help people get that extra time with their GP'. Mr Albanese was questioned about doubts raised over the 90 per cent bulk-billing pledge on Wednesday, declaring, 'the AMA haven't always been great fans of the whole concept of Medicare'. 'So we're not shocked that occasionally not every doctor comes on board there. But the reason why we are so confident is because this is not some academic exercise,' he said, speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra. 'The modelling that we've done shows that it will be in their interests to have fully bulk-billed services throughout the country. 'What we've got is a 2030 target of achieving (90 per cent bulk billing).'
Rhyl Journal
29-04-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
New Age UK campaign urges everyone to be more active
The survey launches a new campaign 'Act Now Age Better' to start a national conversation about how becoming more physically active in midlife can ensure a happier, heathier more independent later life. One of the most impactful ways to maintain health and independence in later life is by staying physically active in your 50s and beyond. The benefits of keeping fit during mid-life extend far beyond the immediate—simple steps today can reap substantial rewards for the future. Despite these well-established benefits, the research shows that 6.6 million (47%) feel that they don't do enough or don't do any physical activity. Evidence shows that being more active can lower the risk of depression and dementia, heart disease, frailty, stroke, Parkinson's and some cancers. Physical activity also plays a crucial role in maintaining our independence as we get older whether it's playing with grandchildren, travelling, or doing hobbies that bring joy. (Image: Centre for Better Ageing) Age UK's CEO Paul Farmer said: 'Even if you've never been particularly active, it's never too late to start. A short walk, a gentle stretch, or a low-impact activity like yoga can make a significant difference to your quality of life. "There is now also emerging evidence that increasing physical activity contributes to improving social functioning and reducing loneliness and can help our thinking skills – like problem-solving. Every step counts toward better health, enhanced well-being, and greater independence in later years.' Dr Al-Zubaidi is the Royal College of General Practitioners lifestyle and physical activity lead and long-distance triathlete. He's also appeared on ITV's This Morning. Dr Al-Zubaidi said: '10 years ago I was 26 kg heavier, sedentary, highly stressed, and had been diagnosed with a fatty liver disease and high blood pressure. The turning point came for me when I realised how much my lifestyle was shaping my future.' Dr Al-Zubaidi has joined forces with Age UK to create a leaflet on how to become more physically active and how busy midlifers can realistically fit more physical activity into their daily schedules. To pick up a copy of the leaflet visit your local Age UK shop or Staying active after 50 is crucial for maintaining health and independence in later life, but choosing the right type of activity is key. Activities that balance cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, and social engagement offer the greatest benefits. Over 50s face many barriers that prevent them getting the recommended amount of physical activity, including lack of time, caring responsibilities, or feeling intimidated in leisure settings. Activities that align with personal interests and fitness levels help overcome these and scheduling regular sessions and starting slowly can build confidence. Being social with team sports can be a powerful motivator making it more enjoyable along with sharing goals and progress with friends or family. Age UK's Caroline Abrahams, says: 'By varying exercises, addressing barriers and embracing the social side of fitness, individuals 50+ can enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle while building meaningful relationships and preparing for later life.' Age UK's campaign 'Act Now, Age Better' offers suggestions on how midlifers can become more physically active. To take part in Age UK's sporting or running events visit: Shelia, Age UK Story Teller (Image: Age UK) Age UK supporter Sheila started running when she was 35. Sheila has many distance and cross-country championships, and several marathons under her belt. At nearly 83, Sheila still tries to run every day and on Sundays she has a long run. She says she feels the same as she did when she was 40. Sheila said: 'I'm always telling people it's never too late to start. Listen to your body, but don't give up! Prevention is better than cure, so use it before you lose it!'
