REACHING the age of 50 is one of those milestones in life which brings with it a maelstrom of conflicting emotions.

While modern healthcare and working standards mean people are no longer burned-out wrecks at the age of 50, as they may have been 100 years ago, you might be starting to feel a few of those aches and pains associated with someone in “the prime of their life”.

But why should you slow down when there’s so much to do in life? You’re still a long way from retirement and you still feel like you did when you were 25. There are plenty of celebrities flying the flag too for the over-50s and looking pretty good while they are at it.

In the month that City of York Council’s Eng-AGE programme launches a range of activities and sports aimed at those aged 50 and over, we spoke to North Yorkshire physiotherapist Andrew Wilson about what those aches and pains are telling you about your body and the best way to keep yourself in shape.

“Most people at this age will have some disc-wear and that will give them lower back ache, particularly if they do lot of things like gardening,” he said.

“People think of joints as being like a hinge that gets rusty and wears out; this is not always the case. It’s living tissue and it will respond to what you put it through. As long as the cartilage and joints aren’t too badly worn, then you will get a positive effect.”

Andrew also explained how we become less elastic and our muscles are less forgiving. As a result of this, it is common to see those aged over 50 suffering from injuries to the Achilles tendon and painful cruciate ligament problems.

He also talked of the effect of something called micro-trauma, where microscopic tissue damage, easily and quickly repaired when you are younger, must be taken into account later in life and allowed to heal.

But surely it seems safer to start taking it easy and not put our bodies through too much as the years roll on. Not so, says Andrew.

“The benefits of exercise, without a doubt, outweigh any of the negatives,” he said.

“Aerobic exercise will lower your blood pressure and lowers the incidents of heart conditions. It increases your muscle tone and it’s good for the brain. too. Exercise releases hormones which keep us relaxed and happy.

“It’s also good for self-confidence too. If you go out and find you can play badminton, then it makes you feel a lot better about yourself.”

So there you have it, get out there and get active.

Councillor Sonja Crisp, cabinet member for leisure, culture and social inclusion for City of York Council, said: “As someone who is over 50 myself, I recognise the importance of keeping healthy and active, both in body and mind.

“There are so many great classes and groups in York and they’re not just an effective way of staying fit and healthy, but can be a good way to meet new people and catch up with friends.”

Have a go at these classes just launched for those aged over 50:

Rusty Rackets Badminton

York Railway Institute Gymnasium, Queen Street.

This has been set up in partnership with Badminton England and a qualified coach is on hand to give tips and advice. Places are limited to 12 each week. Cost is £3.50 per person per week.

Zumba Gold

Starts Thursday mornings from September 29 at 9.30am in Heworth Without Community Centre, Applecroft Road. This is a fun physical activity session for the older active adult over 50 which modifies the moves of the hugely popular Zumba while keeping the fun party atmosphere. The first week is a free taster and then the cost is £3.50 per person per week.

Tai Chi

Starts Thursday, September 29, from 10.30am to 11.30am at Heworth Without Community Centre.

Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise which helps you improve your stability, posture and balance and helps relax both the mind and body. First session is a free taster then the cost is £3.50.

Tai Chi sessions also run at St Oswalds Church Hall, Fulford, each Monday from 10.30 to 11.30am.`

Pilates

New classes coming in the New Year. However, for those with a neurological disorder such as MS or Parkinsons, there is a class beginning Monday, October 3 between 1pm and 2pm at Huntington Methodist Church. Sessions cost £3.50. Limited places available.

For all information on any of the activities, contact Catriona Sudlow, City of York’s Council’s older people’s physical activity officer, phone 01904 553377, or mobile 07786 701235, email catriona.sudlow@york.gov.uk

Andrew Wilson is a chartered physiotherapist. Phone 01609 763110 or visit thephysio.com