Many over-50s 'inspired by Games'

28/08/2012 By pa.press.net

Nearly one in four over-50s have been motivated to exercise more by Team GB's success at the Olympics, new research has found

Team GB's Olympic success has inspired almost a quarter of over-50s to dust off their running shoes and take part in sport, research suggests.

A study found that 24% of people aged over 50 have been motivated to exercise more after watching the Games.

And almost one in eight have decided to take up a new sport, according to a survey conducted by Saga Health Insurance.

Of those, 20% have taken up cycling after watching Sir Chris Hoy, Laura Trott and Bradley Wiggins. A further 16% have taken up canoeing and 12% aim to take up shooting.

Saga Services chief executive Roger Ramsden said: "The Olympics really has brought the nation together and inspired all ages to be more active.

"For the over-50s in particular this is great news as research indicates that exercise in your 50s cuts the risk of heart disease."

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