For many, getting older gives rise to the idea that they can no longer engage in their favourite physical activities.
Often however, this is not the case. Remaining active as one enters their golden years is critical and provides many health benefits and increases the quality of one’s life.
Cycling is one of the many activities that older adults can continue, or even start, with – and Cycling Victoria has a program that is aimed at adults 55 and over.
Life Cycle 55+ Explore rides are a great way to have some fun, remain active and make new friends while riding a bike. The program was developed by Cycling Victoria, VicHealth and the Council for Older Adults and aims to get older adults back on the bike and enjoying cycling.
Cycling Victoria’s Mark Drehlich said: “We hear people so often talk about when they were young and how they loved to ride their bikes. How they would love to ride again, but they are too old. We want people to know that you are never too old. You can cycle at any age and Life Cycle 55+ encourages people to get out on their bikes and join others in a fun and social environment.”
Cycling is a fantastic way to stay active through low-impact exercise that provides many health benefits.
These include: increased cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength and flexibility, improved joint mobility, decreased stress levels, improved posture and co-ordination, strengthened bones, decreased body fat levels, prevention or management of disease, and reduced anxiety and depression.
Life Cycle 55+ Explore rides are held all over Victoria, but in Geelong are held every Friday at 10am starting out the front of Little Creatures Brewery, Swanston Street, South Geelong. The rides are designed so everyone can participate and go for up to two hours. For further information go to www.lifecycle55.com or call Chelsea on 0434 222 514.
