Over 55s Group
Gentle group rides to help older people stay fit, healthy and socially connected
Loneliness is a killer
Loneliness has serious consequences for our well-being. In fact, isolation can damage our health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In older people, it can lead to depression, dementia and early death. So, it’s worrying that nearly half of Bristol’s older people live alone and almost 60% lead a sedentary lifestyle. This puts their well-being at risk, in what are supposed to be their golden years.
*Source: “Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review”.
Social cycling is the best medicine
The good news is, older people who continue to exercise are less likely to feel lonely and depressed. If that exercise is sociable and provides access to fresh air and green spaces, even better! Our group rides for over 55s combine all these elements: Regular, gentle rides exploring quiet routes, with a tea stop for extra time to chat.
The difference we make
We asked our over 55s group how our rides make a difference:
- 75% say their mental wellbeing has improved.
- 75% say their physical health has improved.
- 88% say their confidence has improved.
Our impact last year
Over 55s Group
82 people
socialised on bikes
25 rides
on quiet routes
85 people
enjoyed ‘self-led’ rides
Testimonials
“I personally often feel lonely as an older person, aged 66, especially as I am single. The Life Cycle group rides give me physical exercise, sociability, inclusion and a great deal of fun.”
“I experience periods of deep depression. I developed a fear of leaving my house. Having a schedule of rides I can write in my diary is an incentive to get better. Being with other people is what I need.”
Case study
Over 55s Group
Our funders
We couldn't do this without the incredible support of our funders.