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Our Clinical Lead, Christien Bird, responds to The Guardian’s article “You should act your age – at least when it comes to exercise,” highlighting why exercise during menopause is not just safe but essential. Discover how movement protects your joints, boosts confidence, and prevents frailty — at every stage of life.
When The Guardian published “You should act your age – at least when it comes to exercise,” it reignited an important conversation about ageing, fitness, and women’s health.
Our Clinical Lead, Christien Bird, wrote a Letter to the Editor to challenge the idea that people should slow down with age — especially women navigating menopause.
The Guardian article referenced a 2020 study showing that 91% of pickleball injuries involved people over 50, suggesting that sports may pose a risk for older adults. But Christien sees things differently:
“The vision that A&E would be filled with older people with sport and exercise injuries would be a dream come true. Active, fit people recover or manage injuries better at any age, reducing the risk of nearly all chronic health conditions. The stronger you are, the less likely you are to experience joint pain. Exercise is the solution, not the problem.”
At Menopause Movement, we know that regular movement isn’t just about looking fit — it’s about staying strong, confident, and independent through every life stage.
Research supports this again and again. A University of Cambridge study found that older adults who remain active experience a better quality of life, with improved mobility and mental wellbeing.
Meanwhile, findings published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine confirm that strength training and regular exercise are key to preventing frailty, maintaining bone health, and managing menopause symptoms like fatigue and mood changes.
Simply put: movement is medicine — and it’s never too late to start.
We understand that staying active through menopause can feel challenging. Barriers can include:
Our Menopause Movement courses address these barriers head-on, offering expert advice, practical solutions, and motivation to help women move safely and joyfully.
The Women in Sport Menopause Report highlights that too many women withdraw from activity due to menopause-related changes. Together, we’re working to change that narrative.
Our mantra says it best:
“Ageing is inevitable — fragility is not.”
💪 Muscles are your best friend at any age. Building strength not only supports healthy joints and bones but also boosts metabolism, mood, and confidence.
If you’re unsure where to start, small steps — like walking, resistance training, or Pilates — can make a huge difference to your health and wellbeing.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on Christien’s Letter to the Editor responding to The Guardian’s article.
👉 Read the letter here.
Let’s keep breaking down barriers to movement and celebrate what our bodies can do — at every age and stage.
November 2025
