From Inactivity to Independence: A Fitness Approach for Older People in Adult Social Care

As our population ages, the challenges facing older people in care settings are becoming ever more complex. Inactivity and long periods of sitting still are not just lifestyle issues — they can lead to rapid declines in health, independence, and wellbeing. This process, known as deconditioning, weakens muscles, reduces mobility, and increases vulnerability to falls, illness, and hospitalisation.

Care England, in partnership with Be Great Fitness and Tanglewood Care Homes, has published From Inactivity to Independence: A Fitness Approach for Older People in Adult Social Care. The report highlights how inclusive, adaptive exercise programmes can transform outcomes for residents, staff, and the wider health system.

Why movement matters

The evidence is clear. Regular exercise for older adults:

• Reduces the risk of falls, which cost the NHS an estimated £2.3bn each year.
• Supports physical strength, balance, and cardiovascular health.
• Builds confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.
• Reduces isolation by creating opportunities for social connection.

Crucially, movement does not have to mean gym sessions or high-intensity workouts. The programmes highlighted in the report focus on seated, low-impact activities that are adapted to every ability. From colourful beanbags that stimulate cognition to signal-sending exercises that rebuild coordination after a stroke, innovation is simple, inclusive, and effective.

The human impact

Behind every statistic are real people whose lives have been transformed through movement:

• Koby, a stroke survivor, rebuilt her hand strength through simple finger exercises and regained her independence.
• Joan, who was reluctant to join group activities, found confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging through regular sessions.
• John, who often preferred solitude, discovered emotional resilience and connection through weekly exercise.

These stories show that exercise is about more than movement, it is about dignity, joy, and belonging.

Benefits for the workforce

Exercise programmes don’t just support residents. They strengthen the care workforce too. By joining sessions, care staff gain practical skills, confidence, and the ability to embed movement into daily life. This creates a whole-home culture of wellbeing, reducing silos and strengthening relationships between residents and staff.

Even modest investment in training delivers significant savings. Research shows that exercise can reduce falls and fall-related injuries by around 8%. Training just 2% of care staff in physical activity could generate potential NHS savings of up to £96m annually.

A call to action

The report makes a clear case: physical activity in care homes must be recognised as essential healthcare, not an optional leisure activity. We are calling for:

• Government policy to integrate movement into care planning and delivery.
• Workforce training on physical activity to be embedded within the Care Certificate and CPD.
• Expansion of social prescribing into care homes, so residents can be referred to in-house exercise programmes.

Conclusion

Every movement matters. Whether it is a resident rebuilding strength after a stroke, staff learning new skills to support wellbeing, or the NHS reducing avoidable hospitalisations, the benefits are undeniable.

From Inactivity to Independence shows that with creativity, compassion, and collaboration, exercise can be at the heart of social care — helping people not only live longer, but live better.

Read the full report here

Read the press release here