Can over 70s do daily exercise?

[Ricketyswimmer]

Just that really. Just got off the phone with my mum, who's 80, but not in the 'extremely vulnerable' group (i.e. immunosuppressed etc.). She was under the impression that she's not even supposed to go for a walk, but I thought the advice for that group was to practice extra vigilant social distancing. I didn't disagree with her/say she can go for a walk, because I am worried that I have missed an update. Have looked on government website but can't find anything other than extra vigilant social distancing. Have I missed an update somewhere?

My 82 year old dad is still walking 3miles a day. He used to walk more but is restricted to the 1hr of exercise a day.

If your Mum can practice safe social distancing and she’s used to being out and about (my mum wouldn’t be able to walk for an hour) then an hours stroll can’t be a bad thing.

It's only "shielding" over 70s that are advised not to exercise (unless they are self-isolating, of course).

So your mum is fine to go for a walk, practising social distancing.

Over 70’s are in what I’m calling group 2. Walking is fine (as per the rules) , BUT it’s safer not to. So unless she normally walks and it’s making her very depressed, I’d leave her under the illusion she’s ‘not allowed’.

Social distancing when you see a friend or neighbour doesn’t come naturally and it’s a slippery slope. It’s feel so normal & safe out that popping into the shop for a pint of milk or a paper seems harmless, then dropping it off to a friend....

I think the advice for vulnerable people was to self isolate, ie not to go out at all?

I thought so. Thanks folks, just worried I might have missed something.

@80smum I thought that was just extremely vulnerable?

Yes course you can go for walks. Exercise and fresh air is important for all of us. Chat to your neighbour from across the road if you see them.

He used to walk more but is restricted to the 1hr of exercise a day
What one hour restriction?

80s mum

No. That's for people in the shielding group, not the vulnerable group

I’m not surprisedbyou’re confused OP, zindon’t Think the messages have been nearly clear enough nor communicated enough. I’ve just found out they appear to have added a whole lot of extra advice to the NHS Cv webpages, but not publicised it afaik. Why, just why?!

There was a thread about this yesterday. The answer is yes, over 70s can go out.

Here's the link:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/coronavirus/3864912-MNers-are-saying-the-over-70s-aren-t-allowed-out-at-all-not-even-for-daily-exercise-is-this-correct-Edited-by-MNHQ-at-OPs-request

I think at 80 it's important to keep mobile otherwise falls are more likely which may lead to a hospital stay (which isn't advisable at the moment).

Could she go out at a really quiet time to make the risk even smaller? Sensible route where she can cross over if someone is coming, no narrow paths etc.

And here's the UK government guidance, updated on 23 March.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

What one hour restriction?

The one that people have made up in their heads and are spouting as law.

My parents are both still going out. DM runs 7 miles and DF cycles about 15. They live in the arse end of no where so can do this without seeing another living soul.

She can do what she wants. It's advice, not legislation (yet).

My parents are in their 70s and are walking 3-6 miles a day as usual. They live in the hills so hardly see anyone. Exercise is an important part of them staying healthy especially dad who uses it to help control his cholesterol.