Dame Helen Mirren has delivered a powerful message to people in their 50s and 60s: don’t fear ageing — prepare for it. Backing a new campaign by Age UK, the 79-year-old Oscar-winning actress encouraged midlifers to incorporate simple physical activity into their daily routines to improve health and maintain independence later in life.
“It’s never too late to start doing something,” Mirren said, adding that fitness doesn’t require joining a gym. “Small changes like short walks or yoga can make a big difference.”
Campaign Targets Health Concerns in Midlife
The call comes as Age UK launches its “Act Now, Age Better” campaign, aimed at adults aged 50 to 65. The charity warns that the UK faces a “major concern” over the declining physical health and wellbeing of older people, and it’s urging action during midlife — a critical window for building the strength and mobility needed for a healthier old age.
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England’s chief medical officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, echoed the campaign’s message, saying that staying physically active in midlife is one of the “main preventive strategies” for avoiding illness, disability, and dependency later on.
Mirren: ‘Embrace, Don’t Fear’ the Ageing Process
Mirren, who has long been celebrated for challenging stereotypes of ageing in Hollywood, delivered her message with her trademark elegance and realism.
“Whatever you may think about ageing, it’s something we must all try to embrace rather than fear,” she said.
“It’s no secret that for many, getting older will come with its complications — aches and pains, reduced mobility, and less independence. That’s why Age UK’s campaign is so important.”
She added that her own regimen includes yoga, an activity she still enjoys regularly, and encouraged others to explore gentle forms of movement that suit their lifestyles and comfort levels.
The Health Case for Midlife Movement
A growing body of research supports the view that moderate daily activity can help prevent a range of chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and even cognitive decline. For those over 50, regular movement helps maintain muscle mass, balance, and flexibility, all of which reduce the risk of falls and fractures — a major cause of hospitalisation and loss of independence among older adults.
Despite this, recent studies show that a significant proportion of people between 50 and 65 are not meeting physical activity guidelines. Age UK warns that this lack of movement can have serious long-term consequences, especially as the ageing population continues to grow.
A Lifestyle Approach — Not Just the Gym
The campaign emphasizes that fitness in midlife doesn’t mean running marathons or lifting weights — unless you want to. It’s about making sustainable lifestyle changes.
“People often think they need to start going to the gym or take on intense workouts,” said an Age UK spokesperson. “But in reality, something as simple as a 20-minute daily walk, light stretching, or dancing in your kitchen can be incredibly beneficial.”
Mirren reinforced this point in her message, encouraging people to let go of perfectionism and take the pressure off.
“I’m not perfect, and I’ve removed that word from my vocabulary,” she said in a separate comment recently.
“What matters is that you do something — however small — and keep going.”
A Call to Action
With the campaign now in full swing, Age UK is offering resources, videos, and community programs to support adults over 50 in adopting more active lifestyles. The initiative also addresses barriers to movement, such as fear of injury, lack of confidence, or not knowing where to start.
“We’re here to say: it’s OK to start small,” the charity said. “What’s important is starting.”
Dame Helen Mirren’s involvement adds a powerful voice to that message — one rooted in personal experience, public respect, and genuine passion for ageing well with dignity.
