Is low body confidence preventing you from doing exercise?

Older adults are consistently told that exercise is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing the development of many common diseases.

However, some could be failing to participate in the activity because they simply do not have the confidence to.

According to research from mental health charity Mind, nine out of ten women over the age of 30 have body-confidence issues and deal with low-self esteem when confronted with possibility of doing exercise in a public arena.

In extreme cases, some females are exercising in the dark to ensure no one sees them, or avoiding outdoor activity altogether.

Mind claim, however, that this is entirely counterproductive for their body issues, as exercising outside can be as effective as an antidepressant and would help to eliminate those fears that are at the route of the problem.

Beth Murphy, head of information at Mind, commented: "It's time we start talking about how exercise makes us feel. We urge women to take the first step, invite a friend on a nature date and begin to support each other in taking care of our mental wellbeing."

Read about support and personalised care at Barchester care homes for anyone with mental health concerns.