'I feel sorry for Gen Z who think jabs and diets are the answer - I'm fitter than ever at 71'

With reports that the older generation are surpassing and Millenials when it comes to , one super fit gran believes it's down to being in the golden generations 'blue print'.

Nearly two-thirds of adults are now meeting the target recommended by the of 150 minutes of a week, and the older generation are the ones driving the change. Despite the constant documenting of Gen Z and wellness taking over according to Sport England, there are now 2.4 million more active adults since 2016 and those aged 55 to 74 and the over-75s have had the biggest increase.

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Among over-75s, 600,000 more are active this year compared to 2016 and for under-55s, the numbers who are active remained flat from last year. But for 71-year-old Julie Ford, fitness has always been a huge part of her life. The 71-year-old believes that the older generation are fitter and more active and it's because that's how they were brought up.

"Our generation of those being 60 years and older are all walking and cycling as it was and always has been a part of our every day lifestyle. We walked or cycled to school or work, so I believe it's our blueprint. It's been instilled in us and I think we are the golden generation. We've been able to retire at 55-60 and we've still got lots of energy," she told Daily .

Julie, who is originally from Cardiff but now lives in Eastbourne, also believes the younger generation are just after "quick fix" weight loss options such as dieting and weight loss jab, which is also why she believes the older generations are healthier. "These quick fix diets and weight loss jabs can have detrimental effects to people as the metabolism slows down.

"I can understand people who are really overweight its a huge mountain to climb and maybe some of these jabs and diets can help to shift first bit of weight but getting your own metabolism working is important or our bodies go into sleep mode. It's become too easy to change yourself but its not long term.

"I think Gen Z and Millennials want to be an image of everyone else out there. There are so many extremes of these girls with six packs and great thighs and bums which is great, but that takes a lot of work.

"You're talking six hours of training and a real high protein low sugar diet and it can be hard to sustain. I had a four pack in my 30's and 40's as I was doing a bit of weight trianing but I was making sure it wasn't too much as it's hard to achieve, and it can be off putting to people. But it means they then think jabs and diets are answer whereas the older generation have that blue print. There aren't many 70+ who are overweight. "

The part time PE teacher also sees younger girls who are "a lot bigger" compared to the "silver foxes" on the beach and thinks there is just a completely different mindset with younger people. "I also think there is a big pressure on Gen Z to look certain way thanks to socal media, but it's all about being happy in yourself and being healthy but nothing extreme."

She said she feels "sad" about the rise in all these quick fixes, and believes there is more that can be done in schools. "There is a lot of talk about children being overweight, but the goverment doesn't implement the hours. There used to be PE specialists in primary schools but they don't even have that anymore. I think this is when this active blueprint needs to be instilled."

Julie battled breast cancer in her 60's and she believes that her healthy lifestyle and positive mindset is what got her through the fight. "I just didn't believe I had it, I felt so well before and during, it's different for everyone but my general health is amazing and it never put me back.

Julie launched her versatile walking resistance bands brand Instepp back in March 2018, a product that can be used in the comfort of your home or garden. Julie says exercise helps boost her confidence, and she has no intention of feeling "invisible" as she ages.

"My product is so sustainable, little and often, and it can do a of good for health and movement. It's a lifestyle and I think that's why older generations have got that. It's been instilled in us and also social media and pressure is so hard with these quick fixes and I do feel sorry for Gen Z. Steadiness wins."

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