Recommendation 7

Women in midlife face specific health-related barriers to participation, including but not limited to the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. These occur after many have experienced barriers at earlier life stages, including in early years and at school during puberty. Many women at this life stage will have dropped out of sport and physical exercise many years previously. These barriers are compounded by the convergence of gendered social factors, including caring responsibilities for children and ageing parents, leaving them particularly time poor. Encouraging and facilitating women in midlife to become more active is therefore a challenge that requires a thorough understanding of their needs and specifically designed interventions. Current efforts, including the Government’s “Get Active” strategy, are inadequate for this group. The strategy lacks detailed analysis of the issues, measurable targets, and specially tailored interventions. This must be rectified.