THE SECRETS TO STAYING FIT IN OUR 50s

Keeping active as you age can be a challenge. These women share how they stay motivated...

- MONICA CAFFERKY

‘I love the sense of adventure’

Wild swimmer Naomi Smith, 53, lives in Redruth, Cornwall, with her husband Mark, 56, and their sons Ted, 20 and William, 18. 

The first time I went wild swimming in June 2020 at Portreath Beach, near my home, was a disaster. My friend Liz and I went out at high tide, the sea was rough and we struggled to stay upright as we walked into the water – both of us fell over.

But our second attempt two weeks later was so different. It was a bright morning, the sea was calm and welcoming. After my swim, I felt invigorated, refreshed. I couldn’t stop smiling. ‘This is incredible,’ I said to Liz as we swam up and down in the tepid water.

I originally started wild swimming because I wanted a challenge, my children were more independent and I finally had the time for fitness in my spare time when I wasn’t working as a wellbeing advisor.

The idea came to me after seeing people talking about wild swimming on social media.

As a child I loved swimming, but I’m not a strong swimmer so I joined a local club, The Bluetits Chill Swimmers, to give me confidence. My husband has been really supportive from the start.

FEELING GOOD

I think that trying something new and being open-minded about how to stay active is really important. I’ve discovered an activity that I love; I enjoy getting in the water all year round – even in winter. It’s different every time, the conditions, the company and the way it appeals to your senses.