Supporting older adults (60+) | Professionals resource hub | Health | Active Surrey
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Supporting older adults to live longer better

Older woman joining in with an aerobics class

“Prevention is about helping people stay healthy, happy and independent for as long as possible. This means reducing the chances of problems from arising in the first place and, when they do, supporting people to manage them as effectively as possible. Prevention is as important at seventy years old as it is at age seven.”1

As people age, some conditions they most fear are dementia, falls and frailty.  Being active can significantly reduce the chances of developing these (and other) long term health conditions so it is really important to encourage the older adults you support to move more.

As well as physical activity, mental and social activity is also key to ageing well. There is now emerging evidence that increasing physical activity can help reduce loneliness and social isolation.

Being active to the level of the UK Chief Medical Officers' guidelines can increase the amount of time that people can stay independent and healthy. 20 - 30 minutes of activity a day is recommended but any physical activity is better than none and even light activities bring some health benefits compared to being sedentary.

On this page you’ll find training, resources and signposting to help you encourage the older people you support to get active both at home and out and about.

Live Longer Better Learning Programme for Professionals & Volunteers

Audience

All Professionals & Volunteers.

Format

12 x 6 minute e-learning modules

Learning Outcomes

The mission is to change the culture surrounding ageing, replacing the concept of care with the concept of enablement. Find out more here.

Cost

Please contact Ruth Hards, active.surrey@surreycc.gov.uk for more information.

It is recommended that older adults do 150 minutes of activity and two strength-building exercises a week. Activities which improve strength, balance and flexibility are incredibly important as people age. These components of fitness help maintain physical function, reduce the risk of falls, and help people feel more confident.

For older adults whose capacity is declining, or for those experiencing significant loss of capacity, strength and balance training programmes need to steer towards evidence-based falls prevention interventions, such as Otago.

Type of sport, physical activity or exercise Muscle IconImprovement in muscle function Improvement in bone health Improvement in balance
Running
Resistance Training
Aerobics, circuit training
Ball Games
Racquet Sports
Yoga, Tai Chi
Dance
Walking
Nordic Walking
Cycling

Strong effect

Medium effect

Low effect

No effect

Not known

Source: Public Health England. Muscle and bone strengthening and balance activities for general health benefits in adults and older adults2.

For older adults whose capacity is declining, or for those experiencing significant loss of capacity, strength and balance training programmes need to steer towards evidence-based falls prevention interventions, such as Otago.

LOCAL AND NATIONAL SIGNPOSTING FOR OLDER ADULTS LIVING IN SURREY

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2. Public Health England. Muscle and bone strengthening and balance activities for general health benefits in adults and older adults: Summary of a rapid evidence review for the UK Chief Medical Officers' update of physical activity guidelines. London; 2018.