“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.