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.

Please contact us
Live Longer Better Learning Programme for Professionals & Volunteers

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.

Long term health conditions

Visit our Long term health conditions page for resources and activity ideas for older people living with a long-term condition or who are frail and at risk of falling.

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LOCAL AND NATIONAL SIGNPOSTING FOR OLDER ADULTS LIVING IN SURREY

Download as PDF

Free National Resources

NHS FITNESS STUDIO

The go-to source for trusted information about being physically active. Find video workouts including adapted exercises, cardio, strength & balance, and yoga. Plus advice, fitness plans, and printable pages. 

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AGE UK

Age UK offer lots of excellent exercise advice for Over 60’s of all abilities and activity levels. There are also resources and suggestions as to how to help others get active.

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ACTIVE 10

Free, easy to use app for absolute beginners. Use Active 10 to track and increase brisk walking. Designed to support and motivate every step of the way.

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WE ARE UNDEFEATABLE

These great resources are to support people with long-term health conditions become more active. Find inspiring stories, practical advice, a video playlist, planner, and online chatbot.

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JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Tips, advice and guidance from Sport England on how people can keep active or get active, both at home and out and about. Online activities at home include links to fun activities designed by older people, for older people, including 10 Today.

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MOVING MEDICINE

Take a look at Moving Medicine’s handy printable patient info leaflets for condition specific physical activity advice, including brand new resources on Anxiety, Type 1 Diabetes, Obesity, and Menopause. You’ll find patient information leaflets, workbooks and diary planners.

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10 TODAY

A set of fun, 10-minute audio and video workouts, intended to easily fit into your day, that help get you stretching and moving at home (already on the current website).

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JOE WICKES HOME WORKOUTS FOR SENIORS

A series of 10-15 minute low impact home workouts

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VIRTUAL VILLAGE HALL

The Virtual Village Hall is an online activity hub and community, designed to help people stay physically and mentally active, connected and having fun. Sessions are led by expert tutors and some well-known faces and require very little space or equipment.

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MOVE IT OR LOSE IT

A series of fitness videos for older people by exercise instructor Julie Robinson.

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Local Services and Groups

ONE YOU SURREY

Surrey residents can access free lifestyle support from One You Surrey service. That includes weight loss, stopping smoking, and more. Access via phone or online.

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SURREY INFORMATION POINT

Find local activities and organisations through Surrey's easy to use online directory. Filter by category and postcode for more information.

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HEALTH WALKS

Join Surrey's Walking for Health groups for free volunteer led walks near you.  Walks vary in distance and length, from 30 minutes to longer walks. Everyone is welcome on these friendly and sociable walks.

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AGE UK SURREY

Age UK Surrey provide a wide range of services and activities to help older people within many parts of Surrey remain independent, connected with the community, healthy and active.

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COUNTRY PARKS / GREEN SPACES

Visiting a local park, nature reserve or woodland is a great way to get outdoors and active. Enjoy the sights and surroundings of Surrey. Find out what is available through each Borough and District Leisure pages.

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U3A SURREY

u3a is a UK-wide movement of locally-run interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities to come together to learn for fun. Members explore new ideas, skills and activities together. Membership costs less than £20 on average per year and is open to everyone who’s not working full-time. There are many local groups across Surrey. 

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AGE SPACE

A great resource and guide for anyone with concerns about, or caring for an ageing parent or relative, neighbour or friend. Age Space contains lots of information, resources and guides that can help.

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Have you found this Resource Hub helpful? Let us know what you think and any ideas you have for future resources.

1. Healthier for longer: How healthcare professionals can support older people | British Geriatrics Society (bgs.org.uk).

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.