Adults and Older People
Gloucestershire is a county that is ageing at a faster rate than the rest of the country, with increases in over 65s between 2010 and 2020 of 26.3% (England 22.19%).
We believe that people should be able to age well, enjoy good health into later life an remain as independent and purposeful as possible.
We understand the role of physical activity in helping people to:
· function better for daily activities.
· be independent.
· have a sense of purpose.
· learn new skills.
· make social connections.
· reduce the risk of or help manage long-term conditions.
However for older adults, activity can be challenging due to ageism, perceptions around ageing, communication, access and also social, cultural and economic factors.
In 2023 there were 49,100 physically ‘inactive’ (less than 30 mins a week) over 65s in Gloucestershire, so we know we’ve got lots of work to do to change the way that we think about ageing and advocate for activity as a key way to enable older people to improve their health into later life.
In Gloucestershire, we are part of a cultural revolution known as Live Longer Better which aims to enable people to live better for longer, increase healthy life span and reduce the period of time when they are dependent on others. Led by Sir Muir Gray and activated locally through we can move, this movement aims to create a positive environment which recognises the talents and potential of older people and appreciates what is needed to reduce the obstacles that too often prevent people realising their potential to contribute to society.
How to get involved:
Join a diverse range of people and organisations at our Active Ageing Network to meet like-minded people who are passionate about enabling older adults in Gloucestershire to stay active, independent and age well.
Become Fall-Proof
Download our Fall-Proof guide to improve your strength and balance.
Guide: Creating Opportunities for disabled and non-disabled people to be active together
Are you an activity provider? Download our guide to help you make your activity more inclusive and accessible.
Live Longer Better
Live Longer Better is a national programme that aims to increase activity (physical, cognitive and emotional), increase healthy life expectancy and compress the period of dependancy and reduce the need for health and social care.
We can move supports the programme in Gloucestershire.
