Older People's Sub Group

Background

From time to time, the PAN WM has enlisted to the support of sub groups to allow specific areas of work to be progressed that will further the aims of PAN WM and offer additional support to those promoting physical activity across the West Midlands.

A number of people have expressed interest in looking at the promotion of physical activity with older people, which until now, has fallen outside of mainstream development in health, physical activity and sport and recreation. However there are examples of work across the West Midlands.

National developments

Historically, most health and physical activity promotion with older people has been undertaken through the voluntary sector (e.g. Age Concern – Ageing Well) with much provision being undertaken by voluntary sector exercise and movement organisations e.g. Extend, Keep Fit Association. Policy and practice was to some extend stimulated by the 2001 National Service Framework for Older People (DOH 2001) although little emphasis as placed upon implementation of Standard 8 Active Ageing. To-date, there has been little national policy development towards older people from sport and recreation bodies. Some advocacy has been provided through the national Coalition on Active Ageing (NCAA) and professional support has been provided through the BHF NC at Loughborough University through the Active for Later Life resource. More recently, Age Concern England have committed to the Fit as a Fiddle BLF programme with a number of projects/programmes being initiated across the West Midlands. It is suggested/rumoured that from early drafts, the new Physical Activity Strategy for England, due possibly in late January, may focus upon older people as a population group.

Local developments

To some extent, the nature of local developments and programmes across the West Midlands is unknown and has not been documented.

Purpose of the group

The purpose of the group should be consistent with the role of the Physical Activity Network West Midlands i.e.

Co-ordination

  1. To facilitate and co-ordinate work related to physical activity and health across the region.
  2. To influence and communicate with all stakeholders.
  3. To be a consultative and influencing network for the development of regional physical activity planning.
  4. The network will be guided by a steering group of stakeholders that will meet quarterly.

Communication

  1. To disseminate information through a dedicated virtual network.
  2. To provide a safe environment for the sharing of experience’s, ideas, best and bad practice.

Development

  1. To provide opportunities for those working in the physical activity and health sector’s to network, share and access information and develop skills.
  2. To contribute to the evidence base of effective physical activity interventions.
  3. Encourage and support the development of local networks to provide greater co-ordination of programmes and resources.
  4. To hold regional events, relating to relevant topics that will have a regional and local impact.
  5. To link to other regional networks across the UK.
  6. The activities of the West Midlands Physical Activity Network will be evaluated.

Additional information

Recommendations on older people and physical activity

  • Physical Activity and Public Health in Older Adults
    Recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Heart Association (AHA). Article published by Circulation, an online publication on 1st August, 2007.
    Nelson M., Rejeski WJ, Blair, SN, Duncan PW, Judge JO, King AC, Macera CA, Castaneda-Sceppa C. Physical Activity and Public Health in Older Adults: Recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Medicine Science in Sports and Exercise, 39(8), pp 1435-1445.

Older People's: Useful Links

  • Active Aging Community Centre (AACA)
    The Active Aging Community Center (AACC) is an online community for, about, and by researchers and practitioners in the active aging field. The AACC helps researchers and practitioners in the active aging field to further their work and facilitate the sharing and discussion of active aging issues. The ultimate goal is to help professionals advance their study of active aging and enhance the delivery of services to older adults.
  • Fit as a fiddle
    Fit as a fiddle is a nationwide programme‚ supporting people aged over 50 with physical activity‚ healthy eating and mental well-being. fit as a fiddle runs for five years and is funded by the Big Lottery Fund well-being programme.
    Fit as a fiddle hosts innovative projects promoting healthy ageing‚ based around the needs and ideas of local people. Programmes are run in partnership with regional and national organisations.

Minutes and Agendas from Meetings