James Lewis
Action for Elders (Delivering in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board)
Background
The population in Wales is ageing, with more people now living beyond the age of 65 than children under the age of five. This demographic shift has significant implications for society and places increasing pressure on health and care services.
Despite this, opportunities for prevention and early intervention within community settings remain limited. Many older people experience delayed access to preventative support, while others remain in acute hospital environments or care homes without access to programmes that support resilience, recovery, or the continuation of preventative approaches.
This project responds to these challenges by proposing an early intervention model focused on supporting healthier ageing. It seeks to address current gaps in preventative provision and contribute to a longer-term shift towards enabling older people in Wales to live longer, healthier lives and remain active contributors within their communities.
Aims and Objectives
- Strengthen prevention by supporting older people to stay active, stable and connected.
- Reduce avoidable NHS demand by using evidence based discipline which prevent decline before it starts.
- Put the individual at the centre of service design and measurement.
- Improve mobility, resilience, wellbeing and social connection.
Approach
- Weekly community Balanced Lives groups across Aneurin Bevan University Health Board region.
- Holistic model: movement, balance, breathing, social connection and mental wellbeing.
Evaluation includes:
- Self-reported wellbeing (EQ-5D, WEMWBS, Loneliness Scale).
- Physical measures (6-minute walk, balance, flexibility).
- Participant interviews capturing lived experience.
- Social value analysis to understand benefit to the individual, not only cost savings.
Outcomes and Impact
- Strengthens physical and emotional resilience.
- Reduces frailty, loneliness, falls risk and unplanned GP use.
- Helps people feel more confident, connected and purposeful – with greater control over ageing.
- Supports NHS goals for improved prevention and healthier ageing.
- 72% reduced frailty scores. Participants showed measurable reductions in frailty, improving stability and daily confidence.
- 81% improved flexibility scores. Participants gained strength, mobility and control.
£2,381 social value created per participant. Net value after deadweight and attribution.
“Before joining, I felt myself slipping slower, lonelier and losing confidence. Now I feel stronger, steadier and part of something again. This programme hasn’t just helped my body, it’s helped my whole life.”
Balanced Lives Participant
Conclusions
- Prevention works: supporting strength, stability and connection reduces need for reactive care.
- Social value places older people’s lived experience at the centre of decision making.
True innovation is changing attitudes to ageing – both personal and systemic.
View the project poster and slides from the Cohort 9 Bevan Exemplar Showcase
