James Lewis
Action for Elders
Our population is ageing and for the first time in our history we have more people living over the age of 65 than are being born under the age of 5. This has a profound macroeconomic effect on society and the health service in particular. Wales is no exception to this changing demographic. This innovative project puts forward an early intervention that it believes has a value in its own right. Currently there are missed opportunities for prevention and early intervention in the community to build resilience, equally older people are stranded in acute hospital settings and care homes with no access to programmes that are preventative or assist in prevention continuation. This current situation brings forward opportunities for change which we need to implement for both current and future generations of older people to live longer years in good health enabling them to play active roles in Welsh communities and change our view of ageing.
Our aim is to tackle the major health and social challenges of ageing in particular mobility issues including falls prevention and frailty, loneliness and social isolation. The project will bring together in a measured and evidence-based way one holistic programme based in the community that incorporates the three pillars of physical, mental and social health and wellbeing. Underpinning this whole approach is a relationship people focused culture that will reinforce the importance of providing a purpose and meaning to those in later life. The programme will run weekly in selected areas largely throughout Gwent and be led by highly experienced practitioners.
The Anticipated benefits are wide and varied and include but are not limited to the following: better mobility, lesser falls and individual independence in daily activities, reduced hospital admission and GP visits and improved mental health through greater confidence and self-worth. Additionally, through local health partnerships it will provide a one stop shop for healthcare for older people moving away from the current ‘refer on’ strategy thus easing pressure both economically to the NHS and personally to the individual. Most importantly of all it will build emotional resilience to cope with life’s challenges and changes with a longer healthier life expectancy through enhanced wellbeing and purpose.
These factors make our programmes a robust and innovative solution to the challenges faced by older people and our increasing ageing population.
