Mark Whitehead 30 October 2017

Keeping elderly active could save care sector billions, report says

Professionals including pharmacists and meals on wheels staff could help tackle the UK’s ageing crisis by encouraging elderly people to take exercise, according to campaigners.

A new report from ukactive says innovative solutions for keeping older people active and independent could save billions of pounds in NHS and social care costs.

With one in five of the UK population due to be aged 65 or more by 2025 and social care currently costing the country £100bn per year, the authors warn that failure to promote regular physical activity among older adults could prove ‘catastrophic’.

They say only one in five English local authorities have physical activity strategy for care homes, yet getting over-65s active could save the NHS £12bn.

Older adults are at greater risk of ill health because of the widely-held belief they should ‘take it easy’, ukactive argue.

They recommend a national activity therapy service to encourage physical activity and give advice on how to be more active.

Steven Ward of ukactive said: ‘We need to make physical activity the natural choice from cradle to grave and that means putting exercise – the miracle cure – at the heart of our health and social care systems, especially for older adults.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner