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

Heritage Venues Duty Manager Casual

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 pro rata to hours worked £14.58per hour
We have an exciting opportunity for Casual Duty Managers to join our team at The Story, Durham.   WHAT IS INVOLVED? Do you have a passion for workin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant  Grade 5 £26,403 - £28,598 pro rata Full time, term time only + 2 weeks Temporary – required as soon as possible until 31. Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Supervisor Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata 10 hrs per week, term time only  11.45am –1.45pm Monday – Friday Term time only Permanent  The Governor Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
WHAT IS INVOLVED You will provide administration support to both The Adult Protection (AP) Team and the Deprivation of Liberty Service (DoLs).    Th Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Care Support

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
We have three permanent posts available within the Pathways service - which provides day services Monday to Friday to adults with complex needs.   We Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner