Active Across Ages

Now more than ever there is a need for the Active Across Ages project.  Two years of the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a reported decline in physical activity and a sharp rise in loneliness as well as emotional and mental health issues due to increased isolation and worry about the future.   That’s why continuing to bring together young people from schools and older people in care other settings to take part in regular fun and activity sessions will help to improve the health and wellbeing of young and old alike.  Research by Public Health England and other bodies during the pandemic has highlighted the importance of physical activity and even seen it described as a ‘wonder drug’.  Relevant points to note are:

• 1 in 6 deaths in the United Kingdom are as a result of physical inactivity
• There has been a decrease in fitness and strength for a third of people
• 5.8 million people on hospital waiting lists may benefit from physical activity
• Over half of people are now worried about exercising in close proximity to others
• Over a quarter of people say the pandemic has broken their confidence to do physical activity
• Motivation to be active decreases with age and therefore it is importance to stress to older people what the benefits are in terms of maintaining independence, improving your mood and providing social interaction with others.

Current delivery of Active Across Ages is hampered by the Omicron variant which means schools are struggling to function efficiently due to high infectious rates, staff being off sick and the shortage of supply teachers and care settings are seeking to protect their residents from external infection.  However the project team is busy planning an enhanced programme for the Spring which will focus on activities combining both music and physical activity to broaden the appeal and reach of the project.

THANK YOU for recognising the importance of Active Across Ages and for your tremendous support.