old people happy on swing ageing better

Setting out a vision for transforming England into the best place in the world to grow older, more than 60 high-profile public and voluntary organisations have come together to sign a landmark consensus statement on healthy ageing.

Brought together by the Centre for Ageing Better and Public Health England (PHE), the consensus statement sees organisations across health, housing, employment and research sectors commit to five key principles that will champion healthy ageing in England.

The key principles of the shared vision consist of: prioritising prevention and public health; creating opportunities for people to contribute to society as they age; fostering accessible and inclusive homes and neighbourhoods so everyone can live where they want; narrowing inequalities in healthy ageing; and challenging ageist language, culture and practices.

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“Many of us are living longer, in part due to advances in medicine and public health. While many people can look forward to being healthy when they reach later life, most of us will find ourselves managing long-term health conditions or disabilities at some point, in a society that too often treats us as past our sell-by date,” commented Dr Anna Dixon, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better.

“Our health should not dictate how we live our lives or prevent us from doing the things we want to do. That’s why it’s so important to help people to stay healthy for as long as possible, build homes and communities that enable us to stay active and connected, and stamp out the ageist attitudes that have an impact on our health.”

With signatories consisting of high-profile organisations including NHS England, Age UK, Design Council, Alzheimer’s Society, The Health Foundation, Care and Repair England and other health and housing institutions, the consensus statement contributes towards the government’s ambition for everyone to have five extra years of healthy, independent life by 2035.

“We are working with partners to ensure everyone can live happier and healthier for longer – it’s never too late to improve our health.” Eustace De Sousa

Highlighting the Government’s commitment to the Ageing Society Grand Challenge in its Industrial Strategy and the launch of the NHS Long Term Plan, along with the World Health Organization announcing a Decade of Healthy Ageing, the Centre for Ageing Better and PHE stress there has never been a better time to challenge ageism and realise the potential of people in later life.

The shared vision is published alongside the results of a new online YouGov survey of over 2,000 people aged 40-60, commissioned by Ageing Better and Independent Age, examining people’s hopes, fears and expectations about health in later life.

Among a number of interesting findings, the research revealed many of those surveyed are worried that their own physical health will prevent them from being financially secure, staying physically active or living where they want when they are over the age of 65, as well as concerns regarding ageism.

By endorsing this shared vision, the Centre for Ageing Better and PHE says signatories add their voice to calls to tackle issues related to ageing and provide older adults with the opportunities and support they need to have a good later life.

Eustace De Sousa, National Lead for Health Inequalities and the Life Course at PHE, said: “While growing older can come with some challenges, it can present many opportunities such as a rewarding job, enjoying new pursuits and spending more time with friends and family.

“We are working with partners to ensure everyone can live happier and healthier for longer – it’s never too late to improve our health.”

In phase two of the consensus statement, PHE confirmed it will engage with national public health teams and partners in devolved administrations to share and promote healthy ageing best practice across the UK.

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/old-people-happy-on-swing-ageing-better.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/old-people-happy-on-swing-ageing-better-150x150.jpgCalvin BarnettGovernment & Local AuthoritiesNewsroomNHSThird Sectorage discrimination,Age UK,Ageing Society Grand Challenge,Ageism,Care & Repair England,Centre for Ageing Better,Consensus Statement,Design Council,Independent Age,NHS England,Public Health England,world health organisationSetting out a vision for transforming England into the best place in the world to grow older, more than 60 high-profile public and voluntary organisations have come together to sign a landmark consensus statement on healthy ageing. Brought together by the Centre for Ageing Better and Public Health England (PHE),...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals