Pilot Aims to Get Older People Active

9 May 2019 03:14 PM

Japanese radio provides inspiration for new programme targeting inactivity in over 55s with 10-minute workouts.

With physical inactivity in later life set to cost the NHS more than £1.3 billion by 2030, we're investing nearly a quarter of a million pounds in a new six-month pilot aimed at getting older people active.

The product of a collaboration between us, Demos and Anchor Hanover, 10 Today provides a series of easy, accessible and enjoyable 10-minute exercise broadcasts – for both radio and online – which can be followed almost anywhere and at any time.

Inspired by Radio Taiso, an established and evidence-based national daily exercise broadcast on Japanese radio, 10 Today has been produced and led by older people, for older people.

It aims to increase physical activity among older people across the country, helping to reduce social isolation and improve the physical and mental wellbeing of participants.

“Maintaining an active lifestyle as you grow older delivers massive health benefits,” said our executive director for tackling inactivity, Mike Diaper.

“While we have seen more older adults getting active than ever before, there are still too many who aren’t doing 30 minutes of activity a week.

“All too often it can feel like the barriers to getting active grow as we age. However, even small changes make a real difference. 

“That’s why we are investing £10 million of National Lottery funding into over 20 projects, like 10 Today, that support innovative and experimental approaches to support older people to get and stay active in a way that’s convenient, accessible and fun for them.

“It’s not just about the physical benefits as this project aims to bring people together to reduce loneliness, strengthen mental health and resilience to enable more adults to lead happier and healthier lives.”

The new research into the cost of physical inactivity – conducted by England’s largest provider of care and housing for older people, Anchor Hanover, in association with the think tank Demos – shows that alongside the cost implications to the NHS, inactivity also contributes to cognitive decline, reduced emotional wellbeing and loneliness.

Click here for the full press release