The Healthy Ageing Programme ran between 2007-2023. This work is no longer being updated; the information below is provided for reference only. If you would like further information about our Healthy Ageing Programme, please get in touch.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic most adults 65+ were physically inactive and experienced numerous health problems which could be prevented/ reduced with increased physical activity. Wessex approaches to getting older people active only reached 1% of the Wessex population over 65,592,781 people (Office of National Statistics, 2018) which will increase to 21% by 2030 (approx. 717,0000).
During the pandemic, the advice for many was to stay home and shield. This more sedentary, socially isolated way of living caused loss of strength and balance to some individuals in higher risk groups who may have already been at risk of, or already living with, some degree of frailty. Active Lives promotes physical activity safely for those 65+ improving strength and balance.
What is Active Lives?
Active Lives is an evidence-based physical activity digital tool designed for those 65+. The tailored programme helps improve physical activity levels easily and safely, helping individuals stay mentally sharp, active, fit and healthy by:
Developed by researchers at Southampton University, together with a group of adults 65+ (60 user involvement interviews, tested on 360 people who used the website for 1 year), the initial study showed Active Lives is likely to increase physical activity levels safely.
Who worked with us on this project?
Health Innovation Wessex Ageing programme worked with a variety of key stakeholders including charitable/voluntary services, social prescribers, and other NHS staff. Together with Dr Katherine Bradbury from the University of Southampton, we ran a pilot during the autumn of 2021 to learn which pathways had the biggest impact when offering digital interventions to those 65+, and how many people then used the intervention.
Some of the early learning can be found in our report
Need more Help and resources?
I am part of a service that works with people 65+. Can I preview the intervention to find out how it works?
YES, here is the demonstration link: Demonstration link
(We suggest when asked for your email address you enter your own first name@ last name, rather than your full email address, this helps us to keep track of which of our partners have looked at the website and you avoid getting emails meant for patients. There are a few questions at the start of the website where participants record demographic details, helping us learn whether the service has an equitable reach, you can skip these if you prefer)
I would like to signpost an individual to Active Lives. Is there I link I can send them?
YES, here is the participant link: Participant link
Is there a video that allows me to learn more about Active Lives?
YES, 3 minute video below:
