As the population ages, an increasing number of people will be growing older and continuing to live in communities around the country. Many of our communities are ill-prepared for both the varying needs of older people ageing in place and the future increase in numbers of older people who will need appropriate housing, transport and services. The local elections in May also bring these issues into focus for elected representatives who will be seeking to prepare their areas for these challenges and give the best opportunities for good ageing to their constituents.
At this event we heard results of a series of three solutions-focussed policy discussions held by ILC-UK and Age UK. These discussions have looked at three distinct aspects of communities – from living at home, to getting out and about and the activities and amenities available (or missing) in our communities. We will be discussing a forthcoming report summarising the fresh thinking and practical suggestions for policy makers, local government and community groups gathered from these sessions.
The conference also included sessions on research and information on this topic, and what needs to be done to take action in our communities. All sessions will feature opportunities for attendees to participate in the discussion and add their views on where priorities for action should be focussed.
7. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Community Matters:
Getting our communities ready for ageing
Jessica Watson, International Longevity Centre – UK
@ilcuk #communitymatters
8. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
ILC-UK Planning Tomorrow, Today
think tank
evidence based
policy focussed
independent
respected
experts
international
life course
intergenerational
9. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
‘Community Matters’
ILC-UK and Age UK
Policy seminars
– At home
– Getting out and about
– Ensuring communities offer what older people want
Briefings
Public event
Final report to be published late May
10. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Today
Stock check – ageing in our communities
Highlighted findings
A challenge for today
11. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Stock check – ageing in our
communities
12. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Ageing in our communities
3.6 million people living alone
1 million+ feeling always or often lonely
Just over ¾ people aged 65+ live in rural
areas
31.8% of homes where oldest person aged
75+ fail the decent home standard
ONS (2013). Families and Households, 2013. (http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/family-demography/families-and-households/2013/stb-families.html#tab-Living-
alone); Age UK (2014) Over a million older people in the UK regularly feel lonely. Available at: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/over-1-million-older-people-
in-uk-feel-lonely/; Beech et al (2014). Population Ageing & the Voluntary Sector: Key Figures & Projected Trends; English Housing Survey Housing Stock Summary
statistics 2009, July 2011 http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/statistics/xls/1937429.xls Table SST3.4
13. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Ageing in our communities
Wealthiest retired households have four
times the disposable income of the poorest
retired households
£5 compared to £2,700 a head invested in
transport in the North East compared to
London
Riba (2014). Silver Livings. The Active Third Age and the City.; IPPR North (2011). Capital Gains: An analysis of the Autumn Statement announcements on transport
infrastructure.
14. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Stock check – rates of social exclusion
From Kneale (2011) Is Social Exclusion still important for older people? ILC-UK.
http://www.ilcuk.org.uk/index.php/publications/publication_details/is_social_exclusion_still_important_for_older_people
15. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Looking ahead
91% of baby boys in East Dorset and
94% in Purbeck will live to 65 –
Glasgow City figures are 85% baby
girls and 75% baby boys*
Current divorce rates are higher in the
45-54 age group than any other
Trends away from ‘retiring to the
seaside’? But rural ageing faster
http://0.tqn.com/d/geography/1/0/C/H/uk.jpg
*Based on 2010/12 mortality rates persisting. ONS (2014). Life Expectancy at Birth and at Age 65 by
Local Areas in the United Kingdom, 2006-08 to 2010-12
16. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Highlighted findings
“Do we have to say this again?”
The top of the hierarchy
Community capacity
Social responsibility
Changing hearts and minds
Fun and playfulness
17. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs
18. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Community capacity – making the most of it
People and their time
– Do we need to commission ‘neighbourliness’
Resources
– Sharing investments in community transport – e.g.
the uno bus scheme in Hertfordshire
– Car sharing schemes – a working model in the USA
Available space
– Housing built for ‘yuppies’ – very age friendly!
– Vacant spaces for groups to meet
19. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Social responsibilities
Some good schemes already in place – e.g.
dementia friendly retail
Retail is a changing landscape
All high street players have a responsibility to
put something back in towards an age-ready
community – even if it’s an untraditional role for
the company
20. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Changing heart and minds
Reject the image that being
housebound ends your
involvement with your
community
Ban the older people crossing
road sign
Getting the unusual suspects
involved
Activities for older people
21. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Fun and playfulness
Fun, joy and playfulness – culture change
needed for people to feel ‘allowed’ to
continue being playful
E.g. The Park Street slide in Bristol
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-
england-bristol-27274501
22. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
A challenge for today
23. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Ebbsfleet Garden City
Announced by the Chancellor in the March
2014 Budget
Initial plans for 15,000 homes
“A proper garden city”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26600689 and http://www.triathlonbusiness.com/2012/industry-news/tristar-milton-keynes-splashdown-in-the-uk/
24. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Ebbsfleet Garden City
No commitment for affordable housing
Nearby:
– National and international rail station
– Large shopping mall (Bluewater)
– Road links – A2 and M25
– Near to the Thames
– Theme park planned
25. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Age-ready Ebbsfleet?
http://ebbsfleetgardencity.org/ebbsfleet-garden-city-plans-and-maps
26. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Age-ready Ebbsfleet?
http://ebbsfleetgardencity.org/ebbsfleet-garden-city-plans-and-maps
27. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Age-ready Ebbsfleet?
http://ebbsfleetgardencity.org/ebbsfleet-garden-city-plans-and-maps
28. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
29. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Age-ready Ebbsfleet?
Your thoughts?
What’s in (and what’s out)?
– Housing design
– Transport options
– High street shops
– Primary healthcare
– Care facilities
– Schools
– Leisure facilities including hotels
30. The International Longevity Centre-UK is an independent, non-partisan think-tank
dedicated to addressing issues of longevity, ageing and population change.
Many thanks
Jessica Watson
Policy and Communications Manager
International Longevity Centre-UK
jessicawatson@ilcuk.org.uk
02073400440
Twitter: @ilcuk #communitymatters
35. Purpose and aims
For developers,
providers, commissioners,
and funders of services for
older people.
What research tells us
‘what works’ about services
for older people.
Short summaries in lay
languages, with further
reading noted.
36. Authors
Foreword: The Lord Filkin, CBE
Introduction: Sandie Keene, President of the Association of
Directors of Adult Social Services
Author recruitment:
• Age UK sources and contacts
• National Institute for Health Research’s School for Social
Care Research
• New Dynamics of Ageing Programme
37. Short summaries on what works
• Service cost-effectiveness
• Integrating health and care
• Dignity
• Safeguarding
• Assessment
• Carers
• Personal budgets
• Loneliness and social isolation
• Telehealth
• Older men
• Rural communities
• Housing
• Falls
• Dementia
38. Seven overarching messages
1. Service design and delivery should be based on what
older people say they want and need.
2. Carers play a vital to the success and sustainability of
interventions.
3. There should be thorough and regular assessments of
the needs of both older service users and their carers.
4. Service design should incorporate from the start a
robust evaluation system and a broad and long-term
view of likely costs, cost savings and sustainability.
39. Seven overarching messages
5. Benefits for older people and carers are likely to go
beyond the narrow focus of a particular service.
Service providers should value -- and make use of -
opportunities for additional benefits.
6. Completion of tasks should not be the only criterion by
which a service is judged. For example, social
interaction is often valued as highly by older people.
7. Some services are suited to all potential users, but
thought should be given to suitability for specific groups
such as older men.
40. Thank you!
Download the pdf from:
www.ageuk.org.uk/what-works
Please feel free to contact me:
Susan Davidson, PhD
Research Adviser
Age UK
susan.davidson@ageuk.org.uk
41. Professor Sheila Peace
Professor of Gerontology
Open University and President Elect of the British
Society of Gerontology
#communitymatters
42. Community Matters : are our
communities ready for ageing?
Sheila Peace, Professor of Social Gerontology,
The Open University/President Elect
British Society of Gerontology
The Evidence Base
ILC-UK/AgeUK Thursday May 8th
43. The Research Evidence Base
Research Initiatives
• ESRC – Growing Older (1999-2003)
• RCUK – New Dynamics of Ageing (2005-2013)
• KT-EQUAL EPSRC (2009-2013)
• JRF – A Better Life: Valuing Our Later Years
(2009-2013)
• MRC/RCUK – Life Long Health and
Wellbeing(2011-2015) (Enhancing mobility & independence
in an ageing population)
44. The Research Evidence Base
Research Characteristics
• Multi-disciplinary Teams
• Collaboration across HEIs
• User Involvement
• Participatory Research
• REF – Units of Assessment
• Impact – Case Studies
45. Co-Design Methods
• EVOLVE tool – housing design for people with sight
loss
• Future Bathrooms
• Cycle BOOM
• Go Far/ I’DGO projects
• Transitions in Kitchen Living
• Social Interaction in Urban Public Places
• Older People’s use of Unfamiliar Places
• Grey and Pleasant Land? Rural Ageing
46. Research Dissemination
• HousingLIN
• Housing and Care for Older People Research Network
• http://www.housinglin.org.uk/AboutHousingLIN?HCOP
RN/
• All Party Parliamentary Group on Housing and Care
• DCLG group
• International Urbanisation and Ageing Population
Network (IUAPN)
• UK AFC Network
52. WHAT Loneliness is….
• A mismatch of the relationships we have and those we want
• An internal trigger telling us to seek company as thirst tells us
to drink and hunger tells us to eat and tiredness tells us to
sleep
• Loneliness describes the pain of being alone as solitude
describes the joy of being alone
• Isolation is often where there is no choice but to be alone
• Some people seek solitude, but few choose to be lonely,
primarily because it isn’t good for us
53. Loneliness and social Isolation
• People experiencing isolation require practical help and
resources (such as transport provision).
• People experiencing loneliness require social support and
extended social networks, (e.g. befriending, networking, friends)
There are also different types of loneliness which again may require
different interventions: emotional loneliness and social loneliness.
• Emotional loneliness is the absence of a significant other with
whom a close attachment is formed (a partner or close friend).
• Social loneliness is the lack of a wider social network of friends,
neighbours or colleagues
• We need to tailor our response to the needs of the individual
Emotional and Social Loneliness
54. WHY LONELINESS
• Addressing Loneliness and Isolation it will result
in stronger communities in which members of all
ages play a greater role
• Addressing it will improve and result in stronger
partnership working and a more holistic
approach
• Reducing loneliness and isolation will help to
address health inequalities
55. WHY LONELINESS
• An increase in Loneliness = an increases the use
of expensive health and social care services
• Demographic change could increase the problem
• Reducing loneliness and isolation will contribute to
peoples well being thus achieving a number of
health and wellbeing board priorities
56. • Loneliness has an effect on mortality - twice as likely to
die prematurely
• It is also associated with poor mental health and, more
surprisingly, with conditions such as cardiovascular
disease, hypertension and dementia
• “Loneliness is a public health issue that should be
tackled urgently, There are links with early death. The
risk factor is similar to smoking and worse than obesity””
Laura Ferguson, Director of the Campaign to End Loneliness.
57. WHAT: Neighbourhood approaches to loneliness
• Place based approach to loneliness
• Working with people in their neighbourhood to explore what
contributes to feelings of overwhelming/problematic loneliness
• Exploring factors like location, health and wellbeing, safety,
independence, life transitions
• ABCD approach to developing and putting into practice local
ideas and activities to reduce the effects of loneliness
• Making every contact and conversation count
58. Some of the many PLA tools used
…. to get people talking… to feed back ideas
59. • Recruited, trained and retained 32 community researchers in
Participatory Learning and Action in all four neighbourhoods
• Community researchers gathered information, undertook outreach
and all fieldwork and analysis and spoke to over 100 stakeholders
• Talking to over 2000 people gathering 7667 individual comments
New Earswick 182 New Earswick 311 493
Carr estate 193 Carr estate 282 475
Bradford Moor 176 Bradford Moor 292 468
Denholme 143 Denholme 304 447
694 1189 1883
Local people leading the way
61. What are the issues affecting people in the four neighbourhoods
62. • Members of the neighbourhoods came up with over 1000 ideas
to reduce loneliness
• An average of 65 ideas were prioritised in each neighbourhood
and shared with community partners and local stakeholders
• Community researchers in the neighbourhoods have done
planning, negotiation and project management training
• Each neighbourhood has reduced (not easy!) these ideas to 5
priorities which they are now putting into practice
• Community researchers are now activists – sharing the key
messages via 1000 conversations
Turning ideas into actions
63. Key messages
• Loneliness kills people and communities
• Regulation kills kindness and reduces action
• Lonely people are vulnerable, this is a
safeguarding issue
• Building personal and community confidence
builds resilience
64. Key messages
• The stepping stones to engagement and
education need to be put back
• There is a real contradiction between
society’s ideals and individual experience
• You can take the ideas out of the process.
You cannot take the process away from the
ideas
65. Anyone can be lonely, even busy people.
Anyone can reduce loneliness – their own or others
• How do we make every contact count?
• How do we look after the health and wellbeing of our
communities, colleagues and ourselves?
• How do we give the gift of time when we lead such
busy lives?
• How do we resource prevention in hard times?
• How do we ensure that our community assets are
community hubs used to their full potential and open
to all?
• Let’s see how we can all talk about loneliness
Wot…
no time ?
66. Free online loneliness resource pack
• This resource pack brings together the lessons and experiences from the
programme and includes:
• Living with loneliness? – a four-page summary of the causes of loneliness, with
infographics;
• Let’s talk about loneliness – a four-page summary of ideas and actions to
reduce loneliness, with infographics;
• Neighbourhood approaches to loneliness: our stories – a collection of case
studies from some of the people involved;
• Working with your community to address loneliness – top tips from our external
evaluators;
• Can do – guidance and tips for negotiating community action;
• How you can reduce loneliness in your neighbourhood (the process);
• Let’s talk about loneliness session plans – five one-hour group work sessions
to get you thinking and talking about loneliness.
• Lets talk about loneliness - a short film featuring interviews with the
communities involved in our research
67. Culture of – You’re on your own
Holistic approach – you’re not alone (we really are all in it together)
69. Foresight + Research + Innovation69
Wellbeing and Interdependence
through Assisted Living
Pam Turpin
Senior Research Manager,
Foresight + Research + Innovation
Arup
8th May 2014
70. Foresight + Research + Innovation70
Working for Arup
We support our practices and businesses through
thought leadership, foresight research, delivering
workshops, and facilitating conversations.
Working with Arup
We aim to be an integral part of project teams,
helping to deliver unique professional services
through the integration of foresight and research into
projects.
Working Externally to Arup
We provide foresight and innovation management
consulting services to external clients with a focus on
trend research, innovation processes, workshops,
and lectures.
Foresight + Research + Innovation Services
71. Foresight + Research + Innovation71
Context: An Aging World
Source: http://www.sarsaparillablog.net/an-aging-world-how-do-aging-populations-
differ-across-countries-2/:
73. Foresight + Research + Innovation73
Consequences by 2050
Dementia
COPD
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Cancer
Sensory Loss
74. Foresight + Research + Innovation74
Consequences by 2050
Source: http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GAC_GlobalPopulationAgeing_Report_2012.pdf
75. Foresight + Research + Innovation75
Independent Life?..............
...so what do people need to enable it?
76. Foresight + Research + Innovation76
Age-friendly
Communities
Housing
Social
Participation
Respect and
Social
Integration
Civic
Participation and
Employment
Communication
and Information
Community
Support and
Health Services
Outdoor spaces
and buildings
Transportation
Source: WHO Guide to Age Friendly Communities
Smart, age-friendly communities can help this happen?
A liveable community is one that has affordable and appropriate housing,
supportive community features and services, and adequate mobility options, which
together facilitate personal independence and the engagement of residents in civic
and social life
77. Foresight + Research + Innovation77
“That it will ever come into general use notwithstanding its
value, I am extremely doubtful; because its beneficial
application requires much time and gives a good bit of trouble
both to the patient and the practitioner.”
—London Times in 1834, describing the stethoscope
Role of Technology
78. Foresight + Research + Innovation78
Telecare
Remote or enhanced delivery of
health and social care services to
people in their own home using ICT.
Telecare is most effective if used as
part of a package of support that is
accepted by the individual and their
formal and informal caregivers.
79. Foresight + Research + Innovation79
Telehealth
Delivery of healthcare at a distance
using ICT to exchange information for
diagnostics, treatment and prevention
or diseases
80. Foresight + Research + Innovation80
Health Apps
Use of apps to support lifestyle
choices, manage chronic conditions,
update e-Heath records
81. Foresight + Research + Innovation81
M-Health
Use of mobile devices in delivering
heath and social care.
85. Foresight + Research + Innovation85
“The multidisciplinary field of human factors aims to
understand the properties of human capability to inform the
design, development and implementation of systems and
services. It uses theories, principles and tools from various
domains including industrial design, engineering, psychology
and anthropology.”
—Charness et al: 2010
Human Factors
86. Foresight + Research + Innovation8686
Engaging with older people
Benefits of engaging older people
For organisations:
•To ensure their products and services are fit for
purpose.
•To improve relationships with the community
•To demonstrate understanding of older people’s
wants and needs
•To find ways to engage with “difficult to reach”
groups
For older people:
•To be able to have a say in issues that affect them
•To gain an increased sense of purpose, ownership
or usefulness
•To benefit by learning and developing new skills
•Increased confidence and enjoyment of life
87. Foresight + Research + Innovation8787
Trends in Housing developments
Multigenerational Housing Co-housing
Eco-housing
88. Foresight + Research + Innovation8888
Dementia
Dementia Village attached to Care Home in Bristol, UK
Dementia Village in Hogewey, Amsterdam
.
Dementia friendly Community, Helmsdale, UK
89. Foresight + Research + Innovation89
Conclusions
Key Considerations:
1. What is the impact of the built environment on
the mental health of older people?
2. Do behavioural change programmes increase
the use of technology in health and social care?
3. How can smart city planners ensure the
development of liveable communities?
4. What are the optimum designs for transport
systems for older people and those with
disabilities?
5. How can we design cities to favour mixed
communities?
6. What are the most effective interventions for
increasing older urban dwellers’ contact with
nature and how does this affect wellbeing?
7. How could street lighting be improved to
optimise vision in older people and those with
visual challenges?
8. What type of accessible walkways would help
increase physical exercise and the social
integration of older people?
9. Could autonomous vehicles solve transport
difficulties experienced by older people?
93. ILC / AGE UK Conference
THU 8th MAY
Communities Matter
Are our ‘communities’ ready for aging?
Dr. Alan Burnett
94. Taking action in communities
Involving Older people
A. How can/should older people be
informed/involved/influential in shaping their
localities?
B. What is the experience of PPA in creating an
‘age friendly’ city on the South Coast of England?
A tale of strategies, surveys and street Stalls
139. 2013 the BIG Lottery Fund approved the investment of £50 million to
develop the Centre for Ageing Better.
BIG intends the Centre to be a world-leading hub to apply and promote
evidence of what makes for a better quality of life in older age to help
empower people to stay active, healthier and happier for longer.
The Centre is an entirely independent charity that will work actively
with a wide range of stakeholders to shape its work and make change
happen.
This investment is a unique opportunity to help make a step
improvement in the lives of older people and maximise the benefits of
our ageing society.
140. Lord Filkin – Chair
Katherine Rake – Chief Executive Healthwatch England
Professor Tom Kirkwood – Newcastle University Institute for
Ageing and Health
Professor Gillian Leng – Deputy Chief Executive NICE
Helena Herklots – Chief Executive Carers UK
Michele Acton – Chief Executive Fight for Sight
Professor Michael Catt – ALERE Research and Development
Cheryl Coppell – Chief Executive London Borough of
Havering
141. We are in our set up phase….
• The Board submits a business case to BIG to
draw down the £50m in July
• Hopefully BIG approves the submission and
transfers the £50m by the Autumn
• The work really gets underway!!
142. Enough to prove to BIG we can use the money wisely
Not a level of detail that is inappropriate given the
scale of the task, the thoughtfulness needed to
embark upon it and the stakeholders we need to
consult and engage with on the journey
Hopefully the right balance….
143. Until we access the full endowment we are working
on initial set up funding
A skeleton staff – including one very hard working
Interim CE
The knowledge we can garner from consultation and
engagement with our stakeholders
The knowledge and expertise of our Board
144. Consultation paper issued to 180 organisations.
Feedback welcomed to the questions raised on no more
than 2 sides of A4.
Please respond to sara.coakley@agebetter.org.uk
By 30th April 2014.
Paper can be accessed at: www.centreforageingbetter.com
145. What is our vision?
‘A society in which we all have a better later life’ .
What is our mission?
“Improving later life through evidence of what
works’.
147. Individuals who are empowered and enabled to
maintain their well being in later life;
Communities that support and are enriched by older
people;
Services and products that better meet the needs and
aspirations of older people;
Public attitudes and policies that support and improve
the well being of older people.
149. Focus the debate on how we can maximise the benefits of ageing
Bring evidence into practice, using others to do our research
syntheses.
Use our strategic position to catalyse others to focus on issues that
matter, to work together to synthesise and generate evidence and
apply it and to commit to bring about change.
Partner with researchers, funders and organisations to achieve
change.
150. The public including older people, their families and carers
Communities
Service commissioners and providers
The voluntary sector & social entrepreneurs
The private sector
Policy makers
Funders
Other organisations working with and for older people
151. Valuing older people
Preparation and planning for a better later life
Sustaining activity and independence in later life
Increasing opportunity and extending working lives
Local planning and commissioning for better later life
Maximising community engagement to improve later life
Stimulating sectors, markets, investment and innovation to
improve later life
Developing an age sensitive culture and environment
152. • It’s a huge field and we need to be thoughtful and
take time to get it right as we want to engender long
term change
• We will exemplify a couple of fields of enquiry for
the business case to BIG
• Hopefully become fully operational and fully staffed
• Move on to more detailed and wider engagement
and work once the Centre is fully established
153. More detailed thoughts on one of
these areas…….
Maximising community engagement
to improve later life
154. Can be defined as ‘informal and formal action by the community, voluntary or business
sector either with ‘communities of interest’ or at the neighbourhood-level. It can support
healthy ageing by complementing (a) action taken by individuals or their families and (b)
integrated health and social care commissioned by statutory agencies’.
The term ‘community engagement’ is often used loosely and an understanding of ‘what
works ‘ is often muddled and imprecise.
Task is to clarify ‘what works with whom in what circumstances’ in order to
- inform commissioners & increase confidence to invest
- improve outcomes for older people
- reduce demand and cost to statutory bodies
155. • Older people's definition of well being:
• Social relationships, varyingly expressed as ‘being
connected’, maintaining social contacts, social activity,
‘engagement with the outside world’ and interacting with
others
• Social capital, by which is meant the social resource of
home and neighbourhood, family and friends.
• Keeping active, seen by many as a key concept to wellbeing
156. • Continuing to adopt the usual deficit model is
unlikely to help
• Adopting an asset based approach could be much
more productive
• As well as building social capital and increased
self determination
157. 1. Preparing for healthy ageing in mid life
2. Creating conditions for independent living
3. Preventing loneliness and inactivity
4. Supporting people with chronic illness including
dementia
5. Reducing preventable hospital admissions
So we need to know …
158. • What community-level interventions are effective? What is the strength
of evidence / likely impact?
• How easy is it to reach target groups in different types of place?
• How do these interventions deliver their impact? They may be
‘packaged’ differently but what are the common success criteria? What
conditions have to be in place for them to succeed?
• Are they good value for money? Are there some approaches that
impact on 2 or more objectives?
• Could they be incorporated into local systems and replicated at scale?
• What light touch national, regional or local infrastructure is needed to
develop and support them?
159. ……So that the system works as a whole and is simple to
understand, implement and monitor.
It is important to be clear about
• who is responsibility for ensuring the system works well
• what actions need to be taken by whom
• the conditions that need to in place for each intervention
to work
160. • Village Agents (Gloucestershire)
• Community Connectors (Leeds)
• Care Network (Cambridgeshire)
• Social Prescribing (Birmingham)
• Rural Community Councils (National network)
• Councils for Voluntary Service (National)
161. One of the new Centre’s role will be to synthesise
‘what works’ knowledge. This should set out how
specific types of community intervention can add
value to action taken by:
individuals and their families and the statutory
agencies so that policy objectives are achieved.
162. • We need to work with all our stakeholders
for this to be successful
• We need to pick the things that we can do
that will really make a difference
• Please respond to our consultation
document!