Why is community important for healthy ageing?

Community helps people stay happy and healthy as they get older. Friends and neighbours provide company, support, and a sense of belonging. Being around others keeps people from feeling lonely, which can hurt their health. Being part of a community encourages older adults to stay active, join group activities, and have a sense of purpose and a positive outlook on life. Communities also help with daily tasks and provide resources and services. A strong community improves the quality of life as people age.

Grandmother plays a game with her granddaughter whilst sitting on a sofa.

Why does it matter that communities get involved?

Community ideas are powerful because they focus on the culture and specific needs of an area. This makes the ideas relevant to the people who live there and more likely to work. Local activities are easy for everyone to join as they are close to home. This way, more people can benefit from healthy ageing resources and activities without having to travel far. Working together and taking ownership of healthy ageing initiatives makes them last longer and have a bigger impact on the community.  

Many people find it more enjoyable to exercise when they are part of a group. Community activities provide a fun way to meet up regularly and exercise by doing something you enjoy without having to travel far!

Friends sit in a cafe, having drinks and laughing.

Five ideas to promote healthy ageing in your community!

1. Be social:

  • Create regular events like walking clubs, gardening groups, book clubs, or arts and crafts sessions. These help people stay active and make friends. Many local community centres and religious groups run different activities and can be a great place to start.
  • Bring different age groups together. Set up mentoring, shared learning activities, and community service projects. These connections build social bonds and reduce loneliness. Different generations have different ideas and ways of thinking. Providing opportunities to bring generations together enriches the lives of both older and younger people. These relationships create mutual respect, learning, and support and lead to a more inclusive society. 

2. Health and wellness classes:

  • Organise local health fairs and free health screenings. Workshops on nutrition, exercise, and mental health increase awareness and provide valuable information. Empower older people with the knowledge and skills to manage their health proactively.
  • Offer affordable fitness classes for older adults, like tai chi, yoga, or low-impact aerobics. Providing safe and welcoming classes will encourage more people to join in.

3. Age-friendly environments:

  • Make the area safer with well-kept pavements, good lighting, and accessible public transport. These changes can make getting around in their communities easier and safer for older adults.
  • Create spaces where older adults can gather. Community centres, parks, and libraries are all good options. These spaces should be accessible to everyone, including those with mobility challenges.

4. Lifelong learning:

  • Partner with local schools to offer classes on various subjects, from technology skills to creative arts. Learning new things keeps the mind sharp and gives a sense of purpose and achievement.
  • Encourage older adults to volunteer and mentor, sharing their skills and knowledge. This benefits the community and keeps older adults engaged and feeling valued.

5. Mental health and emotional wellbeing:

  • Provide counselling and support groups for older adults. Positive mental health is crucial for our wellbeing and quality of life. Being socially active reduces stress and anxiety and boosts self-esteem. Feeling like you belong to a community has a huge impact on health and happiness.
  • Offer classes on meditation, mindfulness and relaxation techniques. These practices can help manage stress and promote emotional resilience.
A teenage boy and his grandfather walk down the street holding a ball.

What do you want to see in YOUR community?

All of this sounds great, but what if there is nothing available in your area? Many people feel this way, and the good news is that a quick internet search may surprise you! If you feel a bit uncertain about joining a new group, ask a friend or relative if they would like to go with you. Many organisations, such as Age UK and Re-engage, run local activities for older people. You can also check out community websites, local religious groups, and Facebook community pages to find out what’s happening near you.

Nothing on that you’d like to try? Start a new club! Be the ambassador for healthy ageing in your area. Start a book club! Pack some sandwiches and go for a walk with friends. Why not open it up to anyone in your area who might like to join in? Take one of the ideas suggested above and run with it! Make it specific to you and your local community. Which would you like to see happening around you? Which would make the biggest impact? “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” And let’s choose our healthy ageing journeys together!

People practise tai-chi in a community hall.

What do fish and chips have to do with living better for longer?

Fast food can be an easy and comforting part of life. We all know we should eat healthily.  But sometimes we choose a takeaway because it's easy and fast. So, how about making the fast food healthier? That’s just what a community in Newcastle did. They swapped the salt shakers at their local fish and chips shop from a 17-holed lid to a 5-holed lid. This reduced the salt in every meal by 66%! This was a brilliant community-led idea. Small changes, made together, can have a big impact on our health and the health of our community.

Parkrun was another idea that began as a small community choice. Paul Sinton-Hewitt wanted to create a free, weekly event that anyone could participate in, regardless of their running ability. In 2004, on October 2nd, 13 runners took part in the first run in London's Bushy Park. They recorded times on a piece of paper and used some washers from their local hardware store for tokens! Since then, Parkrun has grown, first across the UK and then worldwide. It has evolved into the global Parkrun event that continues to bring people together for fun and fitness every Saturday morning. Paul wanted to promote fitness, community spirit, and inclusivity through a simple, accessible activity.

A woman and an older woman sit in a hall and smile together for the photograph.

Conclusion

In the end, healthy ageing is going to be won by communities. Healthy ageing ideas that fit what you and your community need will have the greatest and longest-lasting impact.

Get in touch and let us know what would be of help in your area! Share your ideas and experiences with us, and let's inspire each other to make a difference in our communities at Hello@bailey