Healthy ageing

Our Healthy ageing programme addresses the multi-dimensional nature of health by drawing on recent research undertaken across a number of disciplines and cultures to enable older adults in Waltham Forest to live as full, independent, healthy and active a life as possible.

The programme does this by providing older adults with information on lifestyle choices for their health and well being and how to access services that support their lifestyle choices. It also establishes activities and forums to provide support for older adults in achieving their health and lifestyle aims.

The programme aims to provide information on:

• the health consequences of inactivity
• the health consequences of stress
• the health consequences of isolation
• diet, smoking, alcohol and health
• maintaining independence
• the early detection of disease

and to promote access to and use of:

• regular exercise such as walking, Tai Chi, gardening, and swimming
• relaxation and breathing techniques
• lifestyle change cookery classes and organic foods
• smoking cessation programmes
• screening programmes and other preventative health services.

Our Healthy ageing programme also promotes access to employment in later life, volunteering, involvement in group activities and ICT literacy.

We have developed a database of activities, health promotion and information organized specifically for older adults in Waltham Forest in order to pass this information on to as many older adults as possible.

We have also published fact sheets on:

• falls prevention
• healthy ageing
• hearing loss
• incontinence
• keeping warm in winter
• mouth care
• optical services

which are all available on our companion website, www.wfolderpeople.com.