We welcome the updated UK Chief Medical Officers' physical activity guidelines published this month and the recommendations they contain. We are particularly encouraged by the inclusion of detailed guidelines for older people. Older people are a diverse population, ranging from those who are in relatively good health to people living with progressive long-term conditions such as frailty and dementia. Being physically active is just as important in later life as it is when people are younger.
The guidance gives clear advice on the importance of being active every day, reducing sedentary behaviour and the links between physical and mental health.
For older people, the importance of muscle strength, balance and flexibility is stressed. The report highlights strong evidence that physical activity helps older people to maintain physical and mental function. This, in turn, helps them to remain independent for longer, managing symptoms of long-term conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's disease and depression.
Our members know how important physical activity is in helping people to age well, maintain independence and reduce frailty, so we are pleased to see government guidance that recognises the vital role physical activity plays in healthy ageing.
If you are looking for resources to help your patients return to a more active lifestyle after a period of inactivity, visit our Deconditioning hub. It has been designed to help you improve outcomes for older people through the identification and prevention of deconditioning, with resources for those working in hospitals, care homes and the community.
