Voices on well-being Jennie Fleming

What does the term ‘well-being’ mean to you? How does well-being feel? How do you achieve well-being? What are the barriers? What role do services play? What can be done to improve well-being in older people? Our questions

A participative approach Open questions, exploring, probing, encouraging discussion; looking for meaning and explanation A diverse range of older people UK-wide 163 older people: o 16 focus groups o 30 individual or paired interviews Phase 1 of Shaping our Age

Definitions of Well-being Feeling physically healthy – free from pain Having get up and go Able to do what you want to do Feeling of independence Feeling well – mentally / emotionally … … happy, content, satisfaction, peace of mind, comfort, warmth, enjoyment Self-worth, achievement

Number 1 Cause of Well-being Relationships and social contacts … Family and friends, community groups and clubs o Fun, enjoyment, support, safe and secure, belonging, feeling valued o Coping with illness and other difficulties o Structure and ‘something to look forward to’ o Volunteering and helping others Meeting people, feeling useful, self esteem

Main Barrier – Loneliness, feeling isolated Some causes: Illness; physical impairments; bereavement; language barriers; fragmented families; poor community support; inadequate services; de-personalised services; living alone; inability to leave the home without support Can lead to: Anxiety, depression, worsening physical health

Impact of Services on Well-being Positive Health services: GPs, good hospital treatment, chiropodists, occupational therapists Local authorities: housing, libraries, leisure Transport: Concessionary fares, community transport Voluntary sector: e.g. social and day clubs Negative Public services: negative attitudes - lack of respect, empathy, listening, compassion Issues: o Hospital treatment / hygiene o GP appointment systems o Disability awareness o Information provision o Cuts in public expenditure Libraries, post offices, community centres, clubs, public transport, concessionary fares

What needs to change? “We need to look at ways and means where we can do things ourselves” Help and support from others: Involvement Respect and equality Practical help Support in times of particular need Relevant and accessible information Intergenerational initiatives

Shaping our Age: What’s next? Phase 1: National consultation on well-being with older people Phase 2: Defining well-being and the selection of five WRVS services to participate in the action projects Phase 3: Local activities in the five local sites Phase 4: Learning, dissemination and action

Thank you for listening Questions?

Full and summary report available to download after 4 th Nov at

shapingourage.com Martin Hoban and Vicki James