1. Ageing Well UK A Health Promotion Programme Senior Sports Conference Berlin, May 2004 Carolyn Robertson ActivAge Unit, Age Concern England www.ageconcern.org.uk

2. Ageing Well UK -Distinguishing feature is concept of training a network of volunteer Senior Health Mentors -Older people acting as health counsellors to their peers

3. How are projects delivered? Volunteers 50+ are recruited Trained to national standards Placed in a wide range of community based initiatives working directly with peers Supported and supervised by Project Coordinator

4. Activities Senior Health Mentors are involved in: Physical activity and exercise sessions Relaxation and alternative therapies Reminiscence therapy Discussion groups on specific health topics, such as blood pressure, healthy eating, cardiac care etc.

5. Ageing Well activities take place in many different settings Lunch/Social clubs Doctors’ surgeries Health centres Health shops Leisure Centres Healthy living centres

6. Model of Project: Sefton (Northern England) Senior Health Mentors (43) visit residential homes, nursing homes, day centres and sheltered housing schemes Provide information on relaxation, diet and exercise Raise awareness of the range of services and leisure activities available and facilitate access to these Bring news of the outside world to people in the community who are confined or isolated

7. Sefton (cont’d ) Qualified instructors (which include Senior Health Mentors) facilitate Tai Chi, massage and gentle chair exercise sessions Provide befriending, sing-songs, art & craft Reach approximately 100 people a week

8. Senior Health Mentor Story – Braveheart Project – Central Scotland Project works with people recovering from major heart problems, has involved some 400 patients, 60+ from Falkirk & District Royal Infirmary Jim never smoke or drank yet had triple bypass surgery at only 59 After rehabilitation, Jim felt there was no ongoing support from the hospital, so he focused on reviewing diet and increasing exercise levels Joined Braveheart which he says ‘changed his life’. “With Braveheart, Jim and his colleagues are putting continuing recovery back into the hands of people who most need it. He is very proud of what they do.”

9. Benefits of Senior Health Mentoring Promotes community development by encouraging participation, collaboration and mutual aid Empowers older people to identify and take control over their own health needs Facilitates greater contact, understanding and dialogue between older people and health professionals

10. Any Questions?