Scotland is gradually getting older. According to the National Records of Scotland, the number of people over 65 is projected to grow by nearly a third by mid-2045. In my area, council data shows that over the next 25 years, West Lothian is forecast to have the fastest growth in population of people of pensionable age in Scotland, an estimated increase of 44%.
There is an enormous social responsibility on us as a country to look after our rapidly expanding older generation, but from an economic perspective it’s absolutely vital.
Today is International Day of Older Persons, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges of an ageing population and making sure people grow old with dignity and stay active members of society. Its ethos sits right at the heart of our Xcite Ageing Well initiative which has been running for over 25 years.
This initiative was established to promote healthy ageing by offering social, accessible activities that enhance both physical and mental wellbeing. We know physical activity for older people bolsters immunity, slows the biological clock and is a protective factor for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer, but the social aspect is equally as important.
While services like ours help to alleviate the strain on the NHS, it’s much more than that. They provide a safe space for friendships to blossom, intergenerational connection, and alleviate loneliness, so prevalent in our older people. These classes are a lifeline for many. Keeping the elderly fit and active within the region, and indeed Scotland -wide, is essential. Community-based solutions such as ours keep people healthier for longer, less dependent on hospital care, and meet a deep emotional need for connection. Last year our Ageing Well programme had over 43,000 visits. Many of our sessions are run by a dedicated team of volunteers. Many are free to attend. Everything we do connects individuals to programmes that can support them.
We recently held the 10th annual "Canalympics", a lively afternoon of friendly competition and sporting challenges for 90 residents from 11 care homes at our Xcite Craigswood venue. It’s an amazing event which plays a key role in our mission to encourage elderly residents of care homes to stay active. This year’s event featured a variety of fun activities, including bean bag toss and hook-a-duck.
We’re delighted that activities such as this at West Lothian Leisure have contributed to a significant £14.4 million in social value over the period April 2023 to March 2024 (social value takes into account the social, economic, and environmental impact of services). This figure underscores the positive, social, economic, and environmental impacts of our activities and reinforces the significant contribution community-based solutions and services provide to the wellbeing of our communities.
It is vitally important community-based services, away from the traditional healthcare setting, are allowed to continue and to flourish, to ensure our older people do indeed grow old with dignity and continue to participate in society for as long as they are able.
Ben Lamb is CEO of West Lothian Leisure
Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@theherald.co.uk
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