Health & Care
As a trusted voice, you can support your patients to move more.
Whether you’re supporting individuals with long-term health conditions, older adults, those with limited mobility, or younger individuals at risk of inactivity, each group may require tailored support and resources.
Many healthcare professionals may feel unsure about what advice they should give to people. The good news is that the benefits of physical activity outweigh the risks, for adults, children and those living with a long-term health condition(s). It can play an important role in the management and prevention of many health conditions.
To help guide you in providing the best possible support, we’ve gathered useful links and resources that offer strategies and guidance to meet the diverse needs of those you work with.
Supporting older people to keep active is one of the most important things that we can do to help them live in good health and more independently for longer. All across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight we have an ageing population, so it’s important that we know how to support our older community to move.
Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines recommend older adults over 65 are moderately active for at least 150 minutes a week and include activities that improve strength and balance on at least two days a week.
The Act Now Age Better campaign encourages everyone to move more for a better later life. The campaign includes videoa and a leaflet download.
Supported by Communities of Practice across Hampshire this campaign provides checklists and guides to help older people get active and stay steady on their feet. There’s a library of resources and evidence for professionals.
One in four people in England live with a long-term health condition, and those in this group are twice as likely to be inactive, despite evidence that being active can help manage many conditions and reduce the impact and severity of some symptoms.
When supporting people with a long-term health condition We are Undefeatable is a good place to start. It’s a national campaign that brings together resources, real life stories, and guidance that support and encourage people to be active.
Physical activity can have a significant positive impact on the wellbeing of people with dementia and their carers. The Alzheimer’s Society provides practical advice and support for being active at different stages of dementia.
People experiencing pain from Arthritis, may need support to become active. However being active can help to reduce pain and symptoms, helping them say independent for longer. Versus Arthritis is just one organisation with some great resources available.
Staying active can help patients manage Asthma and lung conditions. Asthma UK and The British Lung Foundation gives guidance on how to be active safely.
Some exercise, such as Pilates, have been proven to help alleviate lower back pain. The NHS provides exercise that can be done at home.
Being active is important for patients with a cancer diagnosis. It can help prepare them for treatment, and help to manage side effects. Macmillan and Moving Medicine both offer guides to share with patients.
Leading a physically active lifestyle can have a positive impact on the wellbeing of people with dementia and their carers. The Alzheimer’s Society helps with ideas on being active.
Being active is good for people with all types of diabetes, and those that are pre-diabetic. Diabetes UK details the benefits and gives advice on the best forms of movement,
People with heart and circulatory conditions shouldn’t miss out on the benefits of being active. The British Heart Foundation provides workouts, guidance and top tips.
There are benefits to moving more after a stroke. The Stroke Associate offers practical exercises to build movement into their everyday routine
Being physically active is one of the five ways to wellbeing and is important in the treatment and recovery for people with mental health conditions, especially depression and anxiety.
Physical Activity can have a positive effect on musculoskeletal conditions, reducing pain and stiffness.
As well as improving mental health, physical activity is shown to help manage the symptoms of Parkinsons. Parkinsons UK helps patients find the right activity for them.
Evidence tells us that women are more likely to be inactive than men. There are certain points in a Women’s health journey that she may require more support and guidance around activity. These resources can help:
Insight, tools and resources to help design physical activity for women.
A hub of clear, evidence-informed information focused on physical activity recommendations for perimenopausal and menopausal women.
This Mum Moves is a co-produced CPD endorsed educational programme for professionals comprising training and resources to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to discuss physical activity during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Helping us tackle inactivity to boost health and happiness
