Leading organisations commit to a shared vision for healthy ageing

The statement, published on 16 October, has been developed and supported by organisations across national and local government, charity and voluntary organisations, public health, academics and the NHS, and has been facilitated by Public Health England and the Centre for Ageing Better.

It contains fives key pledges - putting prevention first and ensuring timely access to services and support when needed; challenging ageist and negative language; creating opportunities for people to contribute to society as they age; ensuring good homes and communities help people remain active and independent; and narrowing inequalities in healthy ageing.

CSP assistant director Ruth ten Hove said the society is endorsing the statement because physiotherapy plays a key role in supporting people to lead independent, active lives as they age. She said:

We are strongly backing this new joint vision. It’s hugely encouraging to see so many organisations, across so many sectors, joining forces to call for the policies, networks and attitudes that can help people live well for longer.

The statement is supported with the results of a new YouGov survey commissioned by Independent Age and the Centre for Ageing Better. Amongst its findings are that most people worry their physical health will affect their ability to do things like be as financially secure as they’d like (62%) or be as physically active as they want (55%).

Along with endorsement from the CSP, the statement has been signed by 60 organisations such as Sport England, Alzheimer’s Research UK and Mind. It demonstrates wide-ranging agreement ahead of the World Health Organization’s Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020-2030.

The Centre for Ageing Better is a co-funder of the recently-announced insight project the CSP launched with Sport England to explore perceptions of strengthening and develop ways to encourage more people to take part.