Active in older age

Physical activity programme expanded.

Older people in care are to get the support they need to increase their activity levels and improve their quality of life. 

An investment of £730,000 will allow the Care About Physical Activity programme (CAPA) to be expanded across Scotland and builds on previous Scottish Government funding of almost £1 million.

Set up 2016, the programme, which was initially trialled by eight local areas, helps care providers build physical activity into the lives of those they support and has helped reduced falls, increase strength and created independence for many older people.

Announcing the extra funding at the CAPA conference in Perth, Minister for Public Health Joe FitzPatrick said:

"We know how much physical activity promotes wellbeing, and certain groups face additional barriers in terms of getting active.

"We developed this approach because we wanted to embed the ethos of physical activity as a core aspect of patient-centred care.

"For those in care who have already been a part of CAPA, it has transformed their lives. We have older people moving out of care homes and into sheltered housing, walking without a zimmer and starting a workout regime at the age of 100.

"This additional funding will allow the Care Inspectorate to expand and embed this right across Scotland over the next 18 months."

Gordon Weir, interim Chief Executive of the Care Inspectorate said:

"We are delighted to take forward the next stage of the CAPA programme which will support many older people experiencing care.

"Small changes help older people keep active in ways that best suit them, and that makes a huge difference to their quality of life. This will support health and social care staff across Scotland to further develop their skills and confidence to enable older people to move more and live well.

"Over the last year, the programme has supported thousands of older people experiencing care to do things that really excite them. We've worked with 140 care services in eight local areas, and today's funding means we will be spreading this across other parts of Scotland."

Background

Active Scotland Delivery Plan

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