We are all getting older and we all want to remain well so we can enjoy life.
To help us achieve this, we have something in North Lincolnshire called the Healthy Ageing Strategy.
The strategy aims to ensure that older adults can remain as independent as possible, while also having access to opportunities that support healthy living.
By 2013 our aspiration is that all older adults in North Lincolnshire:
- Will have access to comfortable and secure homes
- Have an adequate income
- Live in safe neighbourhoods
- Are able to get out and about
- Have the opportunity to develop and maintain friendships
- Have access to learning and leisure
- Are able to keep active and healthy
- Have access to good relevant information
- Are actively involved in planning and decision making that affects them
- Are not discriminated against on the grounds of their age.
North Lincs has a total population of approximately 159,000. Of these nearly 49,000 are aged 50 or over.
Older adults contribute extensively to North Lincolnshire, as paid workers, members of local communities, volunteers and carers.
Around six in 10 people over seventy years old are caring for someone in their own homes.
Many older adults in North Lincolnshire live with at least one other person, but inevitably this changes as people age, and 70 per cent of women aged 85 and above live alone. Most older adults live in their own homes, fewer than five per cent live in residential and nursing homes.
Listed below are some of the organisations who are working together to ensure we deliver the Healthy Ageing Strategy in North Lincolnshire.
If you would like further information about North Lincolnshire's Healthy Ageing Strategy please contact Julie Forrest on: 01652 251168.
Fresh Start
Fresh Start works with people aged over 50 to increase opportunities which improve health and well being.
It is a partnership of North Lincolnshire Council, NHS North Lincolnshire and Voluntary Action North Lincolnshire.
A menu of services is provided including information and signposting, health and care services, active ageing activities and services in the home.
A free monthly newsletter is available from locations across North Lincolnshire, which includes details about all the services and activities that are available as well as groups and organisations in North Lincolnshire. For further information please contact Fresh Start on 01724 277906.
Leisure Services
Leisure Services employ an Active Ageing development officer who works closely with Fresh Start to help more older people get more active more often.
Active Choices, Active Futures a sport and active recreation strategy for North Lincolnshire, outlines the importance of developing physical activity opportunities for people in later life. To find out more about Active Ageing contact 01724 297255.
Voluntary and community groups
A range of voluntary and community groups provide activities and services for older adults. For more information please contact Voluntary Action North Lincolnshire on 01724 845155.
North Lincolnshire Council
Many council departments provide services and support for older adults. These include Adult Social Services, Leisure Services, Neighbourhood and Environment, Strategic Housing services and Children's Services who work on intergenerational issues. For more information contact 01724 296296.
Carers Support Service
This organisation provides information, support and signposting for people who are looking after a relative, neighbour or friend. They also provide an information and advocacy service for people who are over 50. For more information, tel. 01652 650685.