A new report from the Health and Social Care Committee, Healthy Ageing: physical activity in an ageing society, recognises that movement should be a core part of support for healthy ageing, alongside routine healthcare, social care and community-based support.
The report highlights the essential role of social prescribing in making this possible. By connecting people to local activities that reflect their interests, needs and circumstances, it can help turn advice to be more active into meaningful, sustained support.
The report recommends that the Government reviews and strengthens its support for social prescribing:
To fulfil its potential, social prescribing must be prioritised within the health system and supported with the workforce development, infrastructure and national leadership necessary to prescribe physical activity routinely and confidently.
“Social prescribing link workers are a vital bridge between the health system and the community-based organisations that deliver physical activity opportunities to older people. By connecting people to local programmes that reflect their interests and circumstances, link workers can turn clinical advice to become more active into meaningful, sustained behaviour change."
Charlotte Osborn-Forde, NASP’s Chief Executive, gave evidence to the inquiry that led to the report. She said:
We welcome the Committee’s recognition of social prescribing as part of a preventative, community-centred approach to health, and its emphasis on the support, training and infrastructure needed to help it thrive.
“This is about more than exercise. It is about confidence, connection, independence and wellbeing — and ensuring older people have access to the right opportunities in the places where they live.”
