WEA NIWEA NI

GATE – Generations Ageing GATE – Generations Ageing Together in EuropeTogether in Europe

Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland

Policies and practicesPolicies and practices

Active Ageing NI

Northern Ireland Assembly OFMDFM - Ageing in an inclusive society 2006

‘create an enabling environment …….to make informed choices……to pursue healthy and active ageing.’

Education/learning - important for active ageing and gaining IT skills

Department Employment and Learning Older People’s Commissioner 2011

Active Ageing NI

Health policies –

Promote and support active ageing Improve health and well being Community based interventions Age Concern’s Ageing Well programme

Belfast Healthy Ageing Strategic Partnership - HASP

Belfast HASP is a partnership of key agencies providing a joined up approach to the delivery of services which promote the health, wellbeing and independence of older

people in Belfast. The partnership is currently focussing on four key issues:

joined up information and advice community capacity building combating social isolation home support services or care and repair.

Active Ageing NIAge NI

Education will Improve physical and mental health Meet new people/make new connections Improve skills for work Develop interests Enable a more active retirement Call for more opportunities to learn

Active Ageing NIFurther and Higher EducationFurther and Higher EducationFocus on skills for employment & younger Focus on skills for employment & younger peoplepeopleLimited IT training specifically for older Limited IT training specifically for older peoplepeopleOpen learning programmes offeredOpen learning programmes offeredBarriers may prevent more isolated older Barriers may prevent more isolated older people from engagingpeople from engaging

Active Ageing NI

Main provider of later life learning Main provider of later life learning is voluntary and community sectoris voluntary and community sector

The Atlantic Philanthropies – The Atlantic Philanthropies – Ageing ProgrammeAgeing Programme

Big Lottery Fund – Reaching Out Big Lottery Fund – Reaching Out Connecting Older PeopleConnecting Older People

WEA – Community Education LAP has provided a range of programmes

which help support active ageing – -Physical Activity-Social interaction-Mentally stimulating

Health and Well Being Programme: Active Lifestyles

Planning for Retirement

WEA Active Lifestyles Programme Considers mental, emotional, social and physical well

being Looks at importance of diet, exercise, mental stimulation

and social activity in promoting active ageing Opportunities for discussion and practical exercises Aims to increase mobility and independence in later life. Social and community context Researching local activities Looks at age related illness and preventative measures

linking to life course perspective of ageing.

Active Ageing NI Volunteer Now – Unlocking potential Volunteer Now – Unlocking potential

Project. AP fundedProject. AP funded Encourages adults aged 50+ to volunteerEncourages adults aged 50+ to volunteer Believes volunteering encourages and Believes volunteering encourages and

supports active supports active Make it happen daysMake it happen days Research link volunteering and health and Research link volunteering and health and

well beingwell being

Tri Age - BelfastSpringfield Charitable Association – Big Lottery funded

The overall aim is to enhance the quality of life, health and wellbeing of older people who live in west BelfastTargets disadvantaged older people particularly those diagnosed with or at risk of developing dementia Develop a community support programme to promote independent living. Offer a range of programmes on diet, exercise and mental stimulation Providing in-centre and outreach advice services on issues such as benefits, home safety and heating, falls and accident prevention.

Engage with Age – Hope Project

•Targets less active older people at risk of social isolation particularly those in sheltered housing

•Aims to reduce isolation, increase confidence and improve social networks and relationships

•Range of activities to promote active ageing

•Forging links between local communities and sheltered housing

•Volunteers offer one to one and group support

Active Ageing NI

Promoting Physical Activity programmePromoting Physical Activity programme Partnership Sports NI and Age NIPartnership Sports NI and Age NI Guidelines for council sports centres to Guidelines for council sports centres to

promote physical activity in older peoplepromote physical activity in older people Encourage older people to use facilitiesEncourage older people to use facilities Provide age related classes and activitiesProvide age related classes and activities Big Lottery fundedBig Lottery funded