Arlene Philips and Len Goodman are supporting the campaign
Over 55 year olds are overtaking the younger generation when it comes to being active, according to a new survey released.
In fact, over 55 year olds are doing almost half an hour more activity a week than 18-25 year olds.
However, despite clear evidence on the health benefits of physical activity, 29 per cent of respondents aged over 55 cite long-term health conditions as the second most limiting factor for undertaking physical activity after the British weather.
To help overcome this, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Official Laboratory Services Provider for London 2012, in association with NHS London, are launching Your Personal Best, a national campaign to inspire the 7.78 million people aged over 55 with long term health conditions to lead a more active lifestyle.
“Encouraging the inactive to be more active, particularly those with long term health conditions, is an ongoing challenge for those working in general practice,” comments Dr Hamzah Baig, Medical Director at GSK. “Your Personal Best aims to help patients to set personal and realistic activity goals to achieve their personal best by engaging in a range of lifestyle activities from gardening to DIY or walking the dog.”
“Regular physical activity not only helps to prevent but also treats many diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer, mental health problems and musculoskeletal conditions,” said Dr William Bird MBE, GP with a special interest in Physical Activity, and NHS London consultant.
Even relatively small increases in physical activity are associated with some protection against chronic diseases and an improved quality of life, particularly in older adults. GPs, physiotherapists, nurses and pharmacists have a key role in supporting these patients to understand the everyday activities they can do to improve their quality of life.
“As you know and as NICE guidance recommends, just a brief conversation can be enough to support a change in their behaviour and motivate them to be more active,” said Dr Clare Gerada, Chair, RCGP supporters of the campaign. “We believe that Your Personal Best will help inspire and support these patients to set Specific, Personal, Uncomplicated and Realistic (SPUR) goals in order to incorporate more activity into their daily routine, such as gardening and housework.”
Patients will be able to use the campaign materials at home as well as visit the Your Personal Best online activity tracker where they can set their own goals and record their progress.
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