Across Europe there is growing awareness among citizens of the importance of engaging in physical activity to maintain health and wellbeing. Decreasing levels of activity among populations in Europe are, however, a particular concern, with the 2002 Eurobarometer study suggesting that two thirds of the adult population in EU countries is insufficiently active to achieve optimal health benefits[1]. While many express the intention and desire to be more physically active, this is often not translated into action.
Monthly Archives: September 2009
Towards 2012- an opportunity for physical exercise for ALL ages?
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October 1st – UN Older People’s Day around the world
The General Assembly of the United Nations stated, in 1990, that the 1st October would be the International Day of Older Persons. The activities, organised world-wide during this day, are a reminder that the rights of older people are inseparable from the principles expressed by the United Nations. Last year Ban Kid-moon, the current Secretary -General of the United Nations, said that “The United Nations is committed to promote the independence, participation and dignity of older people and to combat all forms of neglect, abuse and violence”.
Elections in an ageing world
The German election has highlighted the increasingly dominant role played by an older (and ageing) electorate across the world. Those over 60 in Germany make up over three in ten of the electorate (20 million of the 62 million) whilst the over 50s comprise almost half of those entitled to vote.
Tackling Digital Exclusion
The publication of the annual set of Internet Access statistics from National Statistics has emerged again to almost no media or public interest. Yet in terms of age and digital exclusion, the findings are both fascinating and slightly depressing.
Changing Travel Habits of Older People.
The Department for Transport has published the findings of the National Travel Survey (2008). Coming after a recent media furore about free travel for older people, it is interesting to see how the travelling habits of older people are changing. With isolation among older people a continuing problem, the importance of mobility to older people cannot be underestimated.
Living for Today?
This article was first published in the Yorkshire Post on 28th August 2009.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first state pension payment. To qualify for the state pension in 1909 you needed to reach 70 to receive up to five shillings a week. Life expectancy was much lower back then and few of the early recipients lived for a long time after receiving their first pension payment.