Live Longer Better Network News – Issue No.15 December 2025

Finding the perfect gift can be a challenge, especially when you want to give something that promotes a longer, healthier and happier life. Whether it’s for Christmas, a birthday, or just because, gifts that encourage well-being and longevity are thoughtful and appreciated. From trainers (not slippers!) to fitness gadgets and active days out, nutritious food recipes and mindfulness tools, there are countless options to help your loved ones live their best lives.

Discover our top 12 inspiring gift ideas that can be given at any time of the year (not just for Christmas!), contributing to a healthier, more active, fulfilling lifestyle.

Follow this link to discover gift ideas to Live Longer Better

Forever Active Kent Fund

Active Kent & Medway is excited to launch the Forever Active Kent Fund, in partnership with Kent County Council, a microgrants programme supporting local organisations to deliver inclusive physical activity opportunities for adults over 50 across Kent.

With grants of up to £6,000 per year for three years, the Fund aims to improve strength, balance and mobility through accessible 12-week programmes, helping people aged 50+ stay active, connected and independent.

Applications open 1 December 2025 and close 11 January 2026.

Active Kent & Medway Small Grant

Small grants of up to £500 for local clubs and organisations looking to encourage and increase participation in physical activity for those living in Kent or Medway.

Funding could be available to cover facilitator or coaching costs, venue hire, equipment, marketing and publicity for projects such as new programmes, festivals, events, launches or celebrations of activity, that re-engage with previous audiences and/or encourages those new to activity to continue to be active.

Walking may slow progression of Alzheimer’s

Even modest amounts of daily exercise may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in older people who are at risk of developing the condition, researchers have said.

People are often encouraged to clock up 10,000 steps a day as part of a healthy routine, but scientists found 3,000 steps or more appeared to delay the brain changes and cognitive decline that Alzheimer’s patients experience. Results from the 14-year-long study showed cognitive decline was delayed by an average of three years in people who walked 3,000 to 5,000 steps a day, and by seven years in those who managed 5,000 to 7,000 steps daily.

Follow this link to read the full article

Use the Alzheimer’s Society directory to find local support services for people with dementia and their carers.

Arthritis UK

Arthritis UK is a charity whose mission is to ensure everyone with arthritis has access to the treatments and support they need to live the life they choose. They have several offers of support:

• Helplines
• Online community with over 28,000 volunteers
• Tracker app for daily pain, mood, sleep and medication side effects
• Information booklets like their Keep Moving booklet and other physical activity resources.

Follow this link to find out more

FaME (Falls Management Exercise) Programme in Medway is a FREE, 20-week service to support older adults and people living with long term health conditions or mobility limitations.

The service offers an information session to promote physical literacy and assess individuals for suitable activity options based on ability and location. Social elements include free tea, coffee, opportunities to chat and information about health services or community groups. The community of practice connects users with external activity providers after the 20-week programme. The goal is to encourage habitual physical activity as well as enriching communities and supporting local businesses.

Medway residents unable to attend in person can access home programmes with digital or telephone support, available in multiple languages and accessible formats.

Follow this link find out more