Live Longer Better Network News – Issue No.1 May 2023
Introduction
Thank you for being a member of our local Live Longer Better (LLB) network. We would like to welcome you to our first regular network news.
Here in Kent and Medway, our approach to the Live Longer Better Revolution is to increase the opportunity for older adults to be physically active by connecting organisations and individuals, promoting services, providing upskilling opportunities and supporting access to funding for Active Ageing projects. We are delighted to share the following information with you:
Network Event
We are excited to announce our first Live Longer Better Network event of 2023.
Taking place on Tuesday 13 June, 10:00am – 11:30am, this will be a virtual event.
Join us and our incredible speakers, Sir Muir Gray and Ross Mullis, to discuss dementia and the importance of activity and movement for healthy ageing. There will be an opportunity to share how we can work together to encourage longer, healthier, and happier lives for older people.
Everyday Active Workshop
The Everyday Active Workshop is for anyone wanting to improve their knowledge and understanding of the benefits of physical activity, to feel confident about having conversations with others to help get more people, more active across Kent and Medway.
Join us online for one of our next free workshops on:
- Thursday 29 June, 10:00am – 11:30am
- Thursday 14 September, 10:00am – 11:30am
- Thursday 23 November, 10:00am – 11:30am
Active Ageing
Sport England has recently published an update on their Active Ageing programme which includes an insight guide, infographics, podcast and evaluation report. The resources aim to celebrate, showcase and share across a range of mediums the wonderful stories, learning and legacies of their active ageing and wider Tackling Inactivity partners.
The learning provides inspiration, ideas and actions that community organisations can draw on to help the people they work with become more active.
Walking in Later Life
Walking in later life is vital to ensuring we stay physically and socially active. Walking combats loneliness and isolation by providing opportunities to stop and chat. Participation in regular organised walks provides regular physical and social activity for people who might otherwise be less active, and less socially engaged.
National Walking Month
May is National Walking Month – an opportunity to encourage people to get active and walk more to support their physical and mental wellbeing. The warmer weather and longer daylight hours, make it the perfect time to get outside and explore your local area on foot.
Walking is free, flexible and fun, and proven to have a huge impact on our wellbeing. Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, have put together 20 tips to help you fit 20 minutes of walking into your day.
Everyday Active – Walking
Everyday Active is your go-to resource for low cost, accessible activities across the county. You can explore activities, uncover personal stories, discover hints and tips, read useful blogs and view local community pages listing a wide range of activities and opportunities.
You’ll find lots of support to help you get started with walking: from the Couch to Walking 5k programme, advice on the benefits of walking plus suggested walking routes for all abilities.
parkwalk or parkrun
Did you know you can walk, jog, run or volunteer at your local parkrun?
For 18 years parkruns have been taking place all over the world on a Saturday morning, with the idea that you can turn up and run, jog or walk 5km or you can offer to volunteer and meet new people and get involved in the community.
Jo, an Event Director at Mote park parkrun told us why she’s a big fan of parkwalk.
Follow this link to read Jo’s blog about parkwalk.
Cycling in Later Life
Cycling is wonderful exercise for both the body and mind, providing a fantastic physical workout along with making a real difference to your mental wellbeing. In short, cycling can make you feel great. In Kent and Medway there are loads of brilliant cycling routes and facilities, while there are also plenty of options for beginners.
Electric Dreams
Whether you’re a keen cyclist already or would like to give cycling a go, e-bikes let you cycle for longer, keep you fit and reduce your impact on the environment compared to a car.
Our friends at Explore Kent visited Andy and Leslie who have been using e-bikes for two years. They recently met with KCC e-bike instructor Mark to learn how to get the most out of their e-bikes.
Everyday Active – Cycling
To find out about cycling in Kent and Medway, head over to our Everyday Active website for information on accessible cycling routes, local cycling groups, adapted cycling, affordable recycled bikes and so much more.
Adult Cycle Training
If you’re interested in learning to ride a bike or to boost your confidence to get back on a bike, Kent County Council offer adult cycle training and e-bike training sessions at various locations across Kent.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you
If there’s anything in our network news you’d like to discuss further, please email: michelle.bird@kent.gov.uk