Following discussion at the Scrutiny Cafe in June, the Panel will receive a presentation from Dr. Jeanelle De Gruchy, Director of Public Health.
The aim of this item is to scope a scrutiny project that has realistic aims and objectives with clear links to council priorities. It is hoped that work in this area will complement work that has been prioritised for 2016/17 under agenda item 13 (Work Programme Development).
Minutes:
Following discussion at the Scrutiny Cafe in June, the Panel received a presentation, from Dr. Jeanelle de Gruchy, Director of Public Health, concerning physical activity for older people.
The Chair commented that the aim of the presentation was to help scope a scrutiny project that had realistic aims and objectives, with clear links to council priorities.
Dr. de Gruchy commenced her presentation by outlining key issues relating to physical inactivity in Haringey, including:
- Priorities outlined in both the Council’s Corporate Plan (2015-18) and Haringey’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2015-18).
- Findings from the Sport England Active People Survey. The Panel was informed that 1 in 4 Haringey residents were physically inactive and that inactivity in Haringey had remained at a similar rate since 2012.
- The benefits of physical activity for both adults and older adults. It was noted that even small amounts of activity could lead to health gains and supported people to self manage long term conditions.
- By 2031 there would be a 40% increase in the number of people over the age of 80 living in London.
In response to questions, Dr de Gruchy explained that new models of social care, which encouraged people to do more for themselves, were needed to help reduce social care costs. In addition, the Panel was informed participation in physical activity declined with age. It was noted that this impacted on an older adults ability to remain independent and maintain social contacts.
The following points were discussed concerning Haringey’s approach to increasing physical activity:
- Population level interventions, including investment in cycling and walking infrastructure, and active ageing through design.
- Community level interventions, including Haringey’s Year of Walking campaign, and active travel through the Smarter Travel team.
- Interventions through services, such as Silver Fit and One You Haringey.
It was noted that a potential area of enquiry for scrutiny related to creating/designing environments that encouraged physical activity. However, it was felt that the work on the Adults and Health Scrutiny Panel should, at least initially, focus on:
- Making the most of every day interactions of front line staff who engage with residents (Making Every Contact Count); and
- Community asset mapping and engaging older people to find out what types of physical activity they liked.
Cllr Barbara Blake provided information on how she had helped establish a successful netball group for women living in St Ann’s. It was noted the group had encouraged women living on the Edgecot, Victoria, Culvert and Kerswell Estates to get some exercise, make new friends and have some fun.
Before finalising the scope and terms of reference for the review it was agreed that the following issues should be considered:
- Further analysis of the Sport England Active People Survey (2015) in order to gain greater insight into the population cohort who had been identified as being physically inactive. It was also agreed that it would be useful to receive a breakdown of the primary support needs and age band of contacts receiving care packages over the last two to three years.
- The importance of gathering evidence from residents, service users, carers, residents associations and community groups, in addition to talking to front line staff.
- Looking at how physical activities were marketed, communicated and sign posted to residents.
- The work being undertaken by the Bridge Renewal Trust in terms of community asset mapping.
- The barriers to physical activity and the importance of looking for solutions that could be introduced, facilitated or supported by the Council and/or its partners in order to get older residents more active.
It was also agreed that the challenge of engaging older people from hard to reach groups should be addressed as part of the review. The Chair commented specifically that consideration needed to be given to those living in care homes and supported living environments; those from minority communities; and those who were socially excluded.
AGREED:
(a) That the presentation from Dr. Jeanelle de Gruchy, Director of Public Health, concerning physical activity for older people, be noted.
(b) That Christian Scade, Principal Scrutiny Officer, be asked to scope a scrutiny review to assist Haringey’s approach to increasing physical activity amongst older adults, taking account of the issues outlined in the minutes above.
(c) That the scoping, agreed at (b), and initial evidence gathering take place during August and September, with scoping documents submitted to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in October for final approval.