076“Ageing Well Groups” – Development and Effectiveness of 8 Week Community Based Health Promotion Groups

Abstract

Background: As part of one of the strands of the local Integrated Falls service there was a need to develop community opportunities to stay healthy and well as one ages. Three 8 week community groups were advertised and delivered in 2016/2017. The groups were entitled "Ageing Well" and material used was obtained from both the Well Elderly study (Jackson et al, 1998) and Lifestyle Matters (Craig &Mountain, 2007). Method(s): The 8 week groups were developed and delivered to community dwelling people, aged 50 +. The groups were delivered in a local library and community centre in the city. 75 people (male and female) from the city and suburbs signed up to attend the groups. The 8 week group content included links with activity and health/wellbeing, falls prevention, energy conservation, overcoming loneliness, social interaction and a planned outing to a local museum. The groups were delivered by two Occupational Therapists. Client satisfaction was measured through the use of pre and post questionnaires regarding knowledge and confidence with daily activities in the participant's locality. Result(s): Participants reported an increase in their knowledge and confidence with regards to their physical and mental health in their own community at the end of the 8 week groups. They also rated that their confidence engaging in community activities had increased as a result of attending the 8 week course. Conclusion(s): Loneliness is a common theme that emerged from the groups and there is a need to factor this into the development of other community groups in the future. Occupational Therapists have traditionally looked at individual client centred practice rather than taking a population based health and wellbeing approach. We have demonstrated that the principles of linking activity and health/well-being can be successfully applied in a community setting with well adults to encourage health promotion.