Healthy Activities for Adults Survey

To view the Healthy Activities for Adults Survey Report click here

A 'Healthy Activities for Adults Survey' was carried out during 2008 by West Dorset Community Worker Kris Hallett who initiated this in response to older people asking why they can't have things for their age group to use in the local parks/open spaces (highlighted during play and Parish Plan consultations). Some were keen to find funding to set up such a facility in their local community space, creating the opportunity to get more active, meet others and in some cases, feel less isolated or lonely.

THE MESSAGE:

The message from West Dorset communities is - the grown ups want to have fun - they want their own equipment to use – leaving the youngsters to play on theirs. They said they don’t just want to sit and watch. They said the benefit to their health and wellbeing, as well as their social life, would improve greatly, especially going with a likeminded friend to use it.

A short10-question Survey was devised with the help of Age Concern, Dorchester with input from Magna Sheltered Housing residents, specifically aimed at the 50+ age range, to ascertain current lifestyle interests and whether wanting to access healthy activities or outdoor gym equipment. Of 450 Surveys, over 300 were returned – but for the purposes of accurate data – these were whittled down to 100 – to create a proportionate picture across the region – including Beaminster, Dorchester, Crossways, Owermoigne and Puddletown.

The Survey related to physical and mental health activities and was distributed by POPP (Partnerships for Older Peoples Projects) Wayfinders, Age Concern and at public events, where adults could try free-standing pieces or look at photographs of a range of equipment, then select their preferences. Four types were showcased and can be viewed in the Healthy Survey Report (above).

WHAT YOU SAID - MOTIVATION:

Health professionals regularly prescribe exercise and gym sessions to patients – but access to a gym can be a problem, particularly in rural areas with decreasing transport links.

· What would motivate people to take part in more active exercise?

The free standing pieces could encourage fitness activities to be set up around the equipment – dog walkers, walkers, joggers or a walk group could meet to do their warm up/warm down exercises for instance. People could arrange to meet one another at the equipment and do their own programmes of keep fit whilst having others with them for companionship and encouragement – creating a firmer commitment to keep it up if others are involved.