Current and Forthcoming Projects

Ageing Actively In Minority Communities (AIM)

Ageing actively is something that BME elders do in different walks of life as PRIAE’s BAFTA launched film, Playing our part after 50, shows. But like everyone, encouragement, support, promotion of ideas and worked examples can widen the benefit to those who may not already be involved in ‘activity’ that can help mind and body – and delay some of the problems of ageing process. PRIAE’s new initiative plans to increase the physical activity of BME elders, working with them rather than ‘on them’. This means that the project pays regard to how BME elders consider the need for active ageing and how cultural expressions and activities form the basis of active programmes which may increase and widen participation of not just the old, but also the young. It will highlight the effective work already being done in this area from being active in dance, games, exercise, walking, working and simply living. The project also looks to widen participation by reaching those with limited physical capacity and those that may be isolated for whatever reasons. Different settings are considered from day care to residential, sheltered, nursing homes or in hospital. This Department of Health-funded project will also identify barriers which BME elders and organisations who support them face and bring these to the attention of local and national agencies working in the field of active ageing.

AIM will produce a catalogue detailing a variety of programmes and their implications, focus on policy which affects this area and list examples of national agencies and initiatives. Interviews have taken place with elders and managers to gather their views on the challenges and benefits involved in implementing or taking part in physical activity. A network of stakeholders, voluntary organisations and BME communities will then be created to share good practice. In July 2006 a policy briefing with the survey results will help to show the type of activities undertaken, the resources with which it is carried out and what more could be done if this agenda was better supported.

For the next two years we shall be developing a cultural diversity training programme with direct participation of BME elders as part of PRIAE’s normal way of engaging BME elders in its work to benefit elders and organisations nationally. Showcasing good worked out examples is important to PRIAE and in this project and an annual event will be held.

If you know of an innovative project to promote active ageing in your area or know of any policies about this subject, PRIAE would be pleased to hear from you. Similarly, if you are working on a new project which you would like included on our final catalogue, do get in touch.

In March 2006 PRIAE sent its consultation response to the EC Public Health on the Green Paper on Obesity and Physical Activity. PRIAE emphasised the importance of including BME elder issues as part of all elders and recommending targeted promotional developments engaging BME civil society organisations.

Click here to download the report - (261kb Adobe Acrobat PDF)

For more information on AIM, please contact Sam Turner at sam.turner@priae.org
Tel: 0113 2855990 Fax: 0113 2855999