How a simple health intervention can positively change lives

We are living longer, but our quality of life is not guaranteed

So it’s true. More and more of us are living well into our 80s. Heralded a triumph of modern living, just because we’re living longer, doesn’t mean we are actually enjoying any quality of life in our twilight years.

Unfortunately as we age, our bodies and minds become weaker, and our physical capabilities are often limited.

With age, comes a greater range of health complications, like blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Ageing is a natural process (a sure thing) and something that we will all face at some point.

The healthcare sector needs to find effective treatment regimes to treat the elderly

It is important, therefore, that the NHS and its healthcare partners find the most effective ways of ensuring they can respond to the mass of age-related conditions such as type II diabetes, and to ensure that these conditions are caught early through appropriate screening and, if possible, prevented and/or avoided altogether.

A simple health intervention scheme by the British Gymnastics Association (BGA)

While we may be living longer, older people are not necessarily living healthier, more active lives. This might be due to a specific health condition that they have. On the other hand, it could simply be that they lack the personal stamina to join in an exercise class regularly. But exercise is important if the elderly are to stay mobile, retain their independence and be free from other debilitating illnesses brought on by lack of exercise.

An armchair exercise regime

• Love to Move’ is a BGA armchair exercise regime aimed at dementia patients and those with minor cognitive disorders. It is also widely recommended for those advancing in years generally.

Those taking part in this social marketing inspired initiative, claim that it has given them back their independence, a greater sense of purpose, and increased their range of functions.

Why has it been so effective? Love to Move is based around simple asymmetrical movement patterns. It enables the right and left sides of the brain to process information independently – an obvious benefit for dementia sufferers and those with cognitive problems.

Love to Move is not a cure

While the BGA programme is not a cure for dementia or other age-related conditions, it helps to treat the symptoms and gives back a degree of independence and mobility to the people that are affected by it. In comparison to a medical intervention, and/or no treatment at all, it’s proven to be extremely positive and successful.

Love to Move is a social marketing beacon project that conclusively proves that the technique works and that health benefits can be secured by motivating people to change their behaviours.

Reaching out to communities and to individuals

Targeting individuals and communities, Love to Move has proven to have many positive health benefits for individuals, families and community groups alike.

The BGA hope to raise an additional £25,000 towards future expansion and promotion of the scheme, so that more elderly people can benefit from the programme.

Social marketing – at work in our communities, redressing health inequalities and providing hope

So as we approach old age, not really knowing what we will face, it’s comforting to know that the NHS and the healthcare industry as a whole is thinking ahead and adapting its methods to meet the needs of an ageing population. There is a way to go, but progress is being made.

Making a difference and delivering widespread behavioural change

Social marketing schemes are delivering widespread behavioural change across the UK.

Taking many different forms, a targeted social marketing project or campaign can inspire belief and provide the motivation to change.

It not only tackles poor health choices, but reinforces good behaviours too.

Connecting with people on different levels

Connecting with people across the ages and creating more social good, social marketing agencies that specialise in marketing health services are working with the NHS, and starting to deliver a range of successful health intervention schemes, with some amazing results.

For any enquiries related to Healthcare Advertising Agencies and to tap into Perfect Circle’s ideas and social marketing expertise, contact Oliver Morton on t: 0845 38 99 343.