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People with long-term conditions and attitudes towards physical activity
- Author:
- BRITAINTHINKS
- Publisher:
- BritainThinks
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 54
- Place of publication:
- London
A survey of people living with long term conditions, and people close to individuals with LTCs to understand: knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in relation to physical activity; the barriers that prevent those with LTCs from engaging in physical activity; and the impact of messages aimed at encouraging an increase in physical activity. The research found that the strongest barriers to physical activity are internal and relate to the symptoms experienced by those with LTCs (e.g. pain, breathlessness). However, the most commonly identified benefits (e.g. preventing conditions from deteriorating) do not address these barriers. Consequently, messages claiming to improve symptoms are dismissed. The findings reveal that successful messages have three key attributes: they speak to everybody, regardless of their demographic or current levels of activity; they combine positivity about the benefits of physical activity with realism about what is achievable, giving them credibility; and they speak to people’s aspirations for their own lives, for example spending time with their grandchildren, or being independent. (Edited publisher abstract)
Frailty: language and perceptions
- Author:
- BRITAINTHINKS
- Publishers:
- Age UK, British Geriatrics Society
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 28
- Place of publication:
- London
This research investigates what the term 'frailty' means to a sample of older people, their carers and health care professionals. The ultimate aims of the research were to identify ways of supporting older people to engage with preventative strategies and support services. For the study interviews were carried out with older people living with, and without frailty; their carers; and health professionals. Findings discuss attitudes towards the concept of 'frailty', articulating the concept of frailty, and attitudes towards services to prevent and manage frailty. The research found that older people did not identify with the term 'frail' which had negative associations about losing independence and control. Though older people did recognise the experience of living with frailty, as it becomes harder to complete everyday tasks. Regarding attitudes to support services, older people said they would not automatically look for sources of external support. The report highlight two main reasons for this: a limited understanding of what 'support' might look like; and a belief amongst older people that general physical and mental 'wellbeing' are not such a priority as clinical conditions. Recommendations of the report include: avoiding the term 'frailty' or 'frail' when talking to older people; talking more about independence, enablement and resilience; raising awareness amongst health professionals of how best to support older people living with frailty, and finding a way to engage older people with this type of care. (Edited publisher abstract)