Why it Is Important One of the main determinants of health and wellbeing is a sense of social connection or feeling part of a network of family, friends and community. In fact research has found that the health risks associated with lower levels of social integration are comparable to those of smoking, high blood pressure and obesity. A recent analysis of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) data found that social engagement contributes to better health status in all countries and that the impact of social engagement on health has the potential to raise the number of people in good or very good health from 57% to 63% on average. Happiness among older people tends to increase in line with the number of people available for discussing important matters. Pinquart and Sorenson (2001) show that the frequency of contact with friends is more closely linked to life satisfaction than having contact with adult children. A review of the literature suggests that interventions which promote active rather than passive social contact are more likely to impact positively on health and well-being. Passive interventions, such as one-to-one social support, home-visiting and health needs assessments have been shown to have only limited effectiveness. However, “active” interventions that promote the development of meaningful social roles and active engagement in local communities have demonstrated positive impacts on older people’s quality of life and health. What Our Older People Asked us to Prioritise Low levels computer technologies. Few people using texts or emails yet most social opportunities are advertised here Scope for greater involvement of older people in the arts There are very few activities for men. Allotments & Community Gardens are a resource for older people especially men. levels of older people accessing sporting opportunities. Better coordination among organisations hosting events Activities are often clustered, clash or are hard to get to. Loneliness and isolation are a problem for older people and detrimental to health and well being
Indicator Source Survey Frequency Area Numbers living in social housing Mayo County Council / voluntary housing associations Administrative data Annual County Numbers using Rural Transport/Community/HSE Transport Rural Transport Group Administrative data Annual County / Region Area size of amenity space / number of parks and recreational areas (per 1,000 pop) Local authority annual reports Administrative data Annual County Number of older people taking part in Sports Partnership programmes (by type of programme) Mayo Sports Partnership Administrative data Annual County Number of changes in the physical environment Access Officer reports Administrative data Annual County Number of staff who receive age awareness training Either Age and Opportunity (Age wise) or directly from public sector agencies Administrative data Annual County Number of additional seats installed Mayo Local Authorities Administrative data Annual County Number of older people trained to carry out audits Mayo County Council Administrative data Annual County Number of audits completed Mayo County Council Administrative data Annual County