Fostering Community Health and Connection
Welcome to Oneness
As the UK’s population ages, particularly in the Midlands region, the need for projects that support retirees’ health, mental well-being, and social engagement has never been more urgent. One such initiative - a community-based project providing allotments, workshops, and spaces for sports and social activities - presents a powerful solution to address both the physical and mental health challenges facing older adults. This proposal highlights how such a project can help to reduce the prevalence of chronic health issues like heart disease and Alzheimer's, providing substantial benefits to retirees, the healthcare system, and the broader community. By integrating statistics and research on these issues, this argument will demonstrate how the project can serve as a strategic investment in community health and well-being.
In this technological era, the ageing population are becoming more isolated whilst the younger population are described as digital natives. However, technology is consistently providing instant dopamine hits which as human beings we have not yet evolved to accept, hence the issues with interaction, socialisation, focus and mental health. By utilising the great outdoors and providing alternatives to the AI companion; curiosity, resilience and mental strength can be enhanced.
The Midlands is also one of the top regions with highest youth unemployment rates at 18.7% for the East Midlands and 17.5% in the West Midlands (ONS 2024). The region’s youth unemployment rate is double the national average which makes tackling youth unemployment is a key priority of this project. A project of this magnitude and scope will provide work experience placements, training opportunities and apprenticeships training for school leavers and people in the NEET category.
Breaking free to the outdoors for a social cup of coffee partnered with wholesome, healthy, home-grown food and supported with activities for all, will enable conversations to flourish and minds to meet.
The Growing Retired Population in the UK and the Midlands
The UK is facing an ageing population, with the number of people over 65 projected to rise to over 16 million by 2030. The Midlands region, home to major cities such as Birmingham, Coventry, and Nottingham, is experiencing similar demographic changes. With more retirees in the area, the health and social needs of this population will continue to increase.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of people aged 65 and over in the Midlands is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades, putting additional pressure on local health services. It is essential to provide retirees with activities that not only improve their quality of life but also address the most common health issues they face, such as lack of mobility, weight control, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Addressing Heart Health
- The Importance of Physical Activity in Preventing Heart Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the UK, with over 170,000 deaths attributed to CVD each year. This equates to about a third of all deaths in the country. The risk of heart disease increases significantly as people age, with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) reporting that one in five men and one in six women aged 65-74 have some form of heart disease.
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to prevent and manage heart disease. Regular exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and reduces risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity. According to the NHS, people aged 65 and over should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as walking, swimming, or gardening.
Allotments and sports activities including low-impact aerobics, yoga, walking clubs, tennis, or bowls would provide retirees with structured opportunities to engage in regular exercise. Gardening is an excellent low-impact form of physical activity, which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. Research published in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that gardening can reduce blood pressure, decrease cholesterol levels, and improve overall cardiovascular health.
By investing in this project, local authorities, health care providers and entrepreneurs would be supporting several ventures, including the prevention of heart disease, reducing healthcare costs, and promoting the long-term health of retirees in the Midlands, not to mention, investing in our future generations and establishing a legacy of care, support, well-being and cohesiveness.
2. The Financial Implications of Heart Disease
The cost of cardiovascular disease to the NHS and the economy is staggering. In the UK, CVD costs the NHS over £7 billion per year in treatment and hospital admissions, and the broader cost to the economy due to lost productivity and care is estimated to be over £19 billion annually. By encouraging retirees to participate in physical activities that reduce heart disease risk, this project has the potential to reduce the incidence of CVD, easing the strain on the healthcare system. The table below indicates that in 2019, the Midlands contributed approximately 9% towards this cost; that is an astonishing £700 million.
Addressing Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Decline
1. The Growing Prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect around 850,000 people in the UK, and this number is expected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040. Dementia is the leading cause of death for women in the UK, and the financial cost of dementia to the economy is estimated at over £26 billion annually. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, has a direct impact on the quality of life of both individuals and their families.
The associations for some risk factors differ between Alzheimer’s disease and non-Alzheimer dementia, specifically, body mass index, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, NAFLD, the gut microbiome, smoking, and genetics (these are marked by *).
As the population ages, the Midlands region will see a rise in dementia cases. Research indicates that regular mental and physical activity can help delay the onset and progression of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Studies show that individuals who engage in cognitive stimulation, social interaction, and physical activity are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and may experience a slower decline in cognitive function.
2. The Cognitive Benefits of Workshops and Social Engagement
Workshops focusing on lifelong learning, such as creative writing, technology classes, arts, and crafts, have been shown to improve cognitive health in older adults. A study published in The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that engaging in social and mentally stimulating activities reduces the risk of dementia. These activities help maintain brain plasticity, improve memory, and support cognitive function in older adults.
Incorporating social and creative workshops into this project provides retirees with the opportunity to keep their minds active and engaged. According to Alzheimer's Research UK, staying socially connected and mentally active can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. By providing regular opportunities for retirees to meet, learn new skills and interact with others, the project will help combat loneliness and cognitive decline, offering significant benefits to the mental health of retirees in the Midlands.
3. The Financial Impact of Alzheimer's Disease
The financial burden of dementia on the UK economy is substantial. The cost of dementia care, including health and social care, is projected to rise by more than 50% by 2040. This is a critical issue for local authorities, as the demand for dementia-related services will continue to increase. By encouraging activities that reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, such as social workshops and physical activity, the project offers a preventative approach that could reduce long-term care costs and improve outcomes for affected individuals.
©Copyright. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.