Introduction
In the spring of 2008, The British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health (BHF NC) relaunched the Active for Later Life resource, designed to provide guidance, information and support for the wide range of professionals who are in a position to promote physical activity with older people. The resource was disseminated across the UK through a series of regional seminar events and is available online at www.bhfactive.org.uk

The BHF NC Guidelines on older people and physical activity
Also in the spring of 2008, the NHF NC published Guidelines on older people and physical activity, also available at www.bhfactive.org.uk

These guidelines were published with the purpose of highlighting:

(a) guidance on translating evidence on promoting physical activity with older people into practice;
(b) current evidence on appropriate physical activity recommendations for the older person.

Next Steps
Feedback from the 2008 dissemination events revealed that a range of professionals from the health, leisure and care sectors and voluntary organisations required further details and information concerning communicating messages to fellow partner professionals as well as to older (potential) participants.

The current guidelines on physical activity recommendations for older people draws together and summarises current advice on how much physical activity older people should do to benefit their health.  It outlines:

(a) current examples of national and international public health and authoritative messages (prescription);
(b) further detailed explanation for health ad other professionals on the implications of such prescriptions;
(c) examples of messages to communicate such information to older people themselves.

It is proposed to undertake further work in this area to further explore how these messages can be better interpreted and communicated to all those involved and the implications for promoting physical activity with older people

To further develop this work and share this learning the Health Promotion Agency and Age Concern Northern Ireland are organising a consultation/discussion event in partnership with the BHF National Centre for Physical Activity and Health which is open to professionals involved in promoting physical activity with older people. 

There will be no charge for this event, but participants should ensure they have the support of managers and colleagues before committing to attend in order to avoid last minute withdrawals. Both events are timed for 10.00 a.m. – 3.30 p.m.

The event will take the format of workshops which will give this involved the opportunity to explore issues and implications that arise as a result of the three areas identified (attached). It is anticipated that as a result, the BHF NC will publish further guidance in the new year of 2009.

Booking
There are limited places available. If you wish to attend this event please complete the online booking form by clicking here no later than Friday 21 November 2008.

Location: Templeton Hotel, Templepatrick

All places will be confirmed and an agenda and further information will be forwarded to you the week beginning Monday 24 November 2008.