1. Engaging older disabled people
in physical activity
Chris Ratcliffe, EFDS
www.efds.co.uk

2. Our Vision
Disabled People are Active for Life
1. Enhanced health and wellbeing of
disabled people
2. A more equal society in which
disabled people can achieve more,
through increased opportunities and
choice
www.efds.co.uk

3. Statistics
• 45% of state pension age adults are disabled
• Only 18% of disabled people participate in
physical activity once a week
• The cost to the NHS of inactivity is estimated
at £1.89 billion a year
• Predicted 15 million people over 64 years old
by 2040
• £ over £100 billion
www.efds.co.uk

4. www.efds.co.uk

5. Barriers
Physical
Physical Logistical
Logistical Psychological
Psychological
Adaptions and changes Adaptations have been Attitudes, opinions and
needed to support made but have not been perceptions preventing
participation are not implemented effectively participation in sport
available/have not been
implemented Geography
Facility
Expense
Personal perceptions
Support of others
Equipment
Communication
Attitudes of others
Health and Safety Suitability
www.efds.co.uk

6. Age UK Partnership
• Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) - project
encouraging the leisure industry to be more
accessible to disabled people through policy
and practice
• Fit as a Fiddle - programmes supporting
over 50 year olds with physical
activity‚ healthy eating and mental well-being
• Guide sharing good practice - Engaging
older disabled people in physical activity
www.efds.co.uk

7. Including Older People in
Sport & Physical Activity
Challenges
•Inclusion within NGB’s Whole
Sport Plans
•Over 55 year old is not a
measurement for APS
•Disabled people included in
whole sports plans
www.efds.co.uk

8. Opportunities
• Market
– Relatively untapped and growing market
– Behaviour and lifestyle change
• Policy
– Health Agenda: Changing Landscape – PCT’s
• Partnerships
– Develop projects and programmes
• Funding
www.efds.co.uk

9. Any Questions?
Contact details:
English Federation of Disability Sport
SportPark, Loughborough University
3 Oakwood Drive
Loughborough, LE11 3QF
Tel: 01509 227750
Email: federation@efds.co.uk
Twitter: @Eng_Dis_Sport & @Incl_Fitness
www.efds.co.uk

10. Any Questions?
Contact details:
English Federation of Disability Sport
SportPark, Loughborough University
3 Oakwood Drive
Loughborough, LE11 3QF
Tel: 01509 227750
Email: federation@efds.co.uk
Twitter: @Eng_Dis_Sport & @Incl_Fitness
www.efds.co.uk