Council addresses the pressures of an ageing population

As the UK's population continues to age, Cheshire East Council is proactively addressing the challenges and opportunities this demographic shift presents.

The council is committed to supporting older residents in living fulfilling, healthy, and independent lives through a range of targeted initiatives.

From 2011 to 2021, there has been an increase of 25.0 per cent in people aged 65 years and over. At present 23 per cent of Cheshire East's population are over the age of 65 - against the UK average of 18.5 per cent.

People in the borough are living longer, and many have very active lives, e.g. through volunteering in their local communities. 

The council is also firmly focused on preventative measures, keeping elderly residents fit and active through community-based support. Key initiatives include:

• The Ageing Well programme aims to ensure services meet the evolving needs of the older population. It emphasises the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, maintaining independence, facilitating access to essential services, and encouraging community participation.
• The Live Well for Longer plan outlines the council's strategy for enabling residents to maintain their wellbeing and prevent ill-health throughout their later years. It focuses on early intervention and prevention and supports residents to manage their own health.
• Funded by Cheshire East Council, One You Cheshire East delivered by Everybody Health and Leisure, offers support to local people to lose weight, stop smoking, move more and prevent falls. The council has also teamed up with partners to provide information and free resources to help prevent falls, including the Steady On Your Feet Cheshire website, which provides a bespoke, localised hub for falls prevention.
• Working with many voluntary organisations to provide help to residents to reduce loneliness and social isolation.

Cheshire East Council’s interim director of public health, Professor Rod Thomson, said:

"We understand the importance of supporting our older residents to live well and to maintain their independence."

"Our initiatives are designed to empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being, make good lifestyle choices but also to ensure they can access the support they need to thrive. 

“The Cheshire East Health and Wellbeing Board also works together to make a positive difference to people’s lives through a partnership that understands and responds to the needs of the population now and in the future.

“We are dedicated to creating a community where everyone can age with dignity and enjoy a high quality of life."

The council is committed to ongoing collaboration with healthcare providers, community organisations, and residents to ensure its services effectively meet the needs of its ageing population.