The Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community

Lead Research Organisation: University of Bath
Department Name: Department for Health

Abstract

Regular physical activity affects both physical and mental health in older people. It helps to prevent major diseases, reduces the risk of depression and dementia and is a important for social contact and independent living. However, the best ways to encourage and help older people to increase their daily activity are not well understood. The aim of the proposed Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community is to develop a forum for sharing information on the promotion of physical activity in older people. This will include older people themselves as well as university-based researchers, health service providers and leisure activity providers. These ?key stakeholders? will develop recommendations for physical activity programmes for older people living in the community. They will also develop proposals for future research to further develop and evaluate such programmes. The activities of the proposed network will be as follows:-

1. We will hold a series of meetings involving all the key stakeholders as well as invited speakers.
2. We will draw together evidence from existing research on people aged 70 or over. This will aim to identify all the influences that affect people?s physical activity and include the views of local residents. We will also look at and summarise research which assesses the effectiveness of existing programmes to promote physical activity.
3. We will re-examine data from existing research studies and local service delivery evaluations where this might help to inform our recommendations on what might work to promote physical activity in older people.
4. Working together, the stakeholders will compare different approaches to promoting physical activity by looking at how much evidence there is to support their use. They will also assess how practical they are likely to be for local use.
5. We will set up group discussions to ask for the views of older people from different neighbourhoods and communities about the different approaches we identify for promoting physical activity.
6. We will draw together the results of the above activities to produce a series of options and recommendations for promoting physical activity in older people.

The proposed applicants and collaborators have an excellent track record of research and service delivery in this area and are well placed to successfully achieve the aims of this proposal.

Technical Summary

Regular physical activity is not only important for physical function and freedom from disease in the elderly, but also increases mental well-being, reducing the risk of depression and dementia and is an important vehicle for social interaction and maintenance of independent living. However, the best ways to encourage and facilitate older people to increase their daily activity are not well understood and research in this area is in its infancy. The aim of the proposed Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community is to develop an interdisciplinary forum for translational research and knowledge exchange, involving key stakeholders in the promotion of physical activity in older people. The collaborators will develop recommendations for, and prepare funding bids to develop and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people living in the Avon community. This will be achieved by:-

1. Holding a series of facilitated meetings involving multidisciplinary academic collaborators, key informants (invited external speakers), health and leisure service delivery agencies and relevant service user groups in the Avon region.
2. Identifying and (descriptively) synthesising evidence from studies of people aged 70+ that identify determinants of physical activity and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to promote activity.
3. Re-analysing and collating existing qualitative and quantitative data from samples of Avon residents such as Project OPAL, Bristol Quality of Life survey, WE-based Solutions, and local service delivery evaluations.
4. Contrasting and comparing approaches to physical activity promotion against evidence-based and pragmatic criteria for intervention which will be developed by the network partners.
5. Using qualitative research methods to assess reactions by target user groups from diverse neighbourhoods and communities to different service delivery options.
6. Synthesising the results of the above activities to produce a set of options and recommendations for physical activity promotion for older people.
7. Preparing at least one substantial research proposal draft for funding to develop /pilot and test the effectiveness of different recommended approaches to physical activity promotion for submission in 2010 to LLHW.

By the end of the grant period, the project will therefore deliver several outputs including research papers (from the literature reviewing and qualitative work), a consensus document outlining recommendations for physical activity promotion for older people and at least one research funding proposal. The proposed applicants and collaborators have an excellent track record of research and service delivery in this area and are well placed to successfully achieve the aims of this proposal.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description Physical Activity Guidelines - UK
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact The publication of the new UK physical activity guidelines (Department of Health, 2011) inform and influence the design, implementation and evaluation of physical activity promotion efforts targeting older people in UK.
URL https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/start-active-stay-active-a-report-on-physical-activity-fr...
 
Description Preparation of the active songs programme for the Golden Oldies Charitable Organisation
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact I have led the development of the Active Songs programme which reaches more than 2000 older adults, members of the Golden Oldies charity each year. Surveys and qualitative evaluations conducted by the Golden Oldies charity have demonstrated a significant impact of the programme to people health and well-being.
URL https://www.national-lottery.co.uk/life-changing/project-golden-oldies
 
Description A multi-centre randomised controlled trial of a peer-volunteer led active ageing programme to prevent decline in physical function in older people at risk of mobility disability. The ACE (Active Connected Engaged) study.
Amount £1,739,835 (GBP)
Funding ID NIHR130156 
Organisation National Institute for Health Research 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2021 
End 07/2024
 
Description Bath matters: Public Engagement Unit
Amount £3,000 (GBP)
Organisation University of Bath 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2014 
End 03/2015
 
Description Extending the AVONet for 12 months/Avon Primary Care Research Collaborative
Amount £11,840 (GBP)
Organisation NHS England 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2010 
End 08/2011
 
Description International Research Partnership Scheme
Amount £10,000 (GBP)
Funding ID VB-FH3BAS 
Organisation University of Bath 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2015 
End 08/2016
 
Description LIFELONG HEALTH AND WELLBEING -PHASE 3.
Amount £248,900 (GBP)
Funding ID G1001864 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2012 
End 03/2014
 
Description Public Health Research Programme
Amount £1,700,000 (GBP)
Funding ID 13/164/51 
Organisation National Institute for Health Research 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2015 
End 12/2019
 
Description Tier 2 Advanced Awards -Public Engagement with Research Seed Funding
Amount £4,475 (GBP)
Organisation University of Bath 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2017 
End 06/2018
 
Description University of Bath KT Champion
Amount £1,000 (GBP)
Organisation University of Bath 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2011 
End 08/2012
 
Description ACE-LINKAGE partnership 
Organisation LinkAge Bristol
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution The ACE team will support LinkAge to deliver a theoretically sound programme with positive evidence for its feasibility and acceptability. The ACE team will support LinkAge to evaluate the impact of the ACE programme on the health and well-being of their members.It will also help the organisation to develop and apply comprehensive evaluation protocols to their existing initiatives.
Collaborator Contribution LinkAge has officially adopted Project ACE and will include the ACE intervention in the menu of their offered activities. They will maintain the delivery of the ACE intervention in existing LinkAge hubs and expand the provision of ACE in new hubs. They will deliver on-going formal evaluation of the ACE intervention and further build the existing database and refine the intervention. These action will help us to successfully translate the ACE programme from a research intervention to a community programme.
Impact Project ACE was the outcome of the activities of the LLHW-Phase 2 funded multidisciplinary collaborative "AVON Network for the promotion of active ageing". The output of the AVON Network was a guide for promoting physical activity with older people (Stathi et al. 2013. Promoting physical activity in older adults: A guide for local decision makers). The partnership with LinkAge will help us to further evaluate effective and cost-effective ways for promoting physical activity. The immediate outcomes are: 1. The existing ACE participants will continue being involved with Project ACE under the support of LinkAge. 2. We will continue recruiting participants targeting people involved with LinkAge but not physically active.
Start Year 2013
 
Description AVONet and Action Age Alliance 
Organisation Age Action Alliance
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Iam a member of the Scientific Support Panel of the Public Health and Active Lifestyles Working Group of the Age Action Alliance.
Collaborator Contribution Age Action Alliance have endorsed the AVON Network guide and have promoted the priorities for physical activity programmes as these are presented in the AVON Network guide. A member of the Age Action Alliance is also a member of the AdvisoryCommittee for Project ACE.
Impact The partnership has led to a number of knowledge exchange activities. We are currently working towards submitting a grant application for the ESRC funded Knowledge Exchange opportunities scheme. The Age Action Alliance is a network which brings together organisations and older people, in partnership. Drawn from civil society and the public and private sectors, it takes a positive approach to ageing and seeks practical ways to improve services and support to older people. Members bring their distinctive skills to work collaboratively, achieving more in partnership than they can as individual organisations or sectors. Our focus is on the most disadvantaged and preventing exclusion and deprivation in later life.
Start Year 2013
 
Description Active People: Promoting Healthy Life Expectancy. Health Integration Team 
Organisation Bristol Health Partners
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Collaborators include: HIT director: Professor Selena Gray, Professor of Public Health, UWE Bristol •HIT director: Dr Afroditi Stathi, Senior Lecturer in Physical Activity, Ageing and Health, University of Bath •Dr Kelechi Nnoaham, Interim Director of Public Health, Bristol City Council •Claire Lowman, Active Bristol Lead, Bristol City Council •Professor Yoav Ben Shlomo, University of Bristol •Dr Ulrich Freudenstein, Research Liaison and board member, Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group •A lay member Other collaborators include: •Dr Kyra Neubauer, Consultant Geriatrician, North Bristol NHS Trust •Dr Pamela Akerman, Health Improvement Consultant, Avon, Gloucestershire & Wiltshire Centre, Public Health England •Dr Fiona Cramp, Associate Professor in Musculoskeletal Health & Director of Postgraduate Research Studies, UWE •Dr Kiron Chatterjee, Associate Professor in Travel Behaviour, UWE •Mark Davis, independent researcher in physical activity •Dr Chris Dyer, Consultant Geriatrician, Royal United Hospital, Bath •Dr Marcus Grant and Dr Adrian Davis, Co-Directors of SHINE HIT •Professor Ken Fox, Emeritus Professor of Exercise and Health, University of Bristol •Dr Bruce Laurence, Director of Public Health, Bath and North East Somerset Council •Professor Robin Means, President of the British Gerontological Society & Professor of Health and Social Care, UWE •Professor Graham Parkhurst, Professor of Sustainable Mobility, UWE •Dr Keith Stokes, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, University of Bath •Dr Nicola Walsh, Associate Professor of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, UWE
Collaborator Contribution The Improving Health in Later Life HIT's research includes looking at current interventions to encourage older people to exercise, what data is currently available and which interventions work both locally and elsewhere. Key contributions made by the research team and the partners include: •A comprehensive review of the existing provision for promoting physical activity in older people •A comprehensive review of the existing provision of educational programmes targeting public and community groups •A critical review of the evidence base for the existing provision •A review of existing local data sources, for example local government quality of life surveys •Partnerships with third sector and commercial organisations to address emerging issues and uncertainties in the field •Identification of key interventions with commissioners and partner organisations •Development of implementation and monitoring plan for key interventions •Submission of collaborative research proposals to the National Institute of Health Research
Impact No outputs or outcomes yet. The HIT team started their activities in 2014. Outputs/outcomes are expected to result after 2017.
Start Year 2014
 
Description Active People: Promoting Healthy Life Expectancy. Health Integration Team 
Organisation University of Bath
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Collaborators include: HIT director: Professor Selena Gray, Professor of Public Health, UWE Bristol •HIT director: Dr Afroditi Stathi, Senior Lecturer in Physical Activity, Ageing and Health, University of Bath •Dr Kelechi Nnoaham, Interim Director of Public Health, Bristol City Council •Claire Lowman, Active Bristol Lead, Bristol City Council •Professor Yoav Ben Shlomo, University of Bristol •Dr Ulrich Freudenstein, Research Liaison and board member, Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group •A lay member Other collaborators include: •Dr Kyra Neubauer, Consultant Geriatrician, North Bristol NHS Trust •Dr Pamela Akerman, Health Improvement Consultant, Avon, Gloucestershire & Wiltshire Centre, Public Health England •Dr Fiona Cramp, Associate Professor in Musculoskeletal Health & Director of Postgraduate Research Studies, UWE •Dr Kiron Chatterjee, Associate Professor in Travel Behaviour, UWE •Mark Davis, independent researcher in physical activity •Dr Chris Dyer, Consultant Geriatrician, Royal United Hospital, Bath •Dr Marcus Grant and Dr Adrian Davis, Co-Directors of SHINE HIT •Professor Ken Fox, Emeritus Professor of Exercise and Health, University of Bristol •Dr Bruce Laurence, Director of Public Health, Bath and North East Somerset Council •Professor Robin Means, President of the British Gerontological Society & Professor of Health and Social Care, UWE •Professor Graham Parkhurst, Professor of Sustainable Mobility, UWE •Dr Keith Stokes, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, University of Bath •Dr Nicola Walsh, Associate Professor of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, UWE
Collaborator Contribution The Improving Health in Later Life HIT's research includes looking at current interventions to encourage older people to exercise, what data is currently available and which interventions work both locally and elsewhere. Key contributions made by the research team and the partners include: •A comprehensive review of the existing provision for promoting physical activity in older people •A comprehensive review of the existing provision of educational programmes targeting public and community groups •A critical review of the evidence base for the existing provision •A review of existing local data sources, for example local government quality of life surveys •Partnerships with third sector and commercial organisations to address emerging issues and uncertainties in the field •Identification of key interventions with commissioners and partner organisations •Development of implementation and monitoring plan for key interventions •Submission of collaborative research proposals to the National Institute of Health Research
Impact No outputs or outcomes yet. The HIT team started their activities in 2014. Outputs/outcomes are expected to result after 2017.
Start Year 2014
 
Description Active People: Promoting Healthy Life Expectancy. Health Integration Team 
Organisation University of Bristol
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Collaborators include: HIT director: Professor Selena Gray, Professor of Public Health, UWE Bristol •HIT director: Dr Afroditi Stathi, Senior Lecturer in Physical Activity, Ageing and Health, University of Bath •Dr Kelechi Nnoaham, Interim Director of Public Health, Bristol City Council •Claire Lowman, Active Bristol Lead, Bristol City Council •Professor Yoav Ben Shlomo, University of Bristol •Dr Ulrich Freudenstein, Research Liaison and board member, Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group •A lay member Other collaborators include: •Dr Kyra Neubauer, Consultant Geriatrician, North Bristol NHS Trust •Dr Pamela Akerman, Health Improvement Consultant, Avon, Gloucestershire & Wiltshire Centre, Public Health England •Dr Fiona Cramp, Associate Professor in Musculoskeletal Health & Director of Postgraduate Research Studies, UWE •Dr Kiron Chatterjee, Associate Professor in Travel Behaviour, UWE •Mark Davis, independent researcher in physical activity •Dr Chris Dyer, Consultant Geriatrician, Royal United Hospital, Bath •Dr Marcus Grant and Dr Adrian Davis, Co-Directors of SHINE HIT •Professor Ken Fox, Emeritus Professor of Exercise and Health, University of Bristol •Dr Bruce Laurence, Director of Public Health, Bath and North East Somerset Council •Professor Robin Means, President of the British Gerontological Society & Professor of Health and Social Care, UWE •Professor Graham Parkhurst, Professor of Sustainable Mobility, UWE •Dr Keith Stokes, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, University of Bath •Dr Nicola Walsh, Associate Professor of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, UWE
Collaborator Contribution The Improving Health in Later Life HIT's research includes looking at current interventions to encourage older people to exercise, what data is currently available and which interventions work both locally and elsewhere. Key contributions made by the research team and the partners include: •A comprehensive review of the existing provision for promoting physical activity in older people •A comprehensive review of the existing provision of educational programmes targeting public and community groups •A critical review of the evidence base for the existing provision •A review of existing local data sources, for example local government quality of life surveys •Partnerships with third sector and commercial organisations to address emerging issues and uncertainties in the field •Identification of key interventions with commissioners and partner organisations •Development of implementation and monitoring plan for key interventions •Submission of collaborative research proposals to the National Institute of Health Research
Impact No outputs or outcomes yet. The HIT team started their activities in 2014. Outputs/outcomes are expected to result after 2017.
Start Year 2014
 
Description Active People: Promoting Healthy Life Expectancy. Health Integration Team 
Organisation University of the West of England
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Collaborators include: HIT director: Professor Selena Gray, Professor of Public Health, UWE Bristol •HIT director: Dr Afroditi Stathi, Senior Lecturer in Physical Activity, Ageing and Health, University of Bath •Dr Kelechi Nnoaham, Interim Director of Public Health, Bristol City Council •Claire Lowman, Active Bristol Lead, Bristol City Council •Professor Yoav Ben Shlomo, University of Bristol •Dr Ulrich Freudenstein, Research Liaison and board member, Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group •A lay member Other collaborators include: •Dr Kyra Neubauer, Consultant Geriatrician, North Bristol NHS Trust •Dr Pamela Akerman, Health Improvement Consultant, Avon, Gloucestershire & Wiltshire Centre, Public Health England •Dr Fiona Cramp, Associate Professor in Musculoskeletal Health & Director of Postgraduate Research Studies, UWE •Dr Kiron Chatterjee, Associate Professor in Travel Behaviour, UWE •Mark Davis, independent researcher in physical activity •Dr Chris Dyer, Consultant Geriatrician, Royal United Hospital, Bath •Dr Marcus Grant and Dr Adrian Davis, Co-Directors of SHINE HIT •Professor Ken Fox, Emeritus Professor of Exercise and Health, University of Bristol •Dr Bruce Laurence, Director of Public Health, Bath and North East Somerset Council •Professor Robin Means, President of the British Gerontological Society & Professor of Health and Social Care, UWE •Professor Graham Parkhurst, Professor of Sustainable Mobility, UWE •Dr Keith Stokes, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, University of Bath •Dr Nicola Walsh, Associate Professor of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, UWE
Collaborator Contribution The Improving Health in Later Life HIT's research includes looking at current interventions to encourage older people to exercise, what data is currently available and which interventions work both locally and elsewhere. Key contributions made by the research team and the partners include: •A comprehensive review of the existing provision for promoting physical activity in older people •A comprehensive review of the existing provision of educational programmes targeting public and community groups •A critical review of the evidence base for the existing provision •A review of existing local data sources, for example local government quality of life surveys •Partnerships with third sector and commercial organisations to address emerging issues and uncertainties in the field •Identification of key interventions with commissioners and partner organisations •Development of implementation and monitoring plan for key interventions •Submission of collaborative research proposals to the National Institute of Health Research
Impact No outputs or outcomes yet. The HIT team started their activities in 2014. Outputs/outcomes are expected to result after 2017.
Start Year 2014
 
Description Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community 
Organisation Bath and North East Somerset Council
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution The aim of the proposed Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community is to develop an interdisciplinary forum for translational research and knowledge exchange, involving key stakeholders in the promotion of physical activity in older people. The collaborators will develop recommendations for, and prepare funding bids to develop and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people living in the Avon community.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Inlcuding access to Project OPAL data. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people.
Impact 1. Grant application for MRC LLHW-PHASE 3 pilot study programme. This application was successful (G1001864). 2. Publication of the "Promoting physical activity in older adults: A guide for local decision makers Objectives". 3. Submission of grant application to the NIHR Public Health Research Programme. (Decision pending) 4. Submission of grant application to the ESRC Knowledge Exchange Opportunities scheme. (Decision pending).
Start Year 2009
 
Description Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community 
Organisation Bath and North East Somerset Primary Care Trust (PCT)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution The aim of the proposed Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community is to develop an interdisciplinary forum for translational research and knowledge exchange, involving key stakeholders in the promotion of physical activity in older people. The collaborators will develop recommendations for, and prepare funding bids to develop and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people living in the Avon community.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Inlcuding access to Project OPAL data. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people.
Impact 1. Grant application for MRC LLHW-PHASE 3 pilot study programme. This application was successful (G1001864). 2. Publication of the "Promoting physical activity in older adults: A guide for local decision makers Objectives". 3. Submission of grant application to the NIHR Public Health Research Programme. (Decision pending) 4. Submission of grant application to the ESRC Knowledge Exchange Opportunities scheme. (Decision pending).
Start Year 2009
 
Description Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community 
Organisation Bristol City Council
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution The aim of the proposed Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community is to develop an interdisciplinary forum for translational research and knowledge exchange, involving key stakeholders in the promotion of physical activity in older people. The collaborators will develop recommendations for, and prepare funding bids to develop and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people living in the Avon community.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Inlcuding access to Project OPAL data. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people.
Impact 1. Grant application for MRC LLHW-PHASE 3 pilot study programme. This application was successful (G1001864). 2. Publication of the "Promoting physical activity in older adults: A guide for local decision makers Objectives". 3. Submission of grant application to the NIHR Public Health Research Programme. (Decision pending) 4. Submission of grant application to the ESRC Knowledge Exchange Opportunities scheme. (Decision pending).
Start Year 2009
 
Description Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community 
Organisation Loughborough University
Department British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health (BHFNC)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The aim of the proposed Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community is to develop an interdisciplinary forum for translational research and knowledge exchange, involving key stakeholders in the promotion of physical activity in older people. The collaborators will develop recommendations for, and prepare funding bids to develop and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people living in the Avon community.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Inlcuding access to Project OPAL data. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people.
Impact 1. Grant application for MRC LLHW-PHASE 3 pilot study programme. This application was successful (G1001864). 2. Publication of the "Promoting physical activity in older adults: A guide for local decision makers Objectives". 3. Submission of grant application to the NIHR Public Health Research Programme. (Decision pending) 4. Submission of grant application to the ESRC Knowledge Exchange Opportunities scheme. (Decision pending).
Start Year 2009
 
Description Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community 
Organisation North Bristol NHS Trust
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The aim of the proposed Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community is to develop an interdisciplinary forum for translational research and knowledge exchange, involving key stakeholders in the promotion of physical activity in older people. The collaborators will develop recommendations for, and prepare funding bids to develop and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people living in the Avon community.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Inlcuding access to Project OPAL data. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people.
Impact 1. Grant application for MRC LLHW-PHASE 3 pilot study programme. This application was successful (G1001864). 2. Publication of the "Promoting physical activity in older adults: A guide for local decision makers Objectives". 3. Submission of grant application to the NIHR Public Health Research Programme. (Decision pending) 4. Submission of grant application to the ESRC Knowledge Exchange Opportunities scheme. (Decision pending).
Start Year 2009
 
Description Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community 
Organisation South West Public Health Observatory
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution The aim of the proposed Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community is to develop an interdisciplinary forum for translational research and knowledge exchange, involving key stakeholders in the promotion of physical activity in older people. The collaborators will develop recommendations for, and prepare funding bids to develop and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people living in the Avon community.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Inlcuding access to Project OPAL data. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people.
Impact 1. Grant application for MRC LLHW-PHASE 3 pilot study programme. This application was successful (G1001864). 2. Publication of the "Promoting physical activity in older adults: A guide for local decision makers Objectives". 3. Submission of grant application to the NIHR Public Health Research Programme. (Decision pending) 4. Submission of grant application to the ESRC Knowledge Exchange Opportunities scheme. (Decision pending).
Start Year 2009
 
Description Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community 
Organisation University of Bristol
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The aim of the proposed Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community is to develop an interdisciplinary forum for translational research and knowledge exchange, involving key stakeholders in the promotion of physical activity in older people. The collaborators will develop recommendations for, and prepare funding bids to develop and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people living in the Avon community.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Inlcuding access to Project OPAL data. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people.
Impact 1. Grant application for MRC LLHW-PHASE 3 pilot study programme. This application was successful (G1001864). 2. Publication of the "Promoting physical activity in older adults: A guide for local decision makers Objectives". 3. Submission of grant application to the NIHR Public Health Research Programme. (Decision pending) 4. Submission of grant application to the ESRC Knowledge Exchange Opportunities scheme. (Decision pending).
Start Year 2009
 
Description Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community 
Organisation University of the West of England
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The aim of the proposed Avon Network for the Promotion of Active Ageing in the Community is to develop an interdisciplinary forum for translational research and knowledge exchange, involving key stakeholders in the promotion of physical activity in older people. The collaborators will develop recommendations for, and prepare funding bids to develop and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people living in the Avon community.
Collaborator Contribution Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Inlcuding access to Project OPAL data. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people. Expertise and knowledge exchange to assist the Avon Network to develop recommendations for, and evaluate physical activity programmes for older people.
Impact 1. Grant application for MRC LLHW-PHASE 3 pilot study programme. This application was successful (G1001864). 2. Publication of the "Promoting physical activity in older adults: A guide for local decision makers Objectives". 3. Submission of grant application to the NIHR Public Health Research Programme. (Decision pending) 4. Submission of grant application to the ESRC Knowledge Exchange Opportunities scheme. (Decision pending).
Start Year 2009
 
Description BHF National Centre for Physical Activity and Health 
Organisation Loughborough University
Department British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health (BHFNC)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Intellectual input. Strategies for promoting facility-based physical activity with older adults. Development of training manual and group exercise sessions for older adults.
Collaborator Contribution The BHF-NCPAH is our collaborator in PROJECT ACE They helped us to design and deliver the training for exercise specialists / peer activators.
Impact This is a multisdciplinary collaboration involving academics (psychology, public health, sociology), practitioners, and policy makers. The main output was a comprehensive training manual for volunteers and coordinators delivering Project ACE.
Start Year 2009
 
Description Collaboration with Oxford University-Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain 
Organisation University of Oxford
Department Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Project REACT is a 54 month RCT which aims to recruit 758 older adults over the age of 65. In this partnership we will offer access to a substantial subset of our sample (200 participants) and the opportunity for the Oxford team to collect baseline and post-intervention data. This dataset will provide an invaluable source of information on the relationship between exercise and brain function based on state of the art measurement protocols.
Collaborator Contribution The Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the brain will provide funds to perform MRI scans in a subset of REACT participants in order to assess the effects of your intervention on the brain. The cost of the MRI brain scan is £550 and they could provide funds to cover baseline and outcome scans in up to 200 participants (total up to £220,000). They will also provide personnel and computing resources necessary to analyse, store and backup these data. This is therefore a great opportunity to add considerable value both to Project REACT and their own research programme, as they can benefit from the intervention that Project REACT will be delivering, and the REACT trial would gain important secondary outcome measures that will add significantly to the understanding of biological mechanisms underling any detected changes in behaviour or function.
Impact No outputs/outcomes yet.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Collaboration with US academics 
Organisation National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Department National Institute on Aging
Country United States 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Professors King (Stanford University, USA) and Professor Guralnik (National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health (USA) were invited speakers in the AVONet day event. Their visit resulted in their involvement in PROJECT REACT, a grant research proposal submitted to LLHW-PHASE 3 (rejected) and re-submitted to NIHR-Public Health Research Programme (Funded in November 2014).
Collaborator Contribution Our partners have supported us by providing all materials and knowledge related to LIFE Project which our team has selected for adaptation and delivery in UK settings. Both partners are listed as collaborators in our grant application.
Impact This is a multisdciplinary collaboration involving academics (psychology, public health, sociology, epidemiology), practitioners, and policy makers. Outputs include one grant application (NIHR) and use of the Stanford tool, a neighbourhood evaluation tablet application, which has been used in Project ACE.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Collaboration with US academics 
Organisation Stanford University
Department School of Medicine
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Professors King (Stanford University, USA) and Professor Guralnik (National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health (USA) were invited speakers in the AVONet day event. Their visit resulted in their involvement in PROJECT REACT, a grant research proposal submitted to LLHW-PHASE 3 (rejected) and re-submitted to NIHR-Public Health Research Programme (Funded in November 2014).
Collaborator Contribution Our partners have supported us by providing all materials and knowledge related to LIFE Project which our team has selected for adaptation and delivery in UK settings. Both partners are listed as collaborators in our grant application.
Impact This is a multisdciplinary collaboration involving academics (psychology, public health, sociology, epidemiology), practitioners, and policy makers. Outputs include one grant application (NIHR) and use of the Stanford tool, a neighbourhood evaluation tablet application, which has been used in Project ACE.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Collaboration with US academics 
Organisation University of Maryland
Department School of Medicine Maryland
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Professors King (Stanford University, USA) and Professor Guralnik (National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health (USA) were invited speakers in the AVONet day event. Their visit resulted in their involvement in PROJECT REACT, a grant research proposal submitted to LLHW-PHASE 3 (rejected) and re-submitted to NIHR-Public Health Research Programme (Funded in November 2014).
Collaborator Contribution Our partners have supported us by providing all materials and knowledge related to LIFE Project which our team has selected for adaptation and delivery in UK settings. Both partners are listed as collaborators in our grant application.
Impact This is a multisdciplinary collaboration involving academics (psychology, public health, sociology, epidemiology), practitioners, and policy makers. Outputs include one grant application (NIHR) and use of the Stanford tool, a neighbourhood evaluation tablet application, which has been used in Project ACE.
Start Year 2010
 
Description ERASMUS Exchange Bilateral Agreement 
Organisation University of Thessaly
Department Physical Education and Sports Sciences Thessaly
Country Greece 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution This collaboration will allow the PI (AVONet and Project ACE) and a colleague from University of Thessaly to contribute to Postgraduate teaching and submit collaborative grant applications.
Collaborator Contribution This programme will allow the PI (AVONet and Project ACE) and a colleague from University of Thessaly to contribute to Postgraduate teaching and submit collaborative grant applications.
Impact An ERASMUS exchange bilateral agreement between the the PI (Project ACE) and the Universtiy of Thessaly in Greece has been signed. Travel expenses and subsistence for two seven days visits each academic year are paid by this programme. This is a multisdciplinary collaboration involving academics (psychology, public health, sociology, epidemiology), practitioners, and policy makers.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Fitness Industry Association [FIA] 
Organisation Fitness Industry Association (FIA), UK
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Intellectual input. Strategies for promoting facility-based physical activity with older adults.
Collaborator Contribution FIA was our collaborator in PROJECT PALS, a grant submitted to the LLHW - Phase 3. They would help us to identify appropriate fitness clubs for the proposed facility-based intervention. The application was not successful.
Impact This was a multisdciplinary collaboration involving academics (psychology, public health, sociology), practitioners, and policy makers.
Start Year 2010
 
Description OPAL PLUS 
Organisation University of Bristol
Department School of Social and Community Medicine
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Stathi is a co-applicant in project OPAL PLUS projects and is leading the qualitative data collection and analysis and the quantitative data collection related to measures of resilience and well-being.
Collaborator Contribution University of Bristol led the OPAL PLUS project which was a 3 year follow up of OPAL participants. This project provides us with a unique dataset worldwide and allows us much greater insight in causal factors underpinning activity and function thus refining our targeting for interventions.
Impact 1. Two manuscripts are currently in review. 2. Stathi led the follow-up qualitative study which was recently completed. The findings will be disseminated during 2014.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Volunteering organisation 
Organisation The Care Forum Bristol
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution The volunteering model that is pilot-tested in Project ACE will be implemented by the Care Forum organisation which is a volunteering organisation. Existing coordinators in the organisation will contribute to ACE project. They will be trained to deliver the ACE intervention. That training will be assessed, further developed, and refined to be employed in future activities of the Care Forum.
Collaborator Contribution The Care Forum an independent voluntary and community sector infrastructure organisation which operates in South West England. Purpose of this collaboration is the adoption of the AVONet report strategies related to the use of volunteering action for promoting active ageing in the community by the voluntary organisations operating within the Care Forum. The organisations with a clear focus on promotion of health and well-being in later life will adopt the strategies identified in the AVONet report and will participate in the pilot testing of the ACE Project volunteering action programme. The Care Forum was one of the members of the Advisory Committee for Project ACE.
Impact The Care Forum is a member of the Advisory committee for Project ACE.
Start Year 2011
 
Description YMCA 
Organisation Young Men's Christian Association
Country Switzerland 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Intellectual input. Strategies for promoting facility-based physical activity with older adults.
Collaborator Contribution YMCA is a leader in designing and delivering training for exercise specialists.
Impact YMCA was our collaborator in the PROJECT PALS grant application to the LLHW - Phase 3 (rejected). That was a multisdciplinary collaboration involving academics (psychology, public health, sociology), practitioners, and policy makers.
Start Year 2010
 
Title PROJECT ACE: Active, Connected, and Engaged communities 
Description Project ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged Communities), was a 2 year pilot neighbourhood volunteering intervention, driven by the AVONet work which generated evidence-based intervention scenarios. Project ACE tested the feasibility of this intervention to promote physical activity in older adults in order to inform policy and practice for active ageing promotion in UK. 
Type Therapeutic Intervention - Psychological/Behavioural
Current Stage Of Development Initial development
Year Development Stage Completed 2014
Development Status Actively seeking support
Impact Project ACE has been adopted by LinkAge a Bristol-based, local organisation targeting lonely and isolated older people. 
 
Title Project REACT: REtirement in ACTion 
Description The primary aim of the REACT study is to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a community-based physical activity intervention for reducing the progression of mobility-related functional limitations in older people who are at high risk of transition from independence to mobility related disability. Funder: National Health Research Institute: Public Health Research Programme. Project Reference Number: 13/164/51 
Type Preventative Intervention - Physical/Biological risk modification
Current Stage Of Development Refinement. Non-clinical
Year Development Stage Completed 2016
Development Status Under active development/distribution
Clinical Trial? Yes
Impact n/a 
URL http://www.bath.ac.uk/health/research/projects/retirement-in-action
 
Description Assisted Living Action Network 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Health professionals
Results and Impact 40 participants attended the talk "Getting Active, Staying Active" which sparked questions about healthy lifestyle and ways to increase physical activity in later life.

No notable impacts. However, the purpose of the presentation was to help health professionals realise the importance of daily activity and participation in social groups and networks on maintaining health and well-being. At the end of the session, health professionals reported that the presentation motivated them to focus their efforts equally on the motivation, action, and maintainance stages of health behaviour change.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011
 
Description Conference presentation - British Heart Foundation 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Health professionals
Results and Impact British Heart Foundation National Centre: 9th Annual Conference. 'National policy to local practice: Working together to deliver physical activity programmes' The conference was attended by physical activity and health professionals. Presentation given on The Avon network: Sharing good practice and knowledge.

After my talk, representatives from several organisations asked my to send them further information about the initiatives presented in the AVONet report and featured in my talk. Representatives expressed their interest to implement one of the initiatives, Project ACE, in their communities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2009
 
Description Conference presentation - University of Gloucestershire 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Health professionals
Results and Impact University of Gloucestershire, Research Seminar Series: Older people. Presentation given on Older People and Active Living: Project OPAL and Avon Network Sharing Knowledge and good practice.

N/A
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2009
 
Description Conference presentation, Loughborough 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Health professionals
Results and Impact "The Avon Project - Working towards a better life
for older adults "was presented in the Annual Conference of the Institute for Sport and Recreation Management. Loughborough University, (November). Sport and Recreation Management experts participated in an interesting discussion about the organisation and the outcomens of the Avonetwork.




N/A
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2010
 
Description GULP lecture series 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk was very well attended and sparked questions and discussions at the end of the presentation.

After my talk, several people of the audience wanted more information about initiatives in their local communities and they expressed their inspiration in listening that just leaving home once a day can contribute to good levels of physical activity.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
URL http://www.bristolhealthpartners.org.uk/latest-news/ageing-well-lecture-26-february/
 
Description KT-EQUAL day event 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Health professionals
Results and Impact 40 health professionals, policy makers and academics attended a day event dedicated to research and practice focussing on physical activity promotion for older adults.

One health professional has asked the AVON network to contribute to the development of a network targeting people with menthal health problems.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2010
 
Description Knowledge Transfer 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Health professionals
Results and Impact The Anglesey Knowledge Transfer Partnership organised an AgeWell Learning Exchange day event in Beaumaris, Wales on 8th July which was attended by health professionals and policy makers.

There was a lot of interest for the model of development of the Avon Network.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2010
 
Description National Coalition for Active Ageing [NCAA] 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Health professionals
Results and Impact 27/05/10: 'The Avon Network: Sharing good practice and knowledge': 25 practioners attended the event which generated a lot of discussion and initiated further collaborations with some organisations.

A meeting with the "Extra Time" Programme Manager was organised in order to identify ways for expanding the programme to other areas of UK and Ireland.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2010
 
Description Oral presentation (U3A) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact 50 people attended this activity.

Attendees reported that they found the talk inspirational and they would try to walk more.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011
 
Description University of Third Age [U3A] 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact 55 members of the University of Third Age attended my presentation on "Getting Active, Staying Active" which sparked questions about healthy lifestyle and ways to increase physical activity in later life.

No notable impacts. However, the purpose of the presentation was to help UE3A members to realise the importance of daily activity and participation in social groups and networks on maintaining health and well-being. At the end of the session, group leaders of U3A reported that the presentation motivated them to increase their membership in U3A activities and more importantly to maintain participation and find ways to reduce the drop-our rates.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011
 
Description Vida Wellness 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact 50 people attended the launch of the International Council of Active Aging in UK in an event tartgeting policy makers and practitioners.

Two practitioners and one policy makers have contacted the AVONetwork to explore opportunities for future collaborations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2010