The Society was recently invited to a round table discussion on the merits of forming a coalition aimed at getting the older person to take more physical exercise.

Co-hosted by Help the Aged and the British Heart Foundation, there were representatives from over fifteen organisations representing government, health agencies, charities and the like.

There was, needless to say, unanimous consent that increased physical activity was good for older people; as I wrote in a follow up letter, “any natural activity that delays the onset of both physical and mental decline is welcome”.

Not surprisingly, there was less agreement about how best to deliver such a message, obtain official sanction from government and get something “up and running” which would actually last. However, views and counter-arguments were all delivered in a friendly and professional manner.

Whilst the media have quite rightly given the topic of obesity amongst our younger population a good degree of exposure recently, and this is partly caused through a lack of proper physical activity, little attention is given to the older person. The coalition would aim to address this imbalance, particularly as there are now more people over 65 than under 16.

Indeed, it became clear that such a coalition would need to address many complex and interrelated issues if it was to succeed in the long term. It was agreed that a smaller working party would evaluate feedback and produce a proposal document (by late summer), which would form the basis for a formal launch.

I would certainly expect that the expertise of Society members will be called upon if this movement gets off the ground, ensuring that geriatricians have their voices heard amongst what could become a most influential body.

I shall keep you apprised of progress.

A Mair
Chief Executive