Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership

A moderate level of physical activity reduces the risk of developing diseases such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. It can help maintain a healthy weight, improve mood and sleep quality. It includes activities such as playing, walking, active transportation, house chores and recreational activities.

Physical activity is measured using the Chief Medical Officers adult physical activity guidelines(per week):

• Moderate/vigorous physical activity: at least 150 minutes of moderately intensive physical activity or 75 minutes vigorous activity or an equivalent combination of both.
• Some activity:  60-149 minutes of moderate activity or 30-74 minutes of vigorous activity or an equivalent combination of these.
• Low activity:   30-59 minutes of moderate activity or 15-29 minutes of vigorous activity or an equivalent combination of these.
• Very low activity: Less than 30 minutes of moderate activity or less than 15 minutes of vigorous activity or an equivalent combination of these.

96% of adults in Midlothian report being active for at least 30 minutes on most days. This and the figures below from a national survey (involving a modest number of Midlothian residents) are self-reported.

Proportion of adults meeting physical activity recommendations
Data Source: Scottish Health Survey 2020

The proportion of adults in in the Lothians reporting very low activity has reduced from 17% in 2017. Walking (88%) and housework, gardening or window cleaning (70%) were the most cited physical activities by respondents. Gym activities (19%), work related activity (16%) and cycling (16%) were the next most popular.

Unfair and avoidable differences do still exist (Public Health Scotland, 2023):

• Adults in the most deprived areas are less likely to meet the physical activity guidelines compared to those in the least deprived.
• Men are more likely than women to meet the physical activity guidelines.
• Those aged 16-49 are more likely to meet the guidelines compared to those aged 75 and over.

Falls and Frailty

Falls among older people are a major concern. Harm from falls and fear of falling affect large numbers of people (both directly and indirectly), have a significant impact on wellbeing (both physically and psychologically), and prevent many people from experiencing healthy ageing and being unable to continue doing the things that are important to them, losing independence and/or becoming isolated (Scottish Government, 2019).

The risks associated with not taking action to reduce falls is significant (Scottish Government, 2014). Risk assessments and multi-factorial intervention programmes can achieve a substantial reduction in the incidence of falls among older people. Many falls and fractures can be prevented by services and organisations working together and in partnership with the person and their carers.