“We Just Don’t Know Where They Are”: The Geographical Distribution of Exercise Classes for Older People, Including Those Living with Dementia in the East Midlands

Long, Annabelle; Timmons, Stephen; Di Lorito, Claudio; Booth, Vicky; Logan, Pip

Abstract

Older people living with dementia are advised to exercise to remain independent. Although several exercise classes for older people take place across the UK, there is limited information about the geographical distribution of these classes. This study identified the location and explored the population characteristics of the classes in a UK region, to aid improved access to exercise. Using a geographical information system, data were collected on population characteristics, including size and age, socio-economic status, and rurality of the exercise classes in one area of the UK (East Midlands, population 5 million). The relationship between data sets was explored and a visual representation of these patterns was provided. A systematic internet search identified 520 exercise classes, evenly spread across the region and areas of socio-economic deprivation: 471 (90%) were in urban areas; 428 (80%) were in areas where less than 20% of the population was over 65 years of age; and 13 (2%) stated that they were suitable for people with dementia. People living with dementia are less likely than older people without dementia to have access to exercise classes.

Citation

Long, A., Timmons, S., Di Lorito, C., Booth, V., & Logan, P. (2023). “We Just Don’t Know Where They Are”: The Geographical Distribution of Exercise Classes for Older People, Including Those Living with Dementia in the East Midlands. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), Article 2142. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032142

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 20, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jan 24, 2023
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jan 25, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 26, 2023
• Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Print ISSN: 1661-7827
• Electronic ISSN: 1660-4601
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 3
• Article Number: 2142
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032142
• Keywords: Exercise classes; dementia; older people; GIS; distribution
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/16499827
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/3/2142