Agenda item

To receive a report from the Director of Public Health which presents the 2023 Director of Public Health Annual Report – Ageing Well: Our Lives in Leeds.

The Director of Public Health submitted a report which presented the 2023 Director of Public Health Annual Report called ‘Ageing Well: Our Lives in Leeds’.

The following were in attendance:

·  Councillor Fiona Venner, Executive Member for Equality, Health and Wellbeing

·  Councillor Salma Arif, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Active Lifestyles and Culture

·  Councillor Adrian McCluskey, Support Executive Member

·  Caroline Baria, Director of Adults and Health

·  Victoria Eaton, Director of Public Health

·  Shona McFarlane, Deputy Director Social Work and Social Care Service

·  Nick Earl, Director of Strategy, Planning and Programmes (Interim), Leeds Integrated Care Board

·  Andrea North, General Manager; Specialist Business Unit, Leeds Community Healthcare Trust.

·  Tim Fielding, Deputy Director of Public Health

·  Helen Laird, Head of Public Health

The Executive Member for Equality, Health and Wellbeing gave a brief introduction and then handed over to the Director of Public Health to highlight key aspects of the report, which was presented in the form of a PowerPoint presentation.  In summary, the following points were made:

Ø  The 2023 annual report focuses on ageing well in Leeds and explores how healthy people, places, and communities contribute to ageing well and the number of years people spend in good health in Leeds.

Ø  It brings together lived experiences of ageing well amongst Leeds’ citizens through listening to the voices and stories of local people as well as professionals who work in this field, alongside a review of the data and evidence relating to ageing well. 

Ø  A short film had been produced to accompany the report and highlights the individual experiences of people aged 50+ in Leeds. This was also shown during the Scrutiny Board’s meeting. The film and report are accessible on the Leeds Observatory site (https://observatory.leeds.gov.uk/dph-report/).

Ø  The report will form part of the Joint Strategic Assessment for Leeds.

Ø  Looking to 2033, there will be a growth in the 70+ age groups, particularly the 80+ age group. Population trends also show that the older population (50+) is growing in the most deprived areas and becoming more diverse.

Ø  When comparing wards in Leeds with high and low levels of deprivation there is a difference in life expectancy at birth (11.7 years for males and 12.1 years for females).

Ø  The national data taken from the CMO report on healthy ageing is reflective of the Leeds position, with people living in the most deprived areas spending a larger number of years in poor health in later life and starts in their early 50’s.  This is particularly relevant given that 1 in 4 of the Leeds total population is living and ageing in the most deprived areas.

Ø  When asked what was important to ageing well in Leeds, the top three factors from professionals mirrored those identified by people in later life (though not in the same order) and included healthy living, travel and access to public spaces and being socially connected.

Ø  While there are many initiatives and programmes already in place, there is still lots more that can be done to support ageing well in Leeds.  The report therefore includes a range of recommendations focussed on actions to increasing the number of years spent in good health and emphasises the importance of both primary and secondary prevention measures.

During the Board’s discussions, the following issues were also raised:

Ø  Positive mental well-being – As part of the research for the report, people in later life were asked how happy they feel and asked to score their happiness from 0 (not at all happy) to 10 (completely happy).  Members were pleased to note that the most common answer was 8 out of 10.

Ø  Links to other strategic documents – Members acknowledged that the report will form part of the Joint Strategic Assessment for Leeds as well as being used to inform the Age Friendly Action Plan.

Ø  Aging well at home – It was noted that nearly two out of three people in Leeds aged 65+ want to continue to live in their current home, with support when needed.  It was suggested that the remainder may well wish to live in a different home but not necessarily a care home given that only a small percentage of the 65+ age group (around 3%) live in a care home.  Members felt it would be helpful to receive further clarification on this.

Ø  Access to public and civic spaces – Members noted that 56% of the people survey had talked about access to green spaces, theatres and libraries as positive features of Leeds that enabled them to age well.

Ø  Addressing unhealthy trends within younger groups – it was acknowledged that unless there are significant changes to existing trends within younger age groups relating to issues such as obesity and mental ill health, then this will result in having more 50+ adults move into the ill health category.

Ø  Menopause – Members welcomed the recognition given to the impact of menopausal symptoms and the importance of promoting and providing support measures.

In conclusion, the Chair welcomed the report and thanked everyone for their contributions.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report, along with Members comments and information requests, be noted.