Overview
In Elmbridge, 1 in 3 adults and more than 2 in 5 children and young people (aged 5 to 15 years) do not currently meet the recommended amount of physical activity, as set by the UK Chief Medical Officers (Department of Health and Social Care, 2019).
Historically, physical activity levels differ between people based on their gender, economic prosperity, ethnicity and age. In Elmbridge, there are higher levels of inactivity in the following groups:
- women
- older adults
- people from ethnically diverse communities
- underprivileged groups
- people with disabilities and chronic diseases
Elmbridge is a relatively healthy borough, however, some health conditions have a higher prevalence such as breast cancer, colon cancer, dementia and emergency admissions for hip fracture.
2020 was unprecedented with the negative impact of COVID-19 on both physical and mental wellbeing. There is evidence that the pandemic has widened health inequalities, particularly for residents who are disabled and financially disadvantaged (Sport England, 2020).