The trial of a groundbreaking volunteer buddy scheme aimed at improving mobility in older adults has been launched in in Manchester, Cardiff and Stoke.

The study led by The University of Birmingham in collaboration with The Universities of Manchester, Cardiff, Exeter, Cardiff Metropolitan, the Royal Voluntary Service and Sport Cardiff, follows a successful small-scale trial carried out previously in Bristol.

The Manchester study team are looking for around 200 over-65s in the Manchester area who are starting to find everyday activities such as getting up from a chair, climbing the stairs and walking to the shops harder than it used to be.

The aim is to test if the volunteers – who are themselves over 55- can support people getting out and about, be more active, increase and maintain their mobility.

Chief Investigator, Professor Afroditi Stathi, from The University of Birmingham said: “As people get older, everyday activities, like walking and climbing the stairs, can become more difficult. The Covid-19 pandemic has made this issue even worse as many people haven’t been able to get out and about as much as normal and so have become less mobile and active. This deconditioning can affect people’s ability to live independently and makes life a lot less enjoyable. Contrary to the common belief that physical decline is inevitable in later life, we have strong evidence from our studies that it is possible to delay this physical decline, or even reverse it, by keeping active. But we know becoming more active is a lot easier said than done for many people.”

Called ACE (Active, Connected and Engaged), the new volunteer buddy scheme will pair people 65 and above with a volunteer for six months. The pair will choose local activities to try out together over the first three months such as exercise classes, dancing, a choir or just a local walk.

Over three months, the volunteer will support the participant to continue the activities independently, through phone calls and further face to face support.

Dr Helen Hawley-Hague from The University of Manchester said: “An older person who remains mobile and active is more likely to stay healthy – both mentally and physically – and to enjoy their independence and a higher quality of life for longer.

• Anyone interested in taking part in or volunteering for ACE should contact Amy Davies on Tel:07442943716 or email amy.davies@manchester.ac.uk or visit our website www.activeageingresearch.org/about-ace for more information.
• ACE is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) – Public Health Research Programme