“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

Annabelle Long (), Stephen Timmons, Claudio Di Lorito, Vicky Booth and Pip Logan
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Annabelle Long: Centre for Rehabilitation and Ageing Research, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
Stephen Timmons: Nottingham University Business School, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG8 1BB, UK
Claudio Di Lorito: Nottingham University Business School, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG8 1BB, UK
Vicky Booth: Centre for Rehabilitation and Ageing Research, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
Pip Logan: Centre for Rehabilitation and Ageing Research, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-13

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.

Keywords: exercise classes; dementia; older people; GIS; distribution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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