New campaign urges over-55s to achieve their personal best

The CSP is backing a new campaign encouraging people over 55 with long-term health conditions to take up a more active lifestyle.

The Your Personal Best (YPB) campaign is inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and is being supported by 10 patient and healthcare professional groups across the UK.

‘The positive effects of regular physical activity on mental and physical wellbeing are extensive,’ said Clare Claridge, professional adviser at the CSP.

‘Even relatively small increases in physical activity are associated with some protection against chronic diseases and an improved quality of life.’

The YPB campaign will provide healthcare professionals with practical materials to help them initiate effective, motivating conversations with patients about their activity levels.

The scheme also aims to encourage friends, families and carers to support people with long-term conditions in being more active.

The initiative is being developed and funded by GlaxoSmithKline, the official laboratory services provider for London 2012, in association with NHS London.

For further information, email yourpersonalbest@webershandwick.com or visit www.yourpersonalbestcampaign.co.uk from 24 January 2012.