The Active Ageing Aberdeen Action Plan sets out a city-wide approach to help people in Aberdeen live healthier, more connected and more independent lives as they age. Active ageing is defined as the process of optimising opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people grow older. In Aberdeen, this approach focuses particularly on supporting people aged 45–75 to remain active, socially connected and independent for as long as possible, recognising the importance of prevention and early support in improving health and wellbeing later in life.
The purpose of the action plan is to shift the balance of health and social care towards prevention and early intervention, helping people stay healthier for longer while reducing demand for more intensive services. It sets out a coordinated programme of actions that support people to maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and reduce health inequalities across the city. By doing so, the plan aims not only to improve individual wellbeing, but also to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the health and social care system by reducing avoidable pressures on services and supporting people earlier, before problems escalate.
Central to the plan is a strong partnership approach. The action plan has been developed and will be delivered collaboratively by the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership alongside Community Planning partners, third sector organisations, and community groups. This whole-system approach recognises that creating the conditions for healthy ageing requires coordinated action across services, communities and places. Together, partners will work to influence services, environments, and behaviours, embedding active ageing across policies and programmes, with the shared aim of enabling more people in Aberdeen to live well, age well, and remain independent for longer.
Read the Active Ageing Plan. If you’re interested in any of the items within the action plan or want to help us deliver our plan, please contact SWSC@aberdeencity.gov.uk
