West Northamptonshire Council champions ‘healthy ageing’ in 2024 Public Health Report
25 June 2025
West Northamptonshire Council has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and enabling all residents to live longer and healthier lives as it publishes the 2024 Director of Public Health Annual Report, presented to the Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday, 24 June.
This year’s report highlights the importance of healthy ageing and the collaborative work that is taking place across the area to ensure that older adults have the opportunities and support available to enable them to age well.
Together, they seek to promote a vision of ageing well with good health, mobility and dignity, which will allow many of our residents to continue to live independently in their own homes for much longer.
The number of residents aged 65 and over is projected to rise by nearly 24% over the next decade and this report outlines a system-wide approach to helping older people age well, with a clear objective of expected reductions in health inequalities.
“This report brings to light the incredible work being done across West Northamptonshire to support our residents going forward to be able to live healthier, happier and longer lives.Cllr Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services at WNC
“From community-led initiatives to strategic partnerships, we are creating further opportunities to enable all older adults to stay active, connected and independent, which inevitably improves their mental health too.
“Our ambition to become a World Health Organisation Age-Friendly Community reflects our commitment to making West Northants a place where everyone can age with dignity, independence and purpose.”
Key highlights from the report include:
- A focus on prevention and early intervention, with a Council-wide strategy to support all residents before any health issues develop, progress or escalate.
- Community-led initiatives, such as the “Get Up and Go” strength and balance classes, falls prevention and local wellbeing groups, which are helping hundreds of older adults stay active and connected, with a sense of purpose
- Partnerships with voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations, including innovative work in Brackley and Northampton to prevent or reduce social isolation and improve mental health and quality of life.
- A commitment to joining the World Health Organisation’s Age-Friendly Communities network in 2025, reinforcing the Council’s ambition to create inclusive and supportive environments for all older residents.
The report also highlights the Council’s collaboration with the national “Live Longer Better” programme, led by Professor Sir Muir Gray, which is helping to reshape perceptions of ageing and empower older adults to remain physically, mentally, and socially active.