Future-proofing the health and wellbeing of Buckinghamshire residents

Supporting residents to live healthy and happy lives whatever their age or circumstance, both now and in the future, is the focus of the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report (DPHAR) ‘Tomorrow’s World – Health & Wellbeing in Buckinghamshire in 2045’ which was approved by Cabinet today (Tuesday 11 November).

The theme of this year’s report reflects Buckinghamshire’s changing population and the increases we are seeing in many health conditions in the county. It highlights the need for action that is targeted, preventative and partnership focused, to address the challenges and issues this will bring.

Data shows that over the next 20 years Buckinghamshire’s population will grow by 10.8%, more than the national figure of 9.2%. Local housing growth, as outlined in our draft Local Plan, will increase this figure further. The proportion of older people (age 65+) will increase the most (by 33%), meaning an additional 36,000 older people by 2044. In the same time period, the number of those aged 90+ will double, to 12,300. In comparison, the number of young people, (17 and under) will drop by 5.6%, meaning 7,000 fewer children in the local population.

Like many parts of the UK, the number of years that on average people will live in good health is projected to worsen and poor health continues to more negatively impact the lives of residents in some particular parts of our county.

These changes will bring a variety of challenges including increased demands on health and social care services and an increase in residents not in paid work due to ill health. To address these challenges and proactively shape a healthier future for all residents, the report makes a wide range of recommendations and acknowledges that responsibility for delivering them falls across a range of partners. Recognising that promoting good health and preventing illness is something that needs to be addressed at all stages of life, the report focuses on three key components – Start Well, Live Well and Age Well. Each stage comes with its own unique opportunities and challenges which are highlighted in the report with actions and aims set out according to life stage.

Isobel Darby is Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing. She said: “Our residents are at the heart of everything we do. Our aim is to safeguard their health and wellbeing now and tomorrow. This report is a powerful reminder that the decisions and actions we make today shape our future and I thank our Director of Public Health, David Munday and his team for pulling out these key themes and priorities to foster healthy lives in Buckinghamshire now and for the future.

“By focusing on prevention, targeting inequalities, and working together with partners, we can build a future where all our residents are able to live healthily and happily at all stages of their lives.”

David Munday is Buckinghamshire Council’s Director of Public Health and author of the report. He said: “Previous annual reports have quite rightly focused on particular themes, such as heart health or mental health and these remain important priorities for us. However, this report takes a broader view by looking at overall health and wellbeing in the county and how it is changing over time. Whilst it shows the challenges that lie ahead, many of these are preventable if we take the right action now. There are recommendations relevant to residents at all stages of life, and ultimately the aim is to ensure we are improving the health of all our residents so we can all enjoy healthy and flourishing lives.”