DEVON, UK, April 10, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- u3a members have long known the mental and physical benefits that positive social and learning experiences can achieve. But just how beneficial is this when it comes to diseases such as dementia?

Members of u3a were over the moon to enjoy an insight into Sir Muir Gray's knowledge when he gave a talk this week. His presentation on reducing the risk of dementia was part of a series that aims to inform, inspire and influence members to live better future lives. As one of the world’s foremost experts on ageing, Sir Gray feels that the u3a can be seen as a health and dementia risk reduction service, on account of members being involved in social and physical activities.

A proud u3a member himself, Sir Gray is an Adviser to both NHS England and Public Health England. He was the NHS’s Chief Knowledge Officer and was awarded both a CBE and later a knighthood for services to the NHS. He has published a book for people aged seventy called 'Sod 70!'. In 2022 he published 'How To Increase Your Brainability and Reduce Your Risk of Dementia', with Charles Alessi and Larry Chambers.

Based on his research and experience he has developed a new paradigm to help people live longer and better, to compress morbidity at the end of life and to diminish the incidence of dementia and frailty, therefore reducing the need for social care.

Sir Muir Gray says, “Alzheimer’s disease is a dreadful condition which cannot yet be prevented but the good news is that it is only one of the causes of dementia. It is the major cause but your risk of dementia can be reduced by about 30%. There are three main strategies, firstly reduce your risk of what is called vascular dementia caused by the same risk factors as heart disease, secondly protect your brain tissue from the effects of stress, inactivity and too many chemicals. Thirdly, and this is perhaps the most relevant for the u3a, staying engaged and involved, being challenged intellectually and engaging with others"

Social or activity prescribing is a means of enabling health professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services. With one-fifth of GP time spent on non-health issues such as housing, debt, and social issues, social prescribing potentially reduces costs and demands on healthcare. Even more importantly, people who are having drugs prescribed are not getting knowledge about the benefits of activity, physical, cognitive and emotional.

Often this should be prescribed instead of a drug but the GP has no other options. Furthermore, for people who present with health issues, such as low mood or depression (which could relate to being lonely or isolated), referring them to a local organisation such as a u3a may be much more effective than prescribing medication. Much of what u3as offers in the community is relevant to those who may be experiencing social isolation or need to build community networks following retirement, relocation or bereavement.

If you are interested in joining the u3a movement, find your local u3a on the u3a website www.u3a.org.uk

Find out more about the u3a Future Lives group, and watch a recording of a previous talk by Sir Muir Gray, on the u3a Future Lives page, https://www.u3a.org.uk/our-impact/future-lives


Notes to Editors

u3a is a national learning organisation which brings people together to develop their interests, make new friends and have fun. There are more than 1,000 u3as spread right across the UK, with interest groups run and chosen by the members for the members. Whatever subject you can think of, a u3a will be doing it somewhere - from Walking to Talking, Geology to Genealogy, Yachting to Yoga. For a modest annual fee, you can join your local u3a giving you access to interest groups and national initiatives.

u3a was previously known as the 'University of the Third Age', but this has now changed, please ensure that it is mentioned as u3a in any publications or broadcasts.

If you are interested in joining the u3a, simply log on to their website at www.u3a.org.uk to see what groups are in your area or email info@u3a.org.uk
To read more go to the u3a website at: www.u3a.org.uk


For information & images please contact Fran at the u3a press office at fran.suermondt@u3a.org.uk or 07895184395

Fran Suermondt
u3a
+44 7895184395
fran.suermondt@u3a.org.uk

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