20% of Scotland’s population are physically inactive;
Physical inactivity is the second biggest cause of mortality, leading to 2,500 deaths in Scotland every year;
Increasing outdoor physical activity can lead to improvements in many health conditions, from heart disease to mental health issues;
The Cairngorms National Park has the access infrastructure, destination appeal and partnerships required to promote increased physical activity; and
Active Cairngorms aims to make it easier and safer for people to move around the Park whatever their age, ability or background: to be more physically active, to learn about, care for and appreciate the Park.
TARGETS / PREFERRED DIRECTION
Make the most of the National Park’s infrastructure and brand identity as part of Scotland’s Natural Health Service;
Residents and visitors will enjoy and use the Park for physical activity at least once a day;
Target people currently living sedentary lifestyles where inactivity is the norm; these include older adults, young girls and those living with long term medical conditions;
Support and promote the Active Cairngorms Partnership to jointly deliver on social, environmental and health care outcomes;
Continued/enhanced delivery of health walks through the Cairngorms Walking to Health Project;
Co-ordination of environmental volunteering opportunities; and
Deliver active travel enhancements in Aviemore that deliver improved transport connections for visitors and residents.
Peter Cairns/2020VISION/CNPA
MECHANISMS FOR DELIVERY
Active Cairngorms Partnership
GP outdoor physical activity referral programme
Health walks partnerships
Volunteering
Wee Epics
Locations of health walks throughout the Cairngorms National Park
ISSUE 5 | KEY QUESTIONS
How can levels of physical activity among residents and visitors be increased?
How can environmental volunteering opportunities be better co-ordinated and promoted to engage people?